African Impact: Volunteer Programs With A Difference
Fancy a short volunteer vacation that isn’t like everything else?
African Impact have been working in the volunteer sector since 2004 and are based in South Africa. This year they were among the 2009 World Travel Awards Finalists for their volunteer placements in this vast continent and have plenty to offer the enthusiastic volunteer!
They offer a huge range of exciting projects from teaching to wildlife conservation - but they also offer quite a few programs that stand out from the rest and I will be describing 2 of these below.
What Are African Impact About?
For the past 5 years they have been working tirelessly to make sure that the programs they run across the continent promote and sustain ongoing support and resources for communities and conservation across Africa.
Their ethical guidelines are very strong and they strive to be an ambassador of responsible tourism in their locations. They work hard to make sure that their volunteers have a positive and long lasting impact on their projects and the physical environment in which they contribute their time and skills.
What Have They Got That Is Different?
If you would rather spend your time out in the field but aren’t too good with catching large carnivores or monitoring underwater reptiles - then why not help monitor the habitats they live in instead.
Project 1:
The following project in St Lucia, South Africa might be just what you are looking for.
Photography & Conservation Education Project:
This project takes place in St Lucia, within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This is a beautiful area that was declared as South Africa’s first Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and which is called by many “Africa’s premier bush-and-beach destination”.
Encompassing almost half a million acres, it is a stunning and ecologically diverse area, where five different eco-systems join Here is where you will find savannahs, wetlands, swamps, beaches, and a great wealth of wildlife.
And it is within this impressive setting that volunteers are offered the unique opportunity to photograph the phenomenal wildlife in the area, and help to raise awareness in the local community about the importance of conservation.
In addition to this; African Impact, in association with Green Vision Foundation, aims to create a photographic database which will be used for educational purposes in order to preserve indigenous plant life and wildlife through community education.
After an exciting 3 day intensive course with a professional wildlife photographer, volunteers will photograph large animals such as elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard as they go about their daily business! You will also get to see and photograph smaller creatures such as chameleons, insects and some of the 521 bird species that call this World Heritage Site home.
And all the best pictures will be included in the database!
The project is a unique opportunity to encounter some of Africa’s most beautiful animals on a daily basis, to improve photography skills, as well as to contribute to conservation efforts.
Project 2:
This program is a chance to really make a difference to the people who struggle in these harsh climates. Human health is the issue here and you will be living with individuals who need your help and support.
Kenya: Medical Project:
Kenya’s population is hugely affected by the struggles of HIV/AIDS, poverty and unemployment and it is known to be one of the poorest countries in Africa. There are countless possibilities here for you to impact upon the lives of those that are affected by these problems, such as those living in Nairobi’s slums, surrounding orphanages, schools, and hospitals.
Both medically qualified and non-qualified volunteers can join this project for maximum effect. The medical background of those that apply will obviously determine their placement at the Hospital or Orphanages.
Suitably qualified volunteers will have the opportunity to gain further medical experience under the supervision of qualified doctors and nurses at Kikuyu General Hospital. Un-qualified volunteers will still be an essential part of this project, and will join the Kikuyu Hospital on a more observatory basis - or could alternatively be placed at one of the orphanages.
All volunteers will be given work in various orphanages in Limuru and will be helping to improve and enhance the actual facilities as well as becoming involved in teaching and caring for the children. It will also be an opportunity to get a glimpse of life in the slums of Nairobi and have the opportunity to make a difference in a poor and desperate community.
Sound interesting to you? If so, click here for more information!
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