30.08.2023/XNUMX/XNUMX / Tips & things worth knowing

As a volunteer to Africa

Endless savannahs, silent deserts, clear starry skies. Let yourself be enchanted by the view of Table Mountain or Kilimanjaro and marvel at the untouched expanses of the continent. Feel the vibrant culture in the cities, from their colorful markets to the lively street cafes. Experience a continent full of contrasts, joy of life and impressive landscapes – welcome to Africa!

Volunteering in Africa is a popular opportunity for people who want to use their time and skills to help others while having unique cultural experiences. There are many different types of volunteer projects in Africa, ranging from education and healthcare to environmental protection and animal welfare. In this article you will find out what options there are for volunteer work in Africa, the reasons behind them and which areas are open to you.

African boy plays with a string

Why volunteer in Africa?

Africa is the second largest continent in the world with an area of ​​30,2 million square kilometers and a population of approximately 1,2 billion people. With its 54 countries, Africa offers a diversity of culture, flora and fauna, but there are also differences when it comes to the level of development.

For example, although Africa has made good progress in its development in recent decades, child mortality in countries such as Sierra Leone and Angola is still very high.

The large gap between rich and poor in Africa is one reason for the great need for people who... FSJ abroad want to do. Around 40 percent of the African population lives on less than $1,90 a day and is therefore considered poor. Access to education plays a crucial role, as people without reading and writing skills have little prospect of qualified, well-paid work.

Other major problems in Africa include poaching, climate change and conflict between humans and animals. These contribute to the fact that numerous species in Africa are considered critically endangered. This also applies to animal populations off the coast of the continent, such as humpback whales. Climate change, increased oil and gas extraction and ocean pollution represent further growing threats.

In view of these developments, it is crucial to establish ethical nature and species protection projects. These projects research animal populations and movement patterns, monitor wild populations and develop targeted protective measures to preserve the diverse flora and fauna.

The involvement of volunteers from all over the world not only ensures these projects the necessary support, but also helps to create increased awareness of the need for species protection and to enable the transfer of knowledge.

Through various aid projects, children are given an education, various animal species that are threatened with extinction are protected, and measures are taken to combat climate change.

What volunteer areas are there?

Starting with that social area. There you mostly work with children and young people. You support educational and tutoring projects, as well as in schools or child care. Many children have lost their parents or they cannot afford education for their children. As a volunteer in Africa, you give the children support in their lives and also a better perspective for their future.

Are you working in medicine yourself? Perfect, because there are also many projects in the healthcare sector. There you support medical assistants or midwives. You can also become active in caring for people with disabilities.

Another great area to help as a volunteer in Africa is Wildlife and animal welfare sector. Many animal species on the continent are threatened with extinction. To counteract this, there are numerous national parks and rangers who look after and track animal populations. Due to many conflicts with humans, more and more animals are being hunted and then killed. As a wildlife volunteer in Africa, you are committed to species conservation and education. 

There are various ways you can get involved locally. One of these is so-called tracking, where you go on trips to collect data and record the existence of an animal population. You will also observe injured animals and, in an emergency, you can even assist in surgical procedures to help them. 

In addition to working with the animals, it is also important to work with the local population. The aim here is to provide educational work and to show what influence humans have on the animal world. Through information events and workshops, you can convey to local people how important it is to protect animals and what effects illegal trade can have.

Another area to work as a volunteer in Africa is Environmental Protection – The protection and preservation of natural resources and ecosystems. This is about climate protection, preserving biodiversity, protecting waterways and forests, promoting renewable energies and reducing environmental pollution.

Climate change affects the entire earth. Some regions have better options to counteract this, while others suffer more. Environmental organizations advocate for sustainable practices and work to minimize the impact of human activity on the environment. They also promote environmental education and raise public awareness of environmental issues.

There are various projects in the area of ​​environmental protection. On the one hand, you could take part in a reforestation project that takes care of planting the cleared forests. Another project is a beach clean up project. Here you take care of cleaning beaches and at the same time this project aims to raise awareness of recycling.

To raise awareness of the environment and resource conservation, you can also help develop educational programs and workshops. Workshops are also offered to exchange knowledge and skills and bring about long-term change.

Overall, there are many different areas in which you can get involved to bring about positive change. Whether in the social sector, in medicine, in animal or environmental protection - every support counts and can help create a better world for people and animals as well as future generations.

How do I become a volunteer in Africa?

You have various options for working as a volunteer in aid projects in Africa. First you should think about which area and country you would like to support.

Once you have clarified this, there are various volunteer organizations with which you can go abroad. There are government-funded organizations that have set periods and detailed application processes, or private organizations that have a somewhat more flexible offer.

However, you should be aware that you should plan at least two weeks for volunteer work in Africa. Additionally, in most programs you don’t get paid as a volunteer. However, you will be provided with accommodation and possibly food.

A volunteer stay in South Africa is particularly popular because the country is well developed in many areas and offers a diverse selection of projects. South Africa is a popular travel destination and has a well-developed infrastructure.

What volunteer projects are there in Africa?

This is one of Rainbow Garden Village's very first projects Street children project in Ghana. There you look after and support children and young people who would not have access to education without this project. You support the local team and impart life skills, resulting in a valuable exchange of knowledge.

During the Soup kitchen in Namibia 500 small children and older schoolchildren whose parents work during the day receive a warm meal and are looked after in a safe environment. There is singing and playing and twice a week there is homework support, which was set up by volunteers.

This is one of the most popular wildlife projects Big Five Project in South Africa. Here you are in the middle of a beautiful wildlife reserve, surrounded by hyenas, lions, rhinos, elephants and giraffes. As a volunteer, you go on game drives to observe different herds and collect important data. You are actively committed to biodiversity and environmental protection.

To do something good for the environment, you could go to Senegal, for example. At the Volunteer work in organic farming You will work with local farms on innovative concepts to promote awareness of environmental issues and practice sustainable agriculture and ecological house building. The organization is also a popular meeting place to discuss environmental and sustainability issues - so you'll definitely learn a lot of new things during your stay there.

The Women Empowerment Project in Tanzania falls into the Creative & Community area. In this project you will look after girls and young women who no longer have any prospects for the future. At the center they receive training so that they can finance their lives independently. You have the opportunity to get involved in various areas: in teaching, in fundraising or even in urban farming and cultural workshops.

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RGV editorial team

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