Why do you do what you do?
Working with volunteers has become a way of life for me. I volunteer on my own time too with a local charity for at risk youth. I firmly believe in the quote by John Bunyan: “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”
Dropping off food donations at one of the soup kitchens established by local volunteers during Covid-19 lockdown in South Africa
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love working with the projects on the ground. It’s a pleasure to assist with animal care and/or work with local children.
What are some current projects you are working on?
During the Covid-19 pandemic, travel has been restricted, so my involvement on the ground has turned into assisting feeding schemes in getting food through to various soup kitchens on a weekly basis. Thanks to partnerships with other organizations and our local community, tons of food was delivered to soup kitchens.
Doing a fundraiser with a volunteer for a local charity on a Saturday
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Do not ever put off travel for later and try to see as much as you can of our fantastic planet. Immerse yourself in other cultures! Do not be scared to try something new because you may have only one chance.
Why should someone choose Volunteer International Adventures over competitors?
We try to be as inclusive as we can be by offering lots of extras to make the whole experience far more culturally complete with no hidden costs. We try and be as transparent as we can and do not make promises we cannot keep. We will go the extra mile to make sure all the participants on our projects are busy and have an unforgettable experience.
What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?
Post Covid-19 pandemic, we will resume working with partners in developing countries, mainly in Africa and Asia. We are eagerly waiting for travel restrictions to lift so our projects in Zanzibar, Malaysia, and the USA can continue.
Are there any developments with your organization that you would like to share with us?
We have some great new projects in the pipeline from horse rescue, animal and veterinary medicine care on an island off the coast of Africa, teaching at a small school for the deaf, and care and social work at a facility for special needs adults. I am very excited about all these developments and look forward to working with our future volunteers.
Sharon assisting with a puppy at the mobile veterinary clinic in the township of Knysna
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope every participant takes away lifelong memories, a new love of wildlife, people, and cultural differences, and a passion for the destination they volunteered in. I also hope that they return home as an “ambassador” and encourage others to visit and volunteer as well.
How do you help support participants?
We support our participants throughout the process, providing assistance prior to arrival, while in-country, and after departure. We also are available 24/7 in case of emergencies.
If you could participate on one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
This is such a tough decision as we have so many fantastic projects. I would probably take part in either our marine conservation project with sharks, whales, and penguins, or a wildlife project with an emphasis on either primate rescue, wildlife rehabilitation, or research and monitoring on wildlife reserves with endangered species.
Taking in Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre while on a trip to Borneo, Malaysia
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling abroad and experiencing new cultures not only broadens your outlook on life and people, but I feel it makes you a more compassionate person. We are often so wrapped up in our own lives that we do not realize just how lucky we have it. I feel international travel instills in us an appreciation for the world around us. The more we experience, the more we grow as human beings.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Do not put it off, take the plunge, book your dates, and work towards your dream of traveling to your bucket list destination. Make sure you ask lots of questions in advance and educate yourself before you leave. It is important to understand the culture so as not to offend any locals.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means visiting destinations and immersing yourself in the local culture. This will give you a deeper understanding of the areas you visit. It is about participating and supporting projects and activities that employ local people. Meaningful travel means impacting the communities you visit through engaging with ethical charities and wildlife organizations.
