The motivation to volunteer is different for each person but central to all volunteers is not simply the desire to ‘give back’ but the urge to actually act upon it.
African Impact, the largest on-the-ground facilitator of responsible voluntourism in Africa, helped establish The Happy Africa Foundation in 2008 as a way to responsibly manage the generous donations received from volunteers working on African Impact projects. The Happy Africa Foundation continues to work closely with African Impact to develop and uplift local communities in the areas where volunteer projects are located.
Our partnership with African Impact means that anyone can contribute to The Happy Africa Foundation in one of the most rewarding, enriching and fun ways possible: by volunteering on one of our projects! Volunteering can be a fulfilling, life-changing experience and is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, make friends for life and visit some of the most beautiful places in Africa.
Each volunteer brings their own unique set of skills shaped by their background and experiences. This means each volunteer brings that set of skills and perspective to our projects. This can help contribute to new and exciting concepts for our projects. For example, a medical volunteer can help explain to a home based care patient more about their condition or further their knowledge of nutritional values of different foods or an education volunteer can bring new interactive lesson ideas to crèche or structured play ideas. Volunteers act as catalysts, helping to drive forward development and inspire action within the communities where we work.
For volunteers, the opportunity to interact with local community members in these situations can help with their own personal development. An exposure to a different culture and environment can modify perspectives on their own values. Some volunteers have decided career and life changes inspired by their experiences while volunteering. Volunteers gain confidence and learn to adapt to a new environment and situations. Volunteers experience working as part of a cross cultural team amongst volunteers and staff from different places and work in a different cultural setting which is invaluable for the future.
Before making the decision to volunteer there are practical points to consider. Many volunteers have work or study commitments to consider. There is also the financial aspect of the journey; many of our volunteers fundraise to participate in a volunteer project and involve friends and family in working towards their target. This can involve fundraising events or challenges such as a quiz night, bake sale or even completing a physical challenge. During fundraising efforts volunteers gain experience in organising events, approaching possible sponsors and working to deadline. When a volunteer hits their fundraising target, there is a great sense of achievement and mounting excitement for the volunteer experience ahead!
So… Why St Lucia?
St Lucia projects have something to offer everyone.
If you are interested in healthcare our Medical Program can offer you a unique insight of the healthcare system in rural South Africa. You will experience how a local clinic operates and help relieve staff on the intake desk. You will also have the opportunity to visit the elderly, disabled and those in poor health during our Home Based Care program, offering advice and support to those in need. During our Nutrition program you will visit vulnerable people at home offering nutrition advice and monitoring weight and health of beneficiaries. This gives volunteers a unique insight into the way people in local communities live and access to healthcare services in a rural setting.
If you are interested in teaching and community development our Teaching Program offers a unique insight into preschool system in South Africa. You will assist teachers in preschool to get children ready for entering the first grade of primary school and planning interactive lessons following our curriculum covering a range of topics. You will also get the chance to participate in our popular Reading Club – making literacy fun and engaging to promote English reading and speaking.
We also have our Social Development Program for the community. Our Family Empowerment Project gives health, education and moral support to vulnerable families who may have problems in getting the help they need. Volunteers visit the family and provide support to family members to further their self-sufficiency. Our Mothers Support Group have information sessions where volunteers prepare topics ranging from garden management to help them produce the best yield from their garden, to menopause to pass on knowledge and further understanding for the benefit of the Support Group members and their families.
St Lucia itself has so much to offer so when you are finished on project you are spoilt for choice: Our beautiful coastal surroundings, our proximity to incredible wildlife and our wonderful climate! Volunteers also make lasting friendships with other volunteers and community members and return home with a new world view and experiences they will remember forever.
Hannah Jones, American volunteer, 18 “The biggest reward of my time here has been the learning experience. There is no textbook in the world that can teach you the things you learn on the adventure that is volunteering.”