The Volunteer 4 Africa (V4A) database is very easy to use and allows you to instantly get comprehensive information about organizations/projects that match your needs or personal interests. Whether you want to take part in a wildlife conservation project, help street children, or spend some time working abroad as part of your gap year, we are confident the V4A database will help you find the perfect volunteer placement in Africa.
To access the V4A database you must first become a member of the Volunteer 4 Africa website. Membership is free. To register you simply need to enter your name and email address in the box at the top of this web page and then click 'register.' A confirmation email will be sent to you with your password. Once you have your password you can access the V4A database via the membership login (left).
Your membership details will be used for monitoring and statistical purposes by Volunteer 4 Africa and will not be passed to any third party. We might email you from time to time with volunteering news.
There are hundreds of organizations seeking volunteer assistance and some examples of the projects you could join are given below. Please be aware that our database acts as a complete information service for each organization/project (i.e. location, contact details, when the project runs, length of service required, language and age requirements, cost, etc). One of the key features of the V4A database is the hyperlink function. If you click on any web address a new web browser will open allowing you to use the database and view other websites simultaneously.
The V4A database is not just a resource for organizations to disseminate information for the purpose of recruiting volunteers, it also provides details of their wish list (i.e. list of supplies needed). We urge anyone travelling to Africa to log-in and find out what they can pack in their luggage to support organizations and their projects. With a small amount of space and little effort, travellers can make a positive impact in the communities they visit. Simply find the country you are visiting and look for one (or more) organizations listed to find their wish list. If an organization has yet to submit a wish list please contact them via email to find out what equipment and resources they need.
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Volunteer at Children's Village - This project works to advance the education of gifted but deprived children. It needs volunteers to help with English lessons and homework, sports and other activities. No formal qualifications required, just lots of energy and enthusiasm. Volunteers receive free accommodation and food.
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Community Support - This project strives to improve the lives of local people, focusing on education, access to clean water, health and sanitation. There are many volunteer opportunities, from teaching to gardening, renovations to health care. Long term volunteers receive free accommodation plus a kitchen to prepare food.
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Experienced Chef Required - This project is looking for an experienced chef for instructing local chefs at a small river camp in the wilderness. The chef will be responsible for instructing, helping and supervising local chefs in the fundamental aspects of cooking. Return airfare, accommodation and food provided.
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Volunteer for Animal Society - This project provides accessible and effective health care for working and domestic animals, plus animal welfare education. It seeks the assistance of veterinary professionals and veterinary students/graduates. Volunteers contribute £6 per day which includes accommodation.
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Eco Guides and Scientific Eco Guides for Humpback Whale Project - Volunteers get involved in daily whale-watching / scientific boat surveys, data management, responsible tourism activities, etc. Participants pay £185 or £300 for training course and equipment but once certified receive free board and lodging, etc.
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Volunteer Wildlife Rangers - This project offers various ways to contribute to the conservation of marine turtles, depending on your experience and the time you have available. Long term wildlife rangers receive free accommodation and a food allowance, short term volunteers pay £90 per week for accommodation.
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Teaching Assistants - This warm and friendly school is looking for dedicated individuals. Volunteer positions are allocated in accordance with the applicants strengths and interests (sports, arts, drama, yoga, swimming and other subjects). Volunteers are provided with a stipend adequate for basic living expenses.
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Sustainable Agriculture Intern - This permaculture demonstration, training and education centre is looking for an intern to assist their multicultural team. This internship has the potential to turn into a full-time, paid opportunity for the right candidate. Interns receive free accommodation and access to free organic vegetarian food.
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Barmaid/Waitress - A beautiful castle perched above a private beach is looking for an experienced barmaid/waitress. The role includes all aspects of bar work such as serving food and drinks, cash handling, supervising cleaning, stock control, etc. The castle has a slow-food restaurant. Free accommodation and food.
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Help Women and Children - This project provides the opportunity to help women and children by sharing your knowledge and expertise (fundraising, teaching, computers, economics, HIV/AIDS & health, construction). The project costs £85 per month which includes accommodation, food and pick-up.
