A message for parents and carers
The safety and well-being of every person who becomes part of a Team is a priority to Oasis UK. Oasis UK has been running gap year initiatives for over 20 years, and has learnt many lessons through the years. We continue to assess and evaluate our work and seek to ensure we deliver programmes that are of the highest quality.
When your son or daughter joins a Global Team you’ll no doubt be very proud of them, but we also understand that you may have concerns about their welfare, especially if they are leaving home for the first time. Oasis UK will take every measure possible to ensure the security of your child throughout their time on their placement. We will provide guidelines and training for them in personal safety.
The challenge your son or daughter faces
There is no point in pretending that a Global Team isn’t tough. It needs to be, as your son/daughter will be working in a new mission context that’s quite probably different from what they’ve experienced before. In addition, for those leaving home for the first time, they may experience some homesickness.
Such experiences might throw up different doubts or emotions which they may want talk through with you. Although it can sometimes be quite tough being at the other end of the call, such emotions are quite natural and we encourage all parents/guardians to talk such issues through. It will be important for them to have a sounding board and also your encouragement that their experience on a Team is more about perseverance than anything else!
At times it will be tempting to encourage them to come home, but this will make it difficult for them and potentially make the situation worse. Therefore we really appreciate your ongoing support and encouragement for your son/daughter as they seek to express their Christian faith in this practical way.