For three years LDC has been a supporter of The Great Generation providing £75k of funding to support the development of this organisation, and to assist in their overseas projects.

The Great Generation is a young and forward thinking organisation which mobilises the agency of individuals, civil society and private companies to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The Great Generation gives volunteers a unique opportunity to take part in a sustainable development project, where they get to see their donation in action, helping to invest in local infrastructure and microfinance ventures.

Its aims are to promote integration, education, innovation and effectiveness, by complementing and adding capacity and skills to ongoing grass root development projects and increasing the agency of individuals.

Volunteers return home with a deeper understanding of how communities are affected by disaster and poverty and remain connected to the local communities through their own donations, which are used on the ground to improve infrastructure, set-up and expand businesses through microfinance schemes and supply simple solutions to everyday problems.

The Great Generation believes that the local people must be at the centre of change. Their engagement and commitment is essential for ensuring that small actions are translated into lasting improvements in people's quality of life. Therefore, we support and complement the efforts of local organisations which have already built strong relationships with local people. As far as possible, we ensure that all resources are channelled straight into local communities and supporting local businesses by buying food, tools and equipment in the areas where we work.

Projects are one or two weeks in length and either focus on building the capacity of local community based organisations and charities, or deliver much needed initiatives and improvements in a community for local people.

For more information visit: www.thegreatgeneration.org.