Description

Volunteer with a grassroots development organisation alongside village communities tackling poverty and environmental degradation in southeast Madagascar on the award-winning Pioneer programme.

As a volunteer on this programme you will work on a variety of sustainable development projects, while gaining first-hand experience of the resource needs of impoverished communities and how these impact on conservation efforts. The specific projects you will work on will vary depending on the time of year you wish to join the project and the present needs of the communities in Fort Dauphin, but rest assured it will be invaluable to the local people and there is something for everyone on this project!

Activities you may be involved in could include a number of the following on-going project areas which the NGO currently works on: school building, health and environmental education, the construction of wells and latrines in rural areas, tree planting and conservation work, and assisting in sustainable livelihood activities.

The local language
The working language our volunteers use is English however rural communities speak very little English at all and, even in urban areas, few can speak English well. Therefore, in order to facilitate volunteers' immersion in Malagasy culture, and to enable you to communicate with local people you will be offered daily language classes in Malagasy. How much effort you put in to learning the language is up to you the more you try, the more you will enjoy your time in Madagascar. As a minimum we expect volunteers to be able to learn the basic greetings so you can be polite. A simple "salama" (hello) or "misaotra" (thank you) will go a long way to help you earn respect in local communities.

This project is also offered as an internship for those wishing to gain experience and/or credit for a college or university course. The major difference between an intern and a volunteer relates to the amount of mentorship and self-evaluation.

Highlights

- Experience Madagascar by living and working in the beautiful and endangered forest region.
- Work with an award winning programme partner
- You will work on a variety of sustainable development projects.
- Gaining first-hand experience of the resource needs of impoverished communities.

Qualifications

Minimum age 18 years old, maximum age decided depending on participant's health.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Available on enquiry per week.

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

- A dedicated volunteer coordinator based in London to help you prepare for your trip
- Airport transfer from Fort Dauphin to the project site
- Orientation program about Madagascar and the work of the charity and all in-country project training
- Any daily transport that might be required as part of the project during your stay
- Use of campsite facilities and 3 meals a day and plenty of safe drinking water at project base
- A dedicated team of Malagasy staff to guide you in Madagascar as well as an international Pioneer coordinator who is themselves an ex-volunteer.
- A visit to Nahampoana Reserve for an up close experience with several species of Lemur.

Experience Required

yes

None, but need: Flexibility, adaptability Scientific research / data capturing and recording skills Environmental monitoring / data capturing and recording skills Tutoring / capacity building skills " Practical hands-on ability / construction

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Someone with a keen interest in conservation and community development.

Age Range

18 plus

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

5 working days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

VOLUNTOURS's Mission Statement

We are a multi-award winner in the Imvelo Awards for Responsible Tourism for Southern Africa in 2007 and 2008 (Johannesburg). As well as winners in the prestigious Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Award 2008 (London). We are a volunteer placement organisation and tour-broker operating within South Africa placing volunteers in South Africa. We intimately manage your volunteer experience from home. We will match your unique skills and interests with carefully selected volunteer projects, and also help organise the rest of your trip. A variety of long and short-term placements are available. Volunteers are housed either within the community or nearby. A project donation is included in the costing to ensure sustainability and transparency.

Year Founded

2005