What you should know…
If you are considering joining a volunteer program in South Africa then the likelihood is that you are the kind of person who wants to make a positive contribution, be it to conservation or to a community in need. However, before making the decision about which project you want to join there are a few things that you may want to consider…
Does the project have a genuine need for volunteers?
The whole idea of volunteering is for you to make a real and significant contribution to a cause through your specialist skills, or simply through your hard work and enthusiasm! Be sure that the project/organization is recruiting volunteers because they have a genuine need for them – any ethical organization should be interested in finding volunteers to assist with projects, not creating projects to attract volunteers.
Is the project sustainable?
‘Sustainability’ is a term you come across a lot these days and is definitely something you need to consider when thinking of volunteering. If a project is not sustainable then however much you may put into that project in the short term, in the grand scheme of things what is that project really contributing? Sustainability will help to ensure that the project achieves its long term goals...and that all your hard work won’t become meaningless. Always think about the BIG PICTURE.
What is your motivation for volunteering?
Question your own reasons for choosing to be a volunteer. For example, if you are thinking of volunteering for a conservation project ask yourself ‘Do I really want to make a genuine difference to conservation, or do I just want to play with cute cuddly animals?’ Obviously any animal lover would be thrilled by that, but if you want to make a real contribution to conservation then just be sure that it isn’t your only motivation – if your dazzled by the idea of all those fluffy animals, there’s a chance you’ll skim over the actual purpose of the project and what it contributes to conservation in the long term.
Is the organization/project ethical?
Do some research, look at the way in which the organization describes its projects; for example if you’re looking at doing a community project (particularly in a developing country) look at how the organization is portraying that community – any ethical organization shouldn’t be telling you that you will be changing the world or suggesting that this community can’t function on its own, they should be inspiring you to come and work together with these people to help them achieve their goals and develop as a community.
Simply look at how much information you are receiving about the projects you are looking at – if an organization has good, ethical projects then they don’t have anything to hide and therefore should be able to provide you with all the information you need about what the projects involve and what your role will be.
Finally, one always has that niggling feeling that you can’t entirely trust the information that any organization is giving you...because it’s the information they are choosing to give to you! So if you’re not 100% convinced by the information you’ve received through them then have a look for reviews or blogs from past volunteers, or ask the organization to put you in touch with a past volunteer. That way you can get a volunteers perspective on what that project is like.
Obviously for most people choosing to become a volunteer isn’t a completely selfless act, it’s about you too– you want to see new places, meet new people, experience new things; and that’s great, volunteering doesn’t have to be solely about contributing to a good cause, it can also be about you having a new experience and growing as a person…but take your time to do some research so you can be sure that you’re signing up for a meaningful, ethical project. That way you’ll get far more out of it in the end!!
For more details on ethical volunteering visit Volunteering 101 or for information on volunteer projects see www.EDGEofAFRICA.com
Volunteer wherever YOU are…
Volunteering is a terrific way to not only engage with other like minded people but to help out worthy causes locally and internationally and gain some new experiences either career based or just for fun. International volunteer programs are now a very popular way to give all ages, races, genders and religions a chance to integrate with the people and animals of other countries. Students use it as practical work experience or CV/Resume builders and others use it for alternative holidays and traveling. What ever the reasons behind individual volunteer plans, the fact is that it is a responsible, beneficial and sustainable way to see, meet, live and learn!
Our Help @ Home Program works well for the following volunteers:
1. ‘Almost’ Volunteers - that would like to prepare for an up incoming trip by doing some work at home.
2. ‘Past’ Volunteers - who have returned from a trip and would like to continue their support.
3. ‘Future’ Volunteers - that are unable to travel however would love to do some work from home.
Whether you are an ‘Almost’, ‘Past’ or ‘Future’ volunteer, here are some great ideas to get you inspired:
· International Project Awareness – Get EDGE of AFRICA ‘out there’ with surveys, information dissemination, presentations, articles, blogs, reviews etc
· International Project Partners – Expand projects by assisting EDGE of AFRICA with new or updated proposals and project business plans
· Community Project Adoption – Get your local community to support and adopt an EDGE of AFRICA project
· School, University, Business, Sports Club Link Up – Get your local education centre, club or business to partner with EDGE of AFRICA as part of an ‘International Social Development and Responsibility’.
· Fundraisers, Auctions, Events, Workshops etc – Let us know of any ideas you have. Every bit goes a long way!