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Volunteer at Orphanage - This project creates inspiring educational opportunities for orphaned, rescued and abandoned children. It is looking for chefs, writers, film makers, artists, teachers, dancers, musicians and singers. Volunteers can stay at the orphanage for free. Food is provided during working hours.
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Volunteer in Ecolodge - This project requires volunteers with knowledge and/or experience of ecotourism, hospitality, conservation, French and English language teaching, and sustainable development. Volunteers receive free board and lodging.
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Make a Difference - This project is dedicated to enhancing the lives, education and communities of the underprivileged. Volunteers can teach in schools, assist in hospitals, take care of orphans, or make a hands-on contribution with building projects. The project costs £33 per week which includes accommodation (self catering).
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Reach out to Children - This project reaches out to over 1500 children in townships through after school programmes. Volunteers can help out with HIV/AIDS prevention, reading skills, computer literacy, filming, greening and environment, music, arts, sports and much more. There is no cost to participate.
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Teachers & Life Skills Mentors - This project helps to provide educational assistance to impoverished children and adults. It is searching for teachers in maths, science and English, and life skills mentors (for fishing, farming and HIV awareness). Volunteers receive free accommodation.
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Volunteer in Eco-Village - This project welcomes volunteers who get involved in various activities such as helping maintain the permaculture farm, working with orphans in schools, and assisting women's groups and youth. Volunteers stay with host families and contribute £5 per day to cover the cost of accommodation and food.
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Young Girls in Need - This project is dedicated to helping young girls work towards better futures. Volunteers help with every aspect of the project, from teaching and assisting in the nursery classes to administration and site maintenance. Volunteering is free but participants must cover their living expenses.
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Land Rover Mechanic - This project is seeking a volunteer to help operate a new Land Rover workshop and train a team of local mechanics to run the workshop beyond the lifetime of this position. Most expenses paid including flights, insurance, visas, accommodation and 3 meals per day.
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Volunteer on Organic Farm - volunteers are needed for various activities such as work in the dairy (including hand feeding lambs), weeding and propagating in the nursery, planting in the permaculture olive orchards, and other farm related tasks. Volunteers receive free board and lodging.
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Volunteer in an African Orphanage - This project is dedicated to caring for young orphaned and abandoned infants. It is looking for a long term volunteer who is fluent in British Sign Language (BSL). The volunteer helps with all the babies and infants, and spends dedicated time with a deaf 3 year old. Free accommodation.
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Volunteer on Biodynamic Farm - this project is looking for volunteers interested in learning and applying the principles of biodynamic agriculture. The work includes wine making, vegetable gardening, dairy work, landscaping, and composting. Volunteers receive a free stay in a cottage and are provided with fresh organic food.
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Community Development - This project provides the opportunity to participate in various community initiatives with the ultimate goal of creating a sustainable change in the community. Work areas include teaching, computers, building, day care, and environmental work. Volunteers receive a free stay in a beautiful 3 star backpackers.
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Energy Shops Intern - This project promotes rural development and nature conservation through the dissemination of small-scale renewable energy technology. It is looking for interns that can help develop and refine the shops distribution model or distribute energy products. Interns receive free housing and other benefits.
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Electrician & Carpenter - This eco-lodge is seeking an electrician to assist with the installation of a mains electrical system and solar equipment, and a carpenter to assist with fitting out service buildings and bedrooms using locally farmed timbers and natural materials. Free board and lodging plus a monthly stipend of £65.
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Organic Farm Volunteer - This family farm seeks volunteers with skills in construction, agri-business, livestock farming, bee keeping, and anyone with the technical knowledge to help develop and advance the farm. Volunteers receive free board and lodging in exchange for approximately 4 hours work per day.
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Management Couple Required for Budget Hotel and Campsite - Managers are responsible for the day to day running of an established backpackers/budget camp. Remuneration provided will include a competitive salary, accommodation in a furnished two bedroom house, food allowance, all visas and work permits.
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Volunteer at Backpackers Hostel - Volunteers are required to do all kinds of work including reception, administration, accounting, building maintenance, cleaning, gardening, looking after animals, entertaining guests, cooking and serving food, etc. Volunteers receive free accommodation and food.
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Community Television Station - This project is looking for interns to join its team of professionals working to create and implement television programming. Interns are provided with airport pick-up/drop-off, orientation, 24/7 emergency support, daily food (breakfast and dinner) and accommodation for £75 a week.
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Fighting Poverty Through Education - This project provides free education for children from the poorest families, which will assist them to find jobs and help break the cycle of poverty. The project currently offers a variety of administrative and education positions. Volunteers receive a monthly stipend between £200 – £275.
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Teach English - This school is looking for enthusiastic and motivated volunteers who can work as English teachers for a minimum period of 3 months. Some experience in teaching English and working with children is preferred. Volunteers receive free accommodation, food (3 local meals) and some pocket money.
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Sea Turtle Conservation - This project seeks volunteers to assist in all aspects of conservation and research. Duties include beach patrols, beach clean-ups, education and awareness work. No previous experience is required. The project costs between £7 and £10 per day which includes lodging, all meals, and airport pick-up.
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Volunteer Teaching Programme - This project is designed for seasoned educators who have the time and desire to share their expertise with new teachers. Content areas include but are not limited to English, technology, maths and the sciences. Volunteers receive free board and lodging plus some medical coverage.
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Volunteer in EcoVillage / Workshops in Permaculture - Volunteers have the opportunity to experience an African ecovillage. A series of workshops covering permaculture design, eco-village development, sustainable building technology and land care are offered. Volunteers contribute £5 per day for their food and accommodation.
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Organic Fruit and Wine Farm - This farm specialises in organic farming techniques, producing wine, brandy, port, olive oil, nuts, dried fruits, etc. Work entails viticulture and other agriculture, alien vegetation removal, fynbos restoration, development of hiking trails. Volunteers receive free accommodation and a small stipend.
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Volunteer for Poor Children - This project needs volunteers to give assistance, care and comfort to orphans and vulnerable children living in an orphanage. Volunteers provide the children with the adult attention they crave and deserve; teaching them languages, computer skills, games, music, etc. Free accommodation and meals.
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Community Service Project - This home for children and young adults with disabilities is looking for the following volunteers: nutritionist; fundraiser; physiotherapist; speech therapist; and occupational therapist. Volunteers are provided with free accommodation, meals and contribution towards health insurance.
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Volunteer at Lion Sanctuary - This project provides the unique opportunity to become a part of a team of dedicated animal carers and experience the day to day running of a lion sanctuary. Volunteers pay £92 per week for private accommodation and are responsible for preparing their own meals (kitchen provided).
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Research Volunteer - This private nature reserve invites proposals for research and study. Among the areas for potential research are: Baboons and their interactions with humans; Leopards and their relationship with farmers; and climate change. Volunteers receive free accommodation with facilities to prepare their own food.
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Volunteer Programme Officer - This radio station is needs a volunteer to train its staff. The volunteer should be a specialist in mass communication and be prepared to work hard to build capacity. The volunteer will receive free accommodation, food, and be reimbursed for in-country travel and other work related costs.
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Paragliding/Tourism Project - This outdoor adventure company is looking for someone to assist its team in their work (administration, accounting, marketing, public relations, etc). This is a fabulous opportunity to gain experience in the tourist industry. The position is self-funded and accommodation starts at £200 per month.
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Advance Education in Rural Communities - This project is looking for volunteers to teach English, run drama/dance workshops, and raise awareness of HIV/AIDS, conservation issues and techniques. Some experience of working with children preferred. Volunteers provided with accommodation and kitchen at minimal cost (£5 per day).
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Volunteer at Primate Sanctuary - This project needs volunteers to fill the following positions: multilingual rangers/guides; students with photography/filming skills for documenting primates; volunteer coordinator; veterinarian. Accommodation with fully equipped kitchen provided but food costs extra (approx. £20 per week).
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Paramedic Volunteers - This project provides first aid, care, and emergency services (including calls outs to road traffic accidents, fires, etc). Paramedic volunteers are required to assist in its regional offices as well as the headquarters. Free to participate but volunteers must cover their own living expenses.
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Volunteer Teachers - This project is seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals to work as volunteer teachers. It requires English language (TEFL certificate required) and qualified Mathematics and Science teachers. Volunteers contribute £350 to cover internal flight, accommodation and food for 6 or 12 months.
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Field Project Volunteers - This chimpanzee project is looking for someone to champion the cause, as opposed to just rescuing and taking care of infants. Volunteer duties fall into four categories: education, community development, research and administration. Volunteers receive free housing with cooking facilities.
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Organic Farming Project - This is a good opportunity to learn about tropical agriculture and interact with local communities. In exchange for their work the project offers volunteers free accommodation and meals, social and cultural exchanges, and bucket loads of fun.
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Veterinarians - This project was established to reduce rural poverty by increasing productivity of working horses and donkeys through animal welfare and management education. It is looking for long term volunteers and short term professional teams of vets. Volunteers receive free board and lodging.
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Football Project - This project runs football training workshops to educate children and young people about HIV/AIDS. The activities are designed to raise awareness and promote prevention. It seeks volunteers to help coach and run the workshops. The project costs £38 week which includes board and lodging.
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Volunteer at Mountain Retreat - This down to earth farm offers a variety of work ranging from fieldwork, building or renovation, hiking trail maintenance, and gardening, to the cleaning of guest rooms/cottages, helping in the kitchen and chopping wood etc. Volunteers receive free accommodation and food.
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Volunteer in Small Orphanage - This is a unique opportunity to fully experience a new culture while helping to improve the general welfare and education of the orphans. This farming orphanage retains all the traditional charm of the surrounding hillside villages. The project costs £18 per week for board and lodging.
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Chimpanzee Rescue Centre - Volunteers get involved with various operations at the sanctuary and the work includes helping with chimpanzee care and feeding, maintaining project equipment, assisting with construction projects, painting, and other manual tasks. Free accommodation and vegetarian meals are provided.
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Tour Leaders and Drivers - This company seeks tour leaders and drivers for all its tours in East and Southern Africa throughout the year. These positions require professional and self-motivated people. Most expenses are covered including a contribution towards flight costs after a set period of employment.
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Volunteer in Children's Home - This project is committed to reducing the number of children living on the streets. The Home welcomes volunteers with skills in a variety of areas including computer/IT, music, health, visual arts, marketing and communications. Free to participate but volunteers cover their living expenses.
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Volunteer at Health Centre - this project is seeking doctors and project assistants. The role of project assistants is one of quality control, trainer, health promoter and taking health care out to as many as possible in the community. Volunteers receive free accommodation and food.
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Tropical Organic Permaculture - This project offers vocational training to practising and prospective farmers. Volunteers can help out with various aspects of the programme (i.e. raising seedlings, planting trees, maintaining the forest garden, design projects, etc). One-off contribution of £60. Volunteers receive free accommodation.
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Conservation Projects - This project seeks University graduates who would like to gain practical hands-on experience and pursue a career in conservation. Volunteers are accepted throughout the year to work on a range of projects with endangered species. The project provides accommodation, work permits and field transport.
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Volunteer at Children’s Home - Volunteers help care for needy orphans and less fortunate children. They can get involved in a wide variety of activites (i.e. childcare, teaching, sports, health programs, etc). The project costs £225 for the 1st month, £130 for the 2nd month and £95 for the 3rd month (includes lodging and all meals).
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Medical Clinical Volunteers - This project is looking for clinical mentors in a wide variety of medical specialities including general medicine, primary care, paediatrics, child health, HIV/AIDS, infectious diseases, and many other fields. Airfare and local living expenses (accommodation, etc) are covered whilst on assignment.
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Help Children from Disadvantaged Backgrounds - Volunteers are needed for orphanage work, medical work, administrative duties, and teaching. There are also research opportunities in fields such as engineering, women studies, medicine, psychology, and sociology. The project costs £12.50 per week for board and lodging.
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Student Services Internships - This project is dedicated to helping orphans and other socially vulnerable young people pursue a university education. It is seeking interns to support office staff with computer training, language training and career development activities. Interns receive free housing but cover food costs.
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Sustainable Development - This project is based on an idyllic stretch of palm-lined beach. It uses the profits of ecotourism to benefit local communities. Volunteers are needed for teaching, conservation, construction and catering assignments. £50 per week for accommodation, food, water and airport transfers.
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Health & Education Project - This project enables communities to improve their health and education and to build a sustainable economy and environment. Volunteers can get involved in various tasks according to their skills and experience. The project costs £5 per day which includes local transport, meals and accommodation.
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Enlightenment & Empowerment - This project addresses the needs of women and teenage girls. Volunteers are required in the following fields: social and political science; education; computers; tailors and dressmakers; business administration and management. Free accommodation with facilities to prepare your own food.
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Veterinarians - This project strives to improve the terrible condition of stray cats and dogs. Its mobile clinic travels to villages to offer sterilisation and treatments. It is looking for qualified vets to help with an ongoing mass sterilisation campaign. Free accommodation and a generous monthly stipend provided.
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Meerkat Research Project - Volunteers learn a range of valuable skills and field techniques including observation, radio-tracking, research design, data handling and analysis. Accommodation is provided, and volunteers are paid a monthly allowance to cover their food and a contribution to their travel costs.
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International Work Camps - This project brings together individuals from around the world for 2 week work camps. Participants work together as an international team on different kinds of projects (i.e. social, environmental, construction etc). Work camps cost £150 per participant which includes accomodation and all meals. |
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Art Workshop Volunteer - This projects aims to unearth the creative and artistic talents of children and youth. Volunteers can get involved in workshop sessions and other activites. The project costs £300 per month which includes accommodation, 2 meals per day, 24 hour support, airport pick-up and drop-off, and a series of events. |
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Cheetah Outreach - The aim of this project is to make as many people as possible aware of the plight of the cheetah and to campaign for its survival. The daily duties of volunteers include working hands-on with the public, food preparation, cleaning and various other tasks. Accommodation and food is provided.
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Socio-Ecology of Small Mammals - This is a great opportunity for anybody who wants to get more experience in field work relating to evolution, ecology and behaviour before starting an MsC or PhD project. Volunteers pay £60 per month for accommodation at the research station. Volunteers must buy and prepare their own food.
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Assist Rural Communities - This project is looking for enthusiastic volunteers who have some experience of working with children. It needs people to teach English, run drama/dance workshops, and raise awareness of HIV/AIDS, conservation issues and techniques. Volunteers will spend around £5 per day on accommodation and food.
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Help Build Healthy Sustainable Communities - This project is looking for volunteers with experience of fundraising and for special needs programmes (i.e. arts and crafts, breakdancing, education, health, human rights, nutrition, vocational training etc). Volunteers receive free accommodation but cover their food costs (£2 per day).
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Share your Skills - this project aims to resolve unemployment issues by providing practical training in sectors where employment opportunities exist. Volunteers are required to teach mechanical engineering, carpentry, welding, vehicle driving/maintenance, fabric arts. Free accommodation, food, transport and other benefits.
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Conservation & Community - This project seeks volunteers for its permaculture gardens and rehabilitation site. Volunteers can get involved in habitat preservation work, alongside reputable conservation organisations such as the WWF. Volunteers receive free accommodation and basic food for the duration of their stay.
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Penguin Conservation - Volunteers at this sea bird rehabilitation centre are taught how to catch, hold, feed and tube feed Penguins, in addtion to many other tasks such as cleaning pens and assiting in the intensive care unit. No special skills required as all necessary training is provided. The project costs £92 for 6 weeks.
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Help Disadvantaged and Neglected Young Adults - volunteers teach, provide tuition and run extracurricular clubs (art, music, drama, etc) to the young adults who need support. Volunteers with fundraising or grant writing experience are also required. Free accommodation and some meals are provided.
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Volunteer in Schools - The role of the volunteer is to facilitate programmes that improve the education of children at school. Your imagination is the limit. Volunteers are charged £20 per month for accommodation and £5 per day for food (3 meals daily). An airport pick-up is available for £15.
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Yoga Teacher - An experienced yoga teacher is required to teach mixed level classes at various beach front locations and help run yoga retreats. You will receive a monthly wage, accommodation, all meals, flights from Europe, and the opportunity to live by the ocean in the sunshine, learn or improve your surfing.
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Volunteer in Rural Tribal Village - This project introduces new ideas to improve the lives of local people. There are opportunities to get involved in permaculture farming, arts and crafts, honey farming, herbs and nutrition, sport coaching. The project costs £14 per day which includes accommodation, food and laundry service.
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