What inspired you to work for DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage?
Ever since I was a little girl I've always wanted to work with animals. I could barely speak yet when I told my parents I'd have a dog hotel when I grew up. But then life happened and marketing seemed like a better option. When I finally finished school, I booked four (which turned into six) weeks at DAKTARI as a little present for myself. I quickly lost my heart here and applied for a long-term position with Michèle. Luckily she was crazy enough to say yes!
One big family!
Describe a typical day at work.
There are never two days that look the same at DAKTARI, but most of my time goes into interacting with our followers on social media and making posts. Another big part of my job is reaching out to magazines or producers to try and collaborate. You don't really have time to get bored around here as there's always something to do, although I must admit that I certainly need my afternoon nap!
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges in my position is getting pictures. I need high-quality photos to post on social media and on our website etc, but I don't usually have time to take pictures. I've been pretty lucky and we've had quite a few volunteers with photography skills who have taken lots and lots of incredible pictures for me over the last few months!
What are some current projects you are working on?
The biggest project I'm currently working on is our new website. We've always had one, but it wasn't the most user-friendly website. I have been working on the new website for quite a few weeks now and I can't wait to show the finished product!
Playing with Monty the baby mongoose
What makes DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage special?
The special thing about DAKTARI is that we're one big family. The bonds are especially strong between long-term volunteers because we are together for several months, but I've also developed incredibly strong friendships with people that were only here for two weeks. From the moment you arrive in Hoedspruit, you are part of the family. There's something about this place that just makes everyone instantly friends.
Why should someone choose DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage over competitors?
I personally chose DAKTARI (after a lot of Google searches) because I liked the idea of making an impact in a variety of ways. Here we have the orphanage where we help animals in need, we teach underprivileged children, and there's an outreach program that helps out in the communities. There are multiple opportunities in one program!
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I always hope that our volunteers have fun. I hope they learn something new about themselves and that they feel like they really made a difference during their stay here.
Some turtles I found around the camp
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Every time you leave your little bubble, you grow. You learn so many things from other people and other cultures that you don’t have the chance to experience in everyday life.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Do it! What's holding you back? I mean, what's the worst that could happen, you have the time of your life? A friend of mine told me this, money comes back, time doesn't. So don't hesitate and just take the jump!
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel is anything that's more than just laying by a pool all day. Meaningful travel is doing something to make your or anyone else's life better. Even if it's just a little thing like going hiking to see the views and train your body. Why fly across the world to lay by a pool?
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
I hope education changes along with how our society changes. I guess I hope my grandkids don't learn the exact same things in school I did, but rather they learn things that are of value for their lives in the society that they live in.
