Volunteering around the world is very different depending on where you are. The very idea of volunteering has a number of interpretations. In South and Central America I found that it was very easy to find volunteering opportunities that did not cost anything. You may have to pay for the cost of having you volunteer there (accommodations, food and such), but that seems reasonable enough to me.
Volunteering in Africa, however, seems to be a different story. One line I heard that summed it up for me was from a Dutch girl that had been living and volunteering in Arusha for a few months. She said (and I quote loosely), “everyone in Arusha that has a business usually has two. They have a vehicle so they have a safari business and they usually have an orphanage.”
Interesting, the volunteer market is turning into a pretty lucrative business for some in Africa. It makes sense because a number of international volunteers pay top dollar and where there is opportunity people will take advantage. Can’t fault that, but it sure does seem a little strange.
Volunteering in Africa can be a truly rewarding experience. To make sure you are volunteering ethically and helping communities that really need your help you should look to volunteer with a charity and one that has been around for a number of years and established good relationships with hosting communities in Africa.
HI Ann- I had a look at the school project’s website and it does seem quite authentic and ethical. I tried to find if there is a minimum volunteer time in that it is a school and short-term volunteering may not be suitable?
Cheers-
Ronnie
Thanks Ann
Here is the link to the school that Ann is talking about: