Description

This opportunity to gain Public Relations and Marketing work experience is truly unique because you'll work with an Animal Rehabilitation Centre ... so your PR assistance will also benefit the animals! And, of course, the location is very unusual. And finally, conservationists are lovely people to work with!

On this placement you'll use lots of energy and your own initiative in terms of public relations, and also allows you to make a real contribution to saving the lives of hundreds of injured and abused wild animals, leaving you with a great sense of achievement and satisfaction. Situated in the beautiful subtropical city of Durban, it's an experience that you'll never, ever forget.

In a world of competition where an army of graduates are lining up for the top jobs, what would set you apart from the crowd and make employees look twice? Having had work experience in a foreign culture is an excellent entry on your CV or résumé and can make the difference to whether you get the job your want or not. Education establishments and employers are looking for that little bit extra today. Nothing shows as much motivation, initiative and passion as arranging your own cultural experience abroad and gaining real life work experience.

At this Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, every hand is a hand that has to help feed the mouths of tiny abandoned baby animals or injured wildlife, helping them on a road to recovery so that they may be released back into their natural environment. As the Centre relies solely on the goodwill of the public for donations, your job is one of the most important ones at the Centre!

As all the staff salaries are also funded out of these donations, the centre is not in a position to employ more than one PR officer, although they could easily use three!

WORK CONTENT:
You can assist with the daily PR duties and events scheduled during your time on the placement. The type of event you could help host includes fairs, golf days, or even get involved in events like an off-road bike race which is being planned by the locals at time of writing! If you feel confident enough to do talks, you can also visit schools and old-age homes - anything to raise awareness of the Centre.

You will work alongside a young and very vibrant PR officer at the centre, assisting her with her daily work and providing, exchanging ideas and assisting with a large variety of tasks that deal with the donor community, public and press.

A dictionary definition of Public Relations is:
* The art or science of establishing and promoting a favorable relationship with the public.
* The methods and activities employed to establish and promote a favorable relationship with the public.
* The degree of success obtained in achieving a favorable relationship with the public.
* This, in a nutshell, is what you will be involved in on your placement! The PR Officer is very keen to work alongside people who can bring new enthusiasm and new kinds of ideas to her extensive but satisfying role.

Her work is mostly centred on securing resources; (financial donations as well as equipment and services); that will help run the Centre sustainably. There is also a lot of work involved in the planning and hosting of lots of promotional events and fundraisers, managing the donor database, approaching corporations for assistance, liaising with the media and coming up with new ways to promote a favorable relationship with the public. The Centre also prepares a monthly newsletter and feeds press releases to the media, so strong writing skills and computer design skills will be a fantastic advantage!

The PR officer also drives a very strong public awareness and education campaign. There is an environmental education centre which hosts visiting school groups, children are taken on a tour of the facility and get the opportunity to interact and play games, watch a video and learn about caring for animals and the environment. This educational initiative has also led to a series of episodes filmed at the Centre screened recently on Animal Planet. Talks and presentations are also given at local schools and at corporate companies and there is an open day once a month for public visitors.

In essence, your placement will cover exposure to some or all of the following areas, depending on the Centre's needs at the time of your placement:

* Raising the profile of the Organisation and associating a "Brand" with it
* Donor relations
* Corporate PR relations
* General PR
* Fundraising campaigns
* Media Relations
* Design and copy writing for marketing collateral and educational materials
* Event Planning & Management

Hosting of special events such as golf days, theatre shows, fairs, etc
You are encouraged to develop campaign ideas and interact with the PR officer via email before leaving the UK for this project. That way you can prepare some ideas and come out ready to hit the ground running. All the staff at the Centre speak English and all events, campaigns and collateral are done in English so you will experience no language barrier - in fact - good writing and public speaking skills will make you a valuable asset! Any experience in "edutainment" - entertainment bringing home an educational message - will also be to your advantage.

A typical day starts at 8am until 5pm with a lunch break. You must be flexible and prepared to work odd hours and some weekends as with any job requiring PR! There will be occasions when an event or function is held outside your usual working hours, and you will be expected to attend these as well.

If you have any ideas you think you'd like to implement while on your placement, you can also start liaising with the staff and trustees prior to your trip and plan your own unique event or campaign to assist in raising the project's profile and help secure additional funding.

ABOUT THE CENTRE:
The centre for rehabilitation of wildlife is situated KwaZulu-Natal. It is a wildlife hospital that cares for the injured and orphaned wild animals and birds and the only centre of its kind in the Province.

VISION: To be an independent, pioneering force in the protection and rehabilitation of orphaned and injured wildlife, while promoting the preservation of their natural habitat.

MISSION STATEMENT: The centre is committed to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of orphaned and injured wildlife, and believes in action and education with regard to the protection of all natural resources

The centre has a few depots in and around the Province and is considered to be one of the leading rehabilitation Centres in South Africa. The centre is committed to conservation and strives to return all rescued and rehabilitated wildlife to their natural habitat. Any wild animal, (not domestic or agricultural), that has been injured, rescued or abandoned, is admitted free of charge. Almost 90% of animals admitted to the centre, have sustained injuries due to human negligence. These animals are tended to by staff and volunteers whose love, care and dedication is unconditional, around the clock.

It takes time and dedication; and a lot of donor funding, to rehabilitate these animals and to prepare them to be re-introduced in their natural environment. Some animals' injuries are so severe that they cannot be rehabilitated and therefore become permanent residents at the centre.

As the Centre is a non-profit organization with no financial aid from the government or any large concern, they are solely reliant on our fundraising initiatives and the generosity and goodwill of the public. As the running costs are approximately GBP 11,000 or more a month, there is very little funding that can be applied to appointing full time staff. The active volunteer programme is the lifeblood of this organization, especially during the spring and summer months when lots of orphan baby animals are brought to the centre for care.

Highlights

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:
* An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa and the many diverse cultures in South Africa
* New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
* An entry on your CV or resume that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
* And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen! If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us, tell us what type of project you're looking for, and we'll liaise with you and start making your travel adventure happen. It's as easy as that!

Qualifications

Qualifications depend on which placement you choose. It depends on which placement you choose. Some don't require any qualifications or experience and some others would prefer some experience. Please speak to us so that we can help you choose the placement that is right for you and will give you the most beneficial experience. All placements do require you to have initiative, adaptability and patience (and a good sense of humor helps!)

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

From 1,315 for 2 weeks

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Marketing
• Media Work

Typical Volunteer

This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of children! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range

17 - 70+

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Dormitory
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

within 5 working days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement

Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded

1995