In a nutshell, what is Edge of Africa about?
Dayne: Ethical volunteering and responsible traveling – providing volunteer and internship placements in South Africa for gap years, career breaks, university internships, school groups and corporate team building projects. We rely totally on the goodwill and hard work of our volunteers and team members, and the financial contributions from volunteers.
How did you get into it?
Dayne: I started by studying Zoology at the University of Cape Town & Rhodes University, then worked on various conservation initiatives and with volunteer organizations in Southern Africa. At this stage the volunteer industry was really starting to take shape as a responsible and beneficial way to travel. I realized that volunteer companies needed to be firmer, both ethically and morally, in their established projects and with their volunteers so in 2006, in Cape Town, I started a conservation, volunteer organisation. Roger, my current business partner, was working in London at that time completing contract work that involved the set up, operation and implementation of new and existing sports centres, youth coaching and development projects in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Asia. He then joined me and thus EDGE of AFRICA was formed in Knysna, South Africa. Volunteers got the opportunity to work on worthwhile projects but were also given the chance to experience South Africa and the wonderful Garden Route location of Knysna.
What was your initial vision?
Dayne: To work and operate projects with a genuine need for help through man power involving local and international volunteers, with both short and long term goals in place. This soon grew to more projects, annual events, ongoing workshops and some great partnerships with like-minded organizations. A simple, but integral EDGE of AFRICA ethos was developed over the years to become – Encouraging ethical business by promoting sustainable development through responsible eco-tourism with the help of local and international volunteers. Also a real cultural experience operation that was welcoming to all volunteers that participated within the projects.
“Voluntourism” is a name that’s been dirtied by some. Why?
Dayne: Many organizations jumped on the band wagon when the volunteering industry took off in the mid 90s. People realized that it is pretty easy to set up a project, charging huge fees and ‘dump’ volunteers in organizations for a month or so. It is not surprising that many people don’t understand the concept of voluntourism when there are so many (what we call) ‘fluffy’ projects available. Many people set up projects for volunteers as opposed to use the industry to better a project. We make sure that volunteers know exactly the aims of the projects, what they are involved in, and why.
What’s the positive side?
Dayne: We have so many success stories of empowerment, international involvement and sustainability – surprisingly not only for the projects but also life changing experiences for the volunteers!
How many volunteers have you worked with this year and where do most come from?
Dayne: We have an average of 10 volunteers a month on our community projects and about the same on our conservation projects. They are from all over the world, many from UK, Germany and Holland but from afar as Chile and Australia.
Has the recession reduced the number of volunteers?
Dayne: Many people have found themselves without work during the recession and so have made a decision to either get experience in their field or travel and make a difference. I don’t think we saw a reduction because of this.
Which are your major projects?
Dayne: Our most popular projects are our HIV /AIDS Awareness Project which includes medical work, volunteering with the hospital and facilitating educational workshops and our Everything Elephant Research Project which is a mobile elephant research unit- the first of its kind, and this also includes educating the local people on elephant issues in Africa.
Which project has been the most successful so far?
Dayne: All our projects are ongoing. We have made a difference through our dedicated team and volunteers. I would hate to pick out one as the most successful because so much work goes into all of them!
Charity work can be rewarding but it’s also demanding? What’s the biggest challenge?
Dayne: Every day we identify new projects. We just need the funding and the manpower to make them a reality.
And the best moments?
Dayne: It comes down to something as simple as a child remembering something you taught him/her a year earlier! When this happens, I know we are on the right track.
What are Edge of Africa’s plans for the forthcoming year?
Dayne: We are always developing new projects and in need of funding and manpower. You can keep up with our developments at our Facebook page.
What philosophy do you recommend that we all live by?
Dayne: Do what makes you happy…and you will find that helping people and other living things does just that! Always surround yourself with positive, happy people.