- Ongoing Support – Here are loads of ideas where help is always needed: translating documents, researching subjects, creating web pages, editing or writing proposals, press releases, newsletter articles, developing material for a curriculum, designing a database, designing graphics, providing legal, business, medical, agricultural or any other expertise, counselling people, tutoring or mentoring students, moderating online discussion groups, writing songs, creating a ‘podcast’, editing videos, monitoring the news, answering questions, tagging photos and files, managing other online volunteers
Volunteering in Knysna…
As an EDGE of Africa volunteer you are lucky enough to be based in one of the most beautiful parts of South Africa
Knysna itself is nestled on the shores of the Knysna estuary (or Knysna lagoon as it is more commonly known); the most biologically diverse estuary in South Africa Tsitsikamma Forest which stretches from just west of George to the Tsitsikamma River
Knysna is a modern, friendly town with something for everyone. It has all the necessary amenities, all within walking distance, such as ATMs, medical support, internet cafes…and of course shopping malls!
The nightlife is varied, so whatever your taste there will be something for you, be it live bands, chilled pubs, cocktail bars or fancy restaurants! There are also a number of festivals held annually in Knysna, such as the Knysna Oyster Festival, the Arts Festival, the Pink Loerie Festival, and the Community Sports Beach Festival.
If you want activities within walking distance then why not take a stroll down to the waterfront and enjoy the Featherbed eco-experience. Here you will enjoy a ferry cruise with a local guide sharing information on the Knysna Lagoon (or more accurately Knysna estuary!) as well as Knysna’s history. Following the cruise you will experience a guided walk around Featherbed Nature Reserve where you can enjoy beautiful views of the lagoon, the mountains and of Knysna town.
Just 40 minutes drive away at The Crags, Plettenberg Bay
If it’s marine life you’re looking for then why not take the 30 minute drive to Plettenberg Bay
Desperate to see the famous Big 5?? Then never fear, only 1 hour and 30 minutes drive away you will find Garden Route Game Lodge which is home to all the Big 5 animals along with many other species. Here you can enjoy a 2 hour Game drive, taking in the sights and soaking up the knowledge of an experienced Field Guide.
If it’s the truly wild feel of a big National Park you want then Addo Elephant NP is the place for you 4 hours from Knysna, here you will find the highest concentration of African elephants in the world (over 400 elephants!) as well as the other Big 5 species and many many more!
Need to satisfy your inner adrenaline junky?? Then why not cross over to the Eastern Cape to the Bloukrans Bridge
Top 10 Volunteer Programs in ‘The Garden Route
Absolute EDGE, Garden Route
You can’t decide what to do – you don’t have to! Here is an unforgettable experience. Work with animals including Elephants and the rest of the BIG 5, kids, teach and learn about sports development and get real hands on South African exposure to the country, the people and the wildlife.
ZERO to HERO, Garden Route
Experience a fantastic mix of sports volunteering and sports lessons & excursions. You will have the opportunity to teach the sports you enjoy and learn or practice sports you are interested in. They say you should try something different every day – here is your chance!
EDGE of AFRICA Volunteer Bus
How about combining sightseeing, excursions with volunteer experiences? Then join our 2 or 4 week on the edge of africa coast to coast community bus travelling from Cape Town Africa .
Big 5 Wildlife and Conservation Project, Albertinia
Get up close and personal with Africa ’s Big 5. The reserve gives an incomparable experience in practical knowledge and diverse hands on volunteering.
Sports Development, Eden District
Give kids the opportunity to develop their love of sports and learn about not only the sport culture but the heritage and traditions of Africa !
Reforestation with the Rastas, Knysna
The energy and passion that the community members radiate when they introduce you to the eco-project is inspiring! They are a peaceful and wise community and within no time you will have made friends for life!
HIV & TB Awareness Clinics, Knysna and Surrounds
Volunteers will be working with different sections of the medical industry, each having a vital part to play in local health awareness of the area. Learn about the effects of HIV/AIDS and TB in Africa and in the process create awareness in small town and rural communities.
Inspiring EDGE, Knysna
Be inspired by South Africa South Africa
Kadiki Kids and Funda English, Knysna
Assist teachers with local kids between 2 and 6 in various pre-schools in the colourful and vibrant township of Kayalethu
Help us give the gift of English to locals. Through our workshops we reach a kaleidoscope of people and cultures. From pre-school children to adult literacy classes we aim to spread the appreciation and understanding of the English language.
Volunteers work in a youth development project for homeless and disadvantaged kids and youth between the ages of 4 and 25. In the safe and picturesque township of Kayalethu
Email: info@EDGEofAFRICA.com for more details
