Live Life on the EDGE by Emma Hitchen

Live Life On The EDGE!

By Emma Hitchen

Are you a recent college leaver? Wondering what path to take after results day? Or simply just a young person looking to do something extraordinary? Well, here are a few reasons why volunteering in South Africa, with the help of EDGE of AFRICA, may be the answer you’ve been looking for...

Firstly, why volunteer? Not only does it make your CV stand out from the crowd, you’ll be embarking on one of the most rewarding and worthwhile experiences of your life. Whether it’s a sports, animal, conservation or community project you want to work on, you can rest assured that you’ll be helping those less fortunate than yourself, and ultimately helping to achieve sustainable goals in your chosen destination. However, during my own time volunteering on a community-based project in South Africa, I found that the people I met whilst on my placement helped me in a bigger way than I could have ever helped them. Volunteering will undoubtedly change your perception of your own life. I defy anyone to work with the kind of people I worked with whilst volunteering and not be inspired and moved by their happiness, pride in what they have (even if it isn’t very much), wisdom and warmth.

Now, why South Africa? Known as the Rainbow Nation, it is indeed just that. There is literally something for everyone in South Africa, especially when it comes to volunteer projects. If you’re interested in sports projects, South Africa have of course just hosted the World Cup, so there is an enormous interest in soccer amongst the locals over there. There is also a keen interest in rugby union, as well as an ever-increasing interest in rugby league. Then, of course, there’s the cricket. No matter what sport you’re looking to incorporate into your project, there’s bound to be an interest in it in South Africa. If it’s animal-based projects you want to take part in, South Africa’s famous ‘Big Five’ (elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo & leopard; the five most dangerous animals to hunt in South Africa) are the basis of many volunteer projects over there. For volunteers interested in working directly with people in hands-on projects, there are the community-based projects. Many of these will be based in the local townships, the poorest areas of the country, where you will be helping the residents to work their way to a better lifestyle, helping to educate the children, or maybe using any skills you already have to improve the lives of these people e.g. building schools. And then, of course, there’s everything in between. No matter what type of project you’re looking for, South Africa is guaranteed to have something to suit you!

Finally, and possibly most importantly, why EDGE of AFRICA? EDGE of AFRICA is an award-winning volunteer organisation, operating in the seaside town of Knysna, South Africa. The aim of the company is to run ethical volunteer projects which incorporate responsible travelling, whilst giving volunteers a real taste of the African culture and way of life. EDGE of AFRICA’s projects are split into three categories: Community Edge, Conservation Edge, and Sports Edge. There is the option to combine aspects of each project to suit your individual needs, and if there is any other field you are interested in, EDGE of AFRICA will do all they can to incorporate it. During my stay, one of the volunteers even incorporated a law-based placement into her project to fit in with her university course! Speaking from personal experience, EDGE of AFRICA is an incredible organisation which works tirelessly to ensure that volunteers get all they can from their projects. They have a small, but dedicated and friendly team of staff, who themselves are an inspiration and a credit to the company. The experience that I had with EDGE of AFRICA undoubtedly changed my life, and I believe that the fact that I, along with many others, have continued to volunteer with them whilst at home, and am planning another trip back to Knysna with the company, speaks volumes about the type of organisation they are.

For more information about EDGE of AFRICA and the specific projects that they offer, check out the website, www.edgeofafrica.com, and please do not hesitate to contact me at emma.jane.90@hotmail.co.uk, or contact the EDGE of AFRICA directly at info@edgeofafrica.com.