I taught at a primary school in Nokundu where the teachers really appreciated the support that I brought. I was also able to look through reports from other volunteers to get an insight into what they had done previously with the students. The projects that Naturally Africa run are genuinely appreciated by the residents of Nkope and the surrounding villages where the organisation runs projects. We also loved being a part of the Nkope community- everyone was so friendly and welcoming and we even learnt a bit or Chichewa (their local language). As a medical student, I found particular value in providing hands-on care in wound clinics, developing my communication skills throughout involvement in community education and, on placement, observing health care in the resource-depleted setting. The Naturally Africa Foundation is a charitable trust with the objective to raise funds for community-based projects in Africa, especially rural Malawi. Is it safe to volunteer in South Africa? Popular destinations for volunteer programs with wildlife and the environment are Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Madagascar, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda. I was a volunteer in the teaching project were I spent my mornings teaching pre-schoolers and the afternoons with elementary students. Naturally Africa Volunteers provides opportunities for skilled and non-skilled volunteers to help make a difference in Africa. I will treasure the memories I have made and will stay in touch with the brilliant staff at NAV to find out how they are all getting on. Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue in Cameroon (West-Central Africa) seeks highly motivated, mature volunteers who are committed to the conservation of great apes and are willing to live in an isolated, challenging environment to help save an endangered species. Nursery school feeding programme at our Lake Malawi child-care and development volunteer project. It felt really rewarding to apply and share the medical knowledge I've acquired during my university years and to see the powerful impact I had on this community and on the bordering villages. Industrialization and modernization on a large scale is largely absent from African nations, as visitors may notice in the lack of recognizable mega-chains. To educate, inspire, and empower our community to pursue perspective-changing travel. What is the mission and vision of Naturally Africa Volunteers? What was the daily volunteering like? It was a privilege to work with so many dedicated volunteers, staff members, as well as members of the community that are so passionate about what they do. The World Wildlife Fund is an excellent place to seek out more information on environmental issues in Africa. -- not all of which imodium will cure -- it's better to consult a local doctor before taking medication for serious stomach issues. Find out more. Knowledge about and access to basic health care is a problem for a large portion of the African population. On my first day I was met at the airport by the local coordinator of the project and guided back to the accommodation where the volunteers had waited for the new volunteers to arrive before having a shared dinner. Felicity has a real passion for fitness and well-being and is especially committed to initiatives like the Sports Training programme as she deeply understands the relationship between the physical activity provided in team sports and the physical and mental health of the children living in these communities. As medical students, we wanted to also get exposure to the hospitals, which was kindly organised by Naturally Africa Volunteers- so we attended Mangochi District Hospital on Monday and Tuesday each week (40 mins from Nkope Hill) as well as helped with antinatal care and labour ward at Nkope Health Centre. Will you need to bring a mosquito net? . Donate to The Ecologist and support high impact environmental journalism and analysis. Like me, you will find it provides a wholly worthwhile and rewarding experience. They left their jobs, bought a Land Rover and drove from the UK to South Africa, working with local organisations and volunteer projects en route. The kids are adorable; always keen to learn, have great manners and are wonderfully excitable and never fail to put a smile on your face. | how to style very short dreadlocks, Is forex trading Legal in South Africa? They were invited back to Malawi by a local organisation to help with the management and development of its volunteer programmes and they agreed to return for 6 months. Visit the Naturally Africa Volunteers website to find out more about volunteering with us. All of the Naturally Africa staff is friendly and willing to assist you with anything you might need. All program fees are charged directly by your volunteer organization. Contact us now. Learn about, then prepare for what you'll need. I took part in the medical volunteer project for 4 weeks from May to June. Donate The primary charitable objectives of the Foundation are: You will help building or repairing homes for families, teach English or other subjects like mathematics or sports to the local . Lake Malawi Volunteer Projects - Medical, Teaching, Sports, Childcare, Wildlife and Conservation Projects in Africa - Become a Professional Field Guide. View our 2023 Best Volunteer Abroad Programs, Volunteer at an Elephant Sanctuary to Make a Difference, Travel Photography Internships and Volunteer Opportunities Abroad, Volunteer Abroad for Womens Empowerment & Girls Education, Take Inspiration from Jimmy Carter: Be a Building Volunteer for Those in Need, Best Shark Conservation Volunteering Abroad Programs: Volunteer in Australia, Belize, South Africa & Beyond, 2023 2024 Best Volunteer Abroad Programs, Organizations, & Projects, Volunteer, Teach, Intern in Europe: Over 30 projects in 13 countries, Big Cat Conservation: Work with Cheetahs, Tigers, Lions & Leopards, NGO Volunteer Opportunities Abroad: Gain International Work Experience, Best Solo Vacations for Lone Travelers: Volunteer Vacations for Singles, What is a Hostel? During my time, specific medical volunteers go out and treat many people who can't afford to travel to the local hospitals. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to: High ethical standards & transparent social impact, Change your reservation at no extra costs, We refund your fees if your project cancels your trip, We cover your back no matter what happens. The clinics were great opportunities for hands-on medical care and plugged an important gap in the local health care system. For health, malaria is an issue in much of sub-Saharan Africa and it's a good idea to get a prophylaxis before leaving home. My time in Malawi flew by, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and wish I could have stayed for longer. In short yes, its safe to volunteer in South Africa. By closing this banner and continuing to browse the site, you agree and consent to our use of cookies. Our aim is to educate and inform as many people as possible about the wonders of nature, the crisis we face and the best solutions and methods in managing that crisis. Most times this means working with small-scale artisans or agriculture, organizing micro-finance loans, or running workshops that give entrepreneurs the skills necessary to make the most of their ventures. As a non-profit organisation, STAY AFRICA is dedicated to providing young people, from all over the world, the opportunity to come to South Africa and experience our cultures and people. For example, drinking alcohol or wearing revealing clothes would be frowned upon in an Islamic nation whereas in other parts of Africa, drinking is an integral part of any large event and breasts are desexualized and it is common to see women publicly breast-feeding. Eat smart: peel it, cook it, wash it, or forget it! This is the Naturally Africa Volunteers company profile. This is also reflected in the approach that has been taken to recruiting volunteers. I have gained so much confidence in demonstration and talking to people from different backgrounds. Our mission is to alleviate poverty in Africa by providing or assisting in the provision of training, education, healthcare projects and the necessary support in order to enable individuals to generate a sustainable income and become self-sufficient. Between them they have over fourteen years of experience working with volunteer organisations and have visited hundreds of projects worldwide. We know our projects and will take the time to get to know you, so that we may make the best use of your skills, or experience and you may achieve the greatest value possible during your time volunteering. Africa has a lot of diverse volunteer opportunities in various industries. The focus is on establishing a community that each volunteer can become a part of and hence sharing the responsibility of achieving long-term objectives. This means that the projects themselves directly benefit local initiatives, or provide employment. All projects have a local management team: The local organsiations we support, or individuals that run our volunteer projects are there to help you and most importantly they understand the needs and culture of the communities where you will be based. Having completed the drive back to the UK through Central and West Africa they have put this to good use in the model that they have adopted for Naturally Africa Volunteers. Between them they have over fourteen years of experience working with volunteer organisations and have visited hundreds of projects worldwide. Popular destinations for volunteer programs with wildlife and the environment are Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Madagascar, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda. Both foreign and locally-run aid organizations depend on the time and skills volunteers have to offer. We had a lot of hands on experience, which has put us in good stead for our future medical career. We know our projects and will take the time to get to know you, so that we may make the best use of your skills, or experience and you may achieve the greatest value possible during your time volunteering. Lastly, we went to see the famous Chilema Trees - so huge and breath-taking! If you want to know more, please refer to our Cookie Policy. They were so impressed and touched by some of these that they were keen to find a way to assist them further in achieving their objectives. Whilst having the opportunity to work in your interest area in an insightful setting, you will become a valuable member of our focussed team. We have worked with school children to improve their English to allow them to progress through school. Muslim-dominated countries in the north and west tend to be more conservative than their Christian neighbors in dress and behavior. The experience that Marc and Felicity gained on the ground was also very valuable to them personally, as it gave them an insight into the daily challenges of operating the volunteer projects and managing groups of volunteers effectively. | how to start trading forex in south africa, How much do Bolt drivers earn? However, transportation (such as flights) is usually not included. All projects have been assessed and measures put in place to minimise any risks involved. Meet the Naturally Africa Foundation Team. He is now the General Manager overseeing each of our projects to ensure a good relationship is maintained between the communities, staff members and volunteers. What is your most popular project placement and why? Volunteer with us to play a vital role in the success of these projects and have the experience of a lifetime whilst helping to make a difference. The teaching was very different from here in Ireland but the staff working for NAV really made this transition very manageable. | how to make baby hair, Can I open an FNB account online? Naturally Africa Volunteers 13 Overview Reviews Top projects Gallery Overview Naturally Africa Volunteers makes a sustainable contribution to communities across Africa through education, medical and healthcare, sports and conservation projects. I would love to help at a local school. You dont earn money while volunteering.Volunteering abroad can be expensive.Many volunteers have too high expectations.Volunteering abroad means to leave your partner at home.Some volunteering organizations are quite dodgy.Volunteering abroad may lead to homesickness. They previously held senior positions with a Gap year and volunteer travel company in the UK, which provided them with invaluable knowledge of working with volunteers and project operators. Africa is home to some of the poorest countries in the world but also several burgeoning metropolises, such as Cape Town and Luanda, with living costs on par with a mid-sized city in the West. Its projects in Ghanaallow volunteers in West Africa to address the issues of medical and healthcare, teaching and education, and conservation. | how to make yourself faint, How do you make a simple backdrop? Volunteer with us to play a vital role in the success of these projects and have the experience of a lifetime whilst helping to make a difference. She helped set up the Foundation to try to help relieve poverty in some of the communities in Malawi that she had been lucky enough to spend time in. Hostility of