GapAid Key Objectives

GapAid is a newly formed charity addressing some of the issues related to the fast-growing gap year experience that is becoming a rite of passage for so many young people.

Our aim is to ensure the safety of gappers empowering them to be good citizens, aware of sensitive issues such as religious intolerance, poverty and global warming effects.

Our key objectives are to:-

1. Build an honest, educational website giving clear information about specific worldwide destinations, without political or commercial interference

2. Create a powerful, technical capability using text and voice push technology interfaced with internet capabilities including the use of e mail alerts, blogging and live feeds from young travellers and stakeholders

3. Provide a 24/7 freephone help line for GapAid registered gappers who need help or advice

4. Provide the capability to help coordinate assistance when things go wrong and thereby interface with agencies and companies involved.

5. Ensure that other gappers nearby are aware of fellow travellers in trouble or in an emergency so that they can potentially could help in basic ways such as use of their phones, making sure that food and a drink are available and not least a big hug and chat if needed

6. Work jointly with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to transmit clear advice prior to travel on what help is available from Government and not-for-profit organisations.

7. Create an effective relationship with Schools and Universities to promote responsible and effective planning of the trip, and provide guidance in choosing both destinations and appropriate companies to use.

8. Provide a link to professional organisations specialising in gap travel giving clear comparison and synopses of their capabilities and effectiveness.

9. Provide comprehensive surveys of insurance providers and investigate what medical and legal support is available, and where it can be found, in destination countries.

10. Foster close links between gappers and their schools and families when preparing for the travel and promote contacts while travelling.

GapAid is a UK registered charity operating as a Company limited by guarantee. We are now embarking on fundraising with the immediate need to raise substantial funds. This will enable GapAid to

i) Build the technical and office infrastructure
ii) Hire researchers
iii) Hire staff
iv) Set up Helplines
v) Build partnerships and influence

Subsequently funds will be sought to create the wider technical interfaces and partnerships.

Our initial target is to be focus on Gappers from UK and Ireland but the opportunity exists to help create a global network of associated organisations free of political and commercial influence. We will endeavour to be a significant part of the worldwide network of charities and organisations that work in the youth travel market and help promote responsible and ecologically friendly travel, with special emphasis on good citizenship and safety.

www.gapaid.org

Contact info@gapaid.org