| It's no real surprise that a lot of people considering | | | | to do that for almost any vacation - unless you really |
| this kind of working holiday will search for free | | | | are going to stay in the next town... |
| volunteer work in Africa. The challenge is the word | | | | If you choose a reputable volunteer organization, the |
| free. In some ways it's not unreasonable to think | | | | money you pay not only covers you accommodation |
| that if you are giving up your valuable free time you | | | | and all your meals, it also pays to keep the |
| would expect people in Africa to be waiting for you | | | | infrastructure going and buys valuable supplies, be |
| with open arms. The truth has to be somewhat | | | | that food or medicines, for some of the poorest |
| more realistic. | | | | people in the world. More than that, it doesn't just |
| Volunteer organizations in Africa really do want your | | | | feed them, it helps them to help themselves in the |
| help. Whether it's helping with lion conservation in | | | | long term by providing ongoing medical facilities and |
| Zimbabwe, medical assistance in Zambia, orphan | | | | much needed education. |
| children in Zanzibar or sport education in Cape Town, | | | | It true, and sad, that some so-called volunteer |
| they really do want you to be involved as much as | | | | groups expect people to go to volunteer in Africa |
| possible. | | | | and then leave them stranded at the airport, or ask |
| But free or paid volunteer work is something they | | | | them to put their hand in their pockets again for |
| simply cannot afford. That money has to go to | | | | materials or provisions. That should never happen. |
| animal conservation projects, or to buy important | | | | The only extra money you should be spending is on |
| medicines for Zulu children in the slums of St. Lucia or | | | | enjoying yourself - and there will be plenty of |
| simply bricks and mortar for school buildings in | | | | chance for excitement and adventure of a more |
| Mozambique. Would you really expect that money to | | | | relaxing nature once the work is finished! |
| go into your pocket? | | | | If you have any doubts about the people organizing |
| Look at it another way. Volunteering to teach African | | | | your trip, ask them awkward questions! If you don't |
| children English, in Cape town, will cost you around | | | | get the right answers, move on, there's always |
| $1800 for a month. You would pay more than that | | | | someone else who wants your help. |
| to stay in any US city in a Best Western. You | | | | Free volunteer work isn't practical but the satisfaction |
| wouldn't get fed and you certainly wouldn't be | | | | of volunteering in Africa can be yours for little more |
| soaking up the sights and sounds of Africa! The | | | | than if you took your vacation in your neighboring |
| same maths apply if you are in the UK, Europe, | | | | town. A comparison like that is actually a bit silly |
| Australia or New Zealand. The price of volunteering in | | | | when you consider the vital work you will do in |
| Africa is probably equivalent to staying in your local | | | | Africa, the memories you will make and the life-long |
| bed and breakfast - possibly less. It's true you have | | | | friendships you will build. You can't put a price on that. |
| to add in the cost of your flight but you would have | | | | |