My name is Thomas Aubineau, I am a 26 years old French volunteer at Fundación SES in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I’ve been working on the Decolonise IVS project for almost a year now, particularly on writing policy papers and setting up an advocacy strategy.
1. What it was like creating the Policy Papers — the challenges, lessons learned, and highlights along the way.
We have written two policy papers and a position paper, respectively on the decolonisation of funding mechanisms for European Union (EU) youth programmes; the decolonisation of visa procedures; and the decolonisation of our narratives as international volunteering organisations. Each process has been highly enriching, generating new knowledge and analysis on these subjects. But this stage of the project has also been full of challenges. One of the major challenges was the scarcity of relevant literature, and much of what existed was highly Eurocentric. This made it difficult to incorporate a truly global perspective into the policy recommendations. I found myself having to seek out alternative sources, particularly those produced by researchers and activists from the Global South, whose voices are often marginalized in international discussions. Balancing these perspectives with the more established, Western frameworks was challenging but necessary to ensure that the policy papers reflected a broader, more inclusive vision. Another challenge was ensuring the participation of as many stakeholders as possible in the drafting process. It was crucial to make sure that every voice, especially those from Southern participants and volunteers, was heard and integrated into the final recommendations. This required setting up inclusive consultation mechanisms, which were sometimes time-consuming but essential for producing documents that were both representative and legitimate. Taking into account such a diverse range of perspectives required a flexible approach and respect for the different contexts and priorities involved. Finally, one of the trickiest parts of the process was crafting the papers in diplomatic language. Addressing sensitive issues like decolonization and power imbalances without alienating the international institutions involved required a delicate balance. It was important to present the issues clearly and honestly while remaining constructive and open to dialogue. This approach allowed us to convey sometimes critical messages without jeopardizing future collaboration with these institutions.
2. Your reflections on Decolonise IVS — the progress made, its impact, and why this work is so meaningful.
The Decolonise IVS project represents a crucial step forward in challenging international volunteering schemes that sometimes perpetuate colonial dynamics. A primary achievement of the project is the transformation within partner international volunteering organizations. By developing concrete tools like the position paper on decolonizing narratives and the Self Assessment Tool, the project has enabled these institutions to evaluate and change their practices. These tools help organizations better understand their own biases and correct them, leading to tangible transformations in how they operate, both on the ground and at the institutional level. The project has also facilitated the creation of networks of young people from around the world who are eager to revolutionize international volunteering. These young volunteers no longer simply accept traditional practices; they challenge the power structures that have long defined North-South relations in the cooperation sector. These networks represent a transformative force for volunteering, as well as for the future leaders of international cooperation. But beyond international volunteering, this project presents an opportunity to rethink and decolonise international relations more broadly. I often say that international volunteering is one of the first forms of international cooperation that an individual can engage in. What volunteers learn during these experiences will influence their future approach to cooperation, whether they choose to work in NGOs, international institutions, or governments. Transforming this practice to make it more inclusive and respectful of local realities is not just an act of social justice; it is also a way to reduce the unequal power dynamics between states and thus influence international development cooperation in a more equitable and just manner.
3. A bit about your time volunteering with Fundación SES and how that has shaped your approach to the work you do today.
My experience of volunteering with the Fundación SES in Argentina was formative in many ways. One of the most profound lessons I learned at Fundación SES was from working directly with marginalized young people. This hands-on experience gave me insight into the socio-economic barriers they face, including limited access to education, job insecurity, and systemic inequalities
that perpetuate exclusion. It underscored the central role that education and civic engagement play in driving sustainable, long-term change. What struck me most was the importance of empowering young people to actively participate in shaping their own futures, rather than having external actors impose solutions. This approach directly ties into the decolonization of international volunteering, where the focus shifts from traditional top-down models to one where local voices and leadership are central. By enabling young people to be at the forefront of change, we move away from the paternalistic frameworks that often characterize international volunteering and towards a more inclusive, equitable model. Carrying out this project in Argentina also made me confront and rethink my own eurocentric viewpoints. Immersing myself in the Latin American context, I became acutely aware of how historical and cultural legacies of colonialism still shape contemporary development practices. This realization pushed me to critically evaluate the dominant Western narratives that often permeate international volunteering and cooperation. This experience has been crucial in shaping my understanding of what it means to decolonise international volunteering. By adopting this more decolonised approach, I now see international volunteering not as a one-way street where volunteers bring solutions, but as a mutual exchange where volunteers learn as much as they contribute. This shift is essential to dismantling the unequal power relations that have traditionally defined North-South cooperation. Through my work today, I continue to advocate for international volunteering models that prioritise local leadership, elevate marginalized voices, and seek to create more just and equitable partnerships.
To know more about this project check: https://ccivs.org/decolonise/