communities or standing out. There are many reasons to volunteer in Africa: to make a positive impact, to help protect wildlife, to have the opportunity to travel around beautiful countries before or after your volunteer trip, to experience rich and welcoming cultures different than your own, to enjoy a slower lifestyle, and to stand out during a future job search. Our mission is to alleviate poverty in Africa by providing or assisting in the provision of training, education, healthcare projects and the necessary support in order to enable individuals to generate a sustainable income and become self-sufficient. Rannveig Hln Ranny Jhannesdttir. The experience that Marc and Felicity gained on the ground was also very valuable to them personally, as it gave them an insight into the daily challenges of operating the volunteer projects and managing groups of volunteers effectively. I was able to plant seeds with Victor for the agriculture project and accompany Peter, Lovemore and the medical volunteers in their medical community support. These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders. Nigeria alone has over 500 different languages, earning it one of the highest concentrations of linguistic diversity in the world (source). There are two main and very important considerations for us; you and the projects that we support. Should you put together a first aid kit? I would recommend to anyone who is thinking of volunteering to go for it and I would 100% recommend doing that with Naturally Africa. Naturally Africa provided me with various materials, books and equipment that had been donated for me to use when teaching. We met incredibly inspiring people, both in the village and in the volunteers residence. Naturally Africa Volunteers provides a range of excellent opportunities to volunteer in Africa. Marc quit his job, bought a Land Rover and drove from the UK to South Africa, working with local organisations and volunteer projects en-route. The organisation is also increasing the impact of their agriculture projects with plans to improve irrigation and plant more crops for the benefit of the community and income generation. Kenya Community Outreach Volunteers 10. You will not be taking anyones job, but volunteering in areas where there is a lack of skill, or knowledge locally. After dinner we would often play board games and plan weekend excursions. The weekend recreation I was involved in included afternoons spent at the local resorts (lovely places of strangely polarising extravagance to the surrounding towns), visiting Cape Maclear (a coastal town with an opportunity for shopping, taking boats out on the lake and relaxing at resorts) and of course the safari at Liwonde (where we got up close with elephants, water buffalos, hippos and even a cheetah). His charity works in a wide-range of countries across the continent, bringing much needed relief to many struggling communities. This is achieved through education and skills development. The organisation has built a resource centre in Nkope which enables young ones a place to go for a few hours in the afternoon. Find out about our mission, and our team, here. My husband and I recently returned home after four weeks in Nkope, Malawi. Each country has meaningful programs across a range of sectors but the following are especially popular among past volunteers. Naturally Africa Volunteers provides opportunities for skilled and non-skilled volunteers to help make a difference in Africa. From the centuries-old mosques, desert cities, and ancient intellectual traditions of the North; the colorful cultures and extroverted personalities of the West; to the lush jungles, wide savannas, and untainted beaches and reefs of the East, each region possesses a character distinctly its own. Others will recommend packing imodium, but since stomach issues could be anything from worms to giardia to plain old "what on earth did I just eat?" I had a fantastic time learning and growing as the days went by during the adventure. Not so positively though, women tend to be looked at as secondary to men and the harassment that comes with it can be difficult (though not impossible) for women volunteering in Africa to deal with. Outside of the cities, where the influence of the western world has not been as strong, daily life has changed slowly and many people still live in more rustic, traditional housing, and hold on to long-held customs both ritualistic and mundane. Learn More. Difference in work ethic. She received letters from her students here in Malawi for her to take back and give to her students back in the United Kingdom. Our volunteer opportunities include teaching, medical care, sports coaching and wildlife conservation programmes and support the work our charity. The house was lovely- we had a beautiful view of Lake Malawi from our windows, the rooms and beds were comfortable, we were given three delicious meals per day and they even had two cute dogs that stayed at the property (they were fully vaccinated, including rabies vaccine!). They also have wonderful characters and sense of humours. Reputable volunteer programs will take excellent care of their volunteers. They were super helpful, having the answer to any question relating to possible weekend excursions, technical aspects of the projects, Malawian culture etc. Overall if you are a first time volunteer or even a veteran volunteer, this program is a wonderful opportunity to see a new country while making your own positive impact on the area. The schools have very limited resources and help is often required. The overall vibe of the village, the people (especially the children) have impacted me in more ways that I could have ever imagined. We were picked up from Lilongwe airport by one of the project coodinators and were driven to Nkope Hill where the Volunteer house is. Copyright 2020 Naturally Africa Volunteers | Registered in England number 5166643. Other aspects of African lifestyle and culture do hold true throughout the continent. However, you can find volunteer opportunities in over 25+ African countries on Go Overseas. The children in the area are an absolute joy to work with and really made the trip special. It is difficult to say which one is our most popular project placement, as we get high interest in all project areas. Easily preventable illnesses and infections brought on by lack of personal hygiene, clean water sources, or health education, all too often cause serious complications or death. To stay in touch! I volunteered with Naturally Africa Volunteers at their Lake Malawi Project with two other medical student friends in September 2018.
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