A Strategic Mindset for Humanitarian Impact: Diego’s Motivation to Volunteer Abroad

Hello, I’m Diego, 27 from Italy.

I am a Master’s graduate in Strategic Sciences at the University of Turin.

This course gave me the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of the conflictual aspects of international relations. Over the course of two years, during which I studied together with the newly appointed lieutenants of the Italian Army, I could not only delve into founding topics such as classic strategic thought and the military doctrines of the world superpowers, but I was also selected to attend seminars concerning many contemporary issues, such as Stabilisation and Reconstruction, CSDP and Civilian Military Cooperation.

I firmly believe in humanity, and I am persuaded that individuals can make the world a better place. Nonetheless, I also think that without a sufficient level of realism no good achievement is possible. In this perspective, I highly appreciate that the volunteering programme you offer includes a three months training period that allows volunteers to become more familiar with procedures and rules an NGO must follow, to develop a better knowledge of the project they will take part in and to become acquainted with the culture with which they will interact.

Providing a solid preparation to humanitarian operators is not something every organisation does. Therefore, I think this represents a unique opportunity to acquire an in-depth knowledge of the misunderstandings that could arise when two different cultures meet, and the resulting effort of mediation you need in order to conceive a satisfying project for (and together with) the local community.

In fact, one of my life goals is to become a security officer for the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, thus contributing to the draft of Security Risk Assessment and Security Risk Regulations documents that are essential to start any cooperation activity. Working in the Global Security Unit of the Red Cross is one of my dreams.

If you are ready to turn your strategic background and humanitarian commitment into real-world impact, the Volunteer for Change Programme offers the preparation, structure and field experience you are looking for. The three-month training period provides the essential grounding in NGO procedures, cultural understanding and project development that aligns perfectly with your long-term goal of working in international humanitarian security.
Explore the programme here