My EDGE OF AFRICA Experience

My EDGE OF AFRICA Experience

By Eavanna Maloney

It has taken me at least three months since returning home to be able to write this blog.

It was too difficult for me to put in to words how I felt about my experience of South Africa. Coming home was one of the hardest things I have had to do……….

I joined EDGE of AFRICA in March 2011 expecting to spend five weeks on their HIV/AIDS Awareness project, and left October! I spent five weeks on the most amazing project where I met the most wonderful people, including the inspirational Dr. Laurel Giddy at the HARRT Clinic and Annalene who runs the mobile clinic at That’s it. I met some fabulous people at EDGE of AFRICA…….. Dayne, Roger, Jo, Joash and Kholi. I met inspirational volunteers from all over the world. I was also lucky to be there for the infamous Chester crowd who gave me numerous laughs and giggles. Mel and Sioban I haven’t forgotten you and you know I love you!! It is difficult to describe how an experience like this can make u feel it truly filled me with love and joy. I was as high as a kite on life and love.

I worked as a Medical Volunteer coordinator from April I looked after volunteers from all across the globe and placed them on various medical projects which included HIV and AIDS Awareness, the Medical Community Project and Hospital Based Internships. I had the opportunity to meet fabulous volunteers. I stayed in the volunteer house which was always a hive of activity and laughter.

Through EDGE of AFRICA I had the opportunity to experience the true beauty and spirit of South Africa and indeed its people. I saw how somebody struggling to survive could be filled with such undying love, joy, generosity and positivity, I also had wonderful opportunities to see the beauty of South Africa on the EDGE conservation projects which included the elephant sanctuary, I had the chance to get up close and personal with some very large elephants, thank you Josaphine!! I was also lucky to go to ADDO Elephant Park and the magnificent Cango Caves at Oudtshoorn.

It really was an amazing experience working with EDGE of AFRICA and I would happily recommend them to anybody wishing to open their heart and broaden their mind. Thank you to EDGE of AFRICA for giving me the opportunity to work with you.

‘Day in the Life’ of an EDGE of AFRICA Medical Volunteer

‘Day in the Life’ of an EDGE of AFRICA Medical Volunteer by Eavanna Maloney.

Its 07h00 and our EDGE of AFRICA volunteer wakes to another day at the EDGE of AFRICA volunteer house and sits down to a light breakfast of cereal, toast, tea and fruit. Breakfast at the volunteer house is a crazy time consisting of running around, laughing, shouting, eating sometimes simultaneously and sometimes resulting in the odd collision!

At 07h45 our volunteer is transported to the Knysna Provincial Hospital where she spends the day assisting various medical staff on the Pediatrics Ward with their daily duties. At about 11h00 after her tea break she takes time out to sit, read and play with the children in the ward. Today, one of the kiddies is lucky enough get a piggy back ride! Which she thoroughly enjoys! This is a time when the children can forget that they are in hospital and they can really just enjoy themselves!

At this time other EDGE of AFRICA Community Medical volunteers are walking in the local township of Kayalethu. They are visiting locals and helping Hospice Home Based Carers with their rounds. This is a great opportunity for EDGE of AFRICA volunteers to meet local people and learn about the cultures of Knysna.

At 14h00 after a satisfying packed lunch it’s time for our HIV/AIDS & TB Awareness volunteers to go to the Sinethemba Youth Development Centre in Kayalethu, a centre of hope, development and learning for local kids, to conduct an HIV Awareness workshop with some of the teenagers. In a fun, relaxed manner the teens ask questions and express their views while learning about the virus and how to protect themselves.

After the Workshop at about 15h30 our EDGE of AFRICA volunteer plays games and talks with the children and teenagers that are attending Sinethemba. The teenagers have really enjoyed the workshop and say they have learned a lot.

As the day comes to an end our volunteer returns to the EDGE of AFRICA volunteer house to enjoy a traditional South African meal, and everyone’s favourite – Bobotie (traditional South African Cape Malay dish).

At 19h00 all volunteers are treated to a discussion by Dr Laurel Giddy - a local HAART (Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy) Clinic Doctor. Volunteers have found this discussion interesting and very informative.

For those not ready for bed then a local DVD, ‘The Gods Must Be Crazy’ – a South African classic!

For those really not ready for bed ….. a night out on the Knysna Tiles! Usually visiting, Swing Café, Harry B’s and the Shabeen. But not too late another busy day looms!

Until next time…

http://www.EDGEofAFRICA.com

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.

HIV/AIDS Volunteering in South Africa

Volunteering in Knysna for a very worthwhile cause!

Privileged is how I feel to have experienced a project as eye-opening as TB/HIV Awareness in Knysna, South Africa. I am a qualified Nurse I have been in the health industry for the past five years. I think I learned more in my five weeks with EDGE of AFRICA than I did in the last five years!!

I have met some truly wonderful people from Healthcare workers to patients. I have seen strength in people I didn’t even imagine could be possible. Smiles that would melt your heart and tears that would break it. Although AIDS has a devastating effect on its victims and indeed their families the patients I met just exuded positively, courage and strength. One of the most shocking things about aids in South Africa is that it has no face. It affects people of all ages, from all backgrounds, people from all walks of life. This as a foreigner was shocking for me. All part of my learning process!

I worked in the community Kayalethu and Hornley for the most, which for me was very special, seeing patients in there homes. I was invited with such genuine warmth and kindness that I often had a little tear in my eye. During my time at the clinics and at the hospital I saw such dedication in the staff. They work with an efficiency and kindness that was admirable. I now have many people to aspire to in my future career.

Volunteering experience what can I say about that? Well, I have never in my life laughed as much, talked as much, or had as many special moments as I did with the people I volunteered with! What an amazing group of people! I think the bond you form with people when you are volunteering and doing ‘good’ is very special. Everybody is having new, exciting and emotional experiences. To share these experiences can only strengthen and build lasting friendships.

Knysna is a beautiful place with plenty to do with its vibrant night life and surrounding nature and wildlife parks. There never was a dull moment in my experience! There was always something to do, somewhere to go even on a shoestring budget!

I was really looked after during my stay with EDGE of AFRICA it reminded me of being home, or as we in Ireland would say being “mammied”! Beautiful food, a beautiful house. Everybody was so friendly and helpful!

This truly was a life changing experience I will be returning home a changed person for the better!!

For more details visit www.EDGEofAFRICA.com or follow volunteers on www.facebook.com/EDGEofAFRICA.

By Eavanna Maloney