Description

This volunteer project supports an award-winning local NGO building rural schools in isolated and beautiful remote Malagasy villages.

This is the scheme for people looking for a fitness-building outdoors experience that really makes a difference to the lives of those less fortunate. You will join a small group of like-minded volunteers, working alongside community members, camping in a stunning rural environment, engaging in hands-on construction of a 6 meter by 12 meter two-room, stone floored, tin roofed, wooden school house, equipped with tables and chairs, blackboard, shelving and water and sanitation infrastructure on site.

In rural areas of Madagascar the majority of the population has little or no access to basic levels of formal education. Volunteers on this project assist a local NGO in the hands on construction of school buildings in remote village areas. The communities in which volunteers work are some of the poorest in the country and therefore improving access to education is an invaluable step in the fight against poverty. All schools are built at the request of the community and with community involvement.

Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Fort Dauphin. Situated at the beautiful lake-side camp of Lanirano in Fort Dauphin, you will receive a detailed orientation about Madagascar, the Anosy region and local customs. This will be followed by a tour of Fort Dauphin and welcome drinks to allow volunteers and staff to get to know each other.

Day 2: A visit to Nahampona Reserve will allow you to get up close to several species of lemur including Verreaux's sifaka, ring tailed lemurs, and brown lemurs. This will be followed by a brief of the project you will be working on for the duration of your time in Madagascar.

Day 3: Travel to bush site. Set up camp.

Day 4-7: Working alongside like-minded volunteers and community members, you will help in all aspects of building a school  engaging in hands on construction of a 6 x 12 meter two-room, stone floored, tin roofed, wooden school house, equipped with tables and chairs, blackboard and shelving.

Day 8: Day off to relax and enjoy an excursion to a local market, forest or beach depending on project location

Day 9-12: School building: continuing with school building - from digging the foundations, constructing the walls and laying the floors, to painting and furnishing the classrooms.

Day 13: Return to Fort Dauphin

Day 14: A day at leisure to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Fort Dauphin before catching your flight home. Alternatively, arrangements for upgrades

Highlights

Hands-on building of schools
Tangible legacy left behind

Qualifications

Minimum age 18 years old, maximum age decided depending on participants 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 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 Practical hands-on ability / construction

Volunteer Types

• Building/construction Projects
• Volunteering

Typical Volunteer

Someone who wants to work with their hands and leave a tangible resource behind.

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

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