VOLUNTEERING, done right!

Transcription

1 VOLUNTEERING, done right! 2016 Project Guide

2 Why Volunteer? Empower local communities Restore and protect wildlife and the environment Immerse yourself in a country s cultures and heritage Gain new skills and enhance your employability About Us EDGE of AFRICA combines a visit to breath-taking Africa with a life-changing volunteer experience. EDGE of AFRICA started making a direct positive impact on the lives of underprivileged South Africans and the country s environment in 2007, since then EDGE of AFRICA branches have also been opened in Madagascar and Zimbabwe. Our award winning, private organisation has continued to grow from strength to strength and now boasts the involvement of volunteers from over 20 different nations globally.

3 Challenge Level Comfortable Recommended for those who enjoy having access to restaurants and shops, daily communication with home and general comforts. Moderate You will have restricted access to amenities at certain times, intermittent communication back home; Recommended if you are looking for a contrast to your daily routines. Adventurer This is only recommended for those who have experienced volunteering or travelling in a developing country and are up for the challenge of living outside their comfort zone.

4 Knysna, South Africa Voted South Africa s Favourite Holiday Town Beautiful scenery including mountains, beaches and lagoons Safe and buzzing town full of restaurants, shops and markets Many tourist activities including animal parks, game reserves, bungee jumping, shark cage diving and adrenaline sports More information here

5 Community Outreach & HIV Awareness Description: Help us to provide access to education, social and health support and eradicate poverty. Through projects aimed at empowering locals we provide unique opportunities for those who live in poverty to gain a sense of pride. Join us in creating a brighter future for the poorest communities. Volunteer Profile: Volunteers will need to be able to speak conversational English, have a love for working in the community and be comfortable working with people of varying ages. Knysna, South Africa Comfortable Empower and Educate local communities, making a real difference Immerse yourself in South Africa s cultures and heritage Gain new skills and enhance your employability

6 Dolphin & Whale Research & Coastal Conservation Description: You will have the exciting experience of researching and conserving dolphin and whale populations, as well as working in a unique marine conservation area. You will also have the chance to educate local children about marine life and the importance of conserving it, as well as providing them with the rare opportunity to experience first-hand the wonders of the ocean. Volunteer Profile: Conversational English is required specific qualifications are not. Must have an interest in marine life and conservation and be comfortable on a boat. Knysna, South Africa Comfortable Educate local kids about marine conservation Work along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world Experience dolphins and whales in close proximity!

7 Preschool Teaching & School Enrichment Description: You will be teaching our fun and educational workshops to local children between 4 and 6 years old, developing important language, creative and mathematical skills. You will also be helping to ensure that these schools are a safe and inspiring place to learn by assisting with renovating and maintaining school facilities and developing teaching resources. Volunteer Profile: Conversational English is required and although specific teaching qualifications would be beneficial, they are not necessary. Knysna, South Africa Comfortable Empower and Educate young learners, giving them a brighter future Provide a safe and inspiring learning environment for children from disadvantaged communities

8 Sports Coaching & Community Outreach Description: Help us provide an opportunity for local children to develop their love of sports which is also excellent tool for developing social skills such as working as part of a team, and making the right choices in life. Combine this with our Community Outreach projects and provide life-changing opportunities to a township community. Volunteer Profile: Conversational English is required and specific interest in sports such as football, rugby, cricket, golf etc. Knysna, South Africa Comfortable Inspire local children to live an active and healthy lifestyle Provide an opportunity for children to learn new skills Gain a varied experience combining sports with some of our award winning community upliftment programs

9 Elephant Conservation & Environmental Restoration Description: You will assist with a variety of conservation projects, including assisting at an Elephant Sanctuary; working on environmental restoration projects; assisting with a recycling exchange incentive scheme for children; experiencing one of South Africa s most famous National Parks (4 week placements only); and educating the community about conservation and nature. Volunteer Profile: Conversational English is required specific qualifications are not. Must have an interest in all aspects of conservation in Africa. Knysna, South Africa Comfortable Make a tangible difference to sustainable conservation projects Educate local people about nature and conservation Experience elephants in close proximity

10 Fort Dauphin, Madagascar Beautiful beaches and picturesque villages Live like a local and experience an entirely different way of life Experience a new and very interesting culture Activities include visiting a lemur reserve, hiking up beautiful mountains, visiting a thriving food market and canoeing in a traditional dhow More information here

11 English Teaching & School Support Description: Assist in a rural school that has very little resources. Help the teachers deliver their daily lessons and conduct our English and numeracy workshops with the children giving them valuable skills and opportunities. Volunteer Profile: Volunteers will need to be able to speak conversational English, and enjoy working with children. An understanding of French would be beneficial but not necessary. Fort Dauphin, Madagascar Moderate-Adventurer Empower and Educate local children, giving them a brighter future Provide new skills to underprivileged teachers Immerse yourself in Madagascar s colourful culture

12 Lemur Research & Biodiversity Monitoring Description: Deforestation is an ongoing problem in Madagascar and this threatens the natural habitat of endangered forest species. You can make a lasting contribution to the ever decreasing habitat in Madagascar by monitoring species such as lemurs. The data that is collected will help towards providing information to make informed management decisions about the use of the last forests of Madagascar. Volunteer Profile: If you have experience, or interest in field work, then this placement is for you! Volunteers need to be confident with speaking English and knowledge of French is beneficial. Madagascar Adventurer Research and conserve some of the world s most endangered species Protect rapidly diminishing forest areas Gain valuable research skills Work in some of the most biologically diverse areas in the world

13 Rural Medical Outreach Description: You will be immersed in a rural village just outside of Fort Dauphin, where there is a huge need for medical assistance. The local clinic is lacking in manpower, skills and equipment and your involvement will provide the local villagers with health care that they would not normally have access to. Volunteer Profile: Although specific qualifications are not required, medical students will definitely benefit from this project and gain a large amount of experience. Medical professionals are very welcome too and would find the work extremely fulfilling. An understanding of French would be beneficial but not necessary. Fort Dauphin, Madagascar Adventurer Provide medical assistance, making a real difference to poor local communities Live and work in an authentic Malagasy village Gain insight into the Malagasy medical challenges and practices

14 To Book With Us or For More Information: Office: +27 (0) Skype: edge.of.africa Website: We're also on all the main social media channels Please sign up and follow us! Facebook: Twitter: YouTube: