Volunteer work in Africa

Dear family and friends,

Recently I sat down and asked myself what I wanted to do with my time. Where I would like to be, what I wanted to be giving my time and effort to. What gives me joy and happiness?

Obviously, all this was brought on by celebrating another birthday. However, the years have been good to me and I am still fit and able to keep many options open without considering my age. I have no physical challenges and do not take any medication. (Pat on the back for that)

My heart lead me to getting up and out of my comfort zone. Of all the countries that I have visited, Africa stands out for having captured my heart the most. I loved the vastness of it, its light, its animals and its beauty. This lead me to investigate how I could spend time there and be of some use at the same time. How good would it be to go somewhere totally for pleasure and actually use my time in a meaningful way.

I found a way to combine all this. I have been accepted to volunteer my services to an organisation called International Volunteer Headquarters (IVHQ). I will be flying to Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side helping with wildlife conservation on a game reserve for 2 weeks. There I will be doing a lot of physical work maintenance of water holes, creating dams, clearing toxic weeds (toxic to elephants), looking for signs of poachers and learning and recording animal tracks. All good clean fun!

After that I will fly to Cape Town and volunteer my services at a local school for 3 weeks. I will be assisting the local staff and helping tutor students. The aim is not to be replacing anyone but assisting with implementing the curriculum. The school is in Muizenberg, about 30 minutes drive from Cape Town. I am very excited about getting involved in the program and meeting the staff and students.

This is my first volunteer experience and I am anxious to see how it unfolds. I am funding my own airfare and paying for the program and of course travel and health insurance. IVHQ have organised accommodation and meals in volunteer housing. They will also make sure of my safe travel to and from work sites and also the airports.

All up the trip will cost approximately $8250 AUD.

$3700. Airfares

300. Travel insurance

1000. Program fees

3120. Volunteer accommodation & meals

50. Police check

70. Visa and documents

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$8240

I have already funded my trip myself. However, I am now giving all of you, my wonderful friends and family, the opportunity to contribute as well. I have setup an account into which you can donate. The funds will be used to pay for part of my trip and buy school supplies for the schools I will be visiting and working in. These will be purchased in Africa in order to help local businesses as well.

I promise to post photos and updates as often as I can so that everyone can feel involved with this adventure. My heartfelt thanks to you all for your good wishes and donations to this cause.

I fly out on April 19th from Brisbane and return

May 25th.

Love,

Vicki