August 2007 Newsletter
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August 2007 Newsletter


REAL
 
 
 worthwhile

 
 

 projects
REAL worthwhile projects
There are loads of reasons why volunteering abroad is a fantastic experience. But recently, the press have run articles that questioned the validity of volunteering abroad, saying that some projects are more about providing the volunteers with an experience and implying that they are not worthwhile or sustainable.

Gap programmes round the world Africa Asia Latin America Australasia North America Eastern Europe

Volunteer with animals

Volunteer with children



1. Namibia Wildlife Rehab
2. Ecuador Medical
3. Zimbabwe Lion Breeding
4.
Goa Vounteer India
5. Costa Rica Animal Rescue 6. China Teaching Volunteer 7. Russia Child Support
8. South Africa Wildlife
9. N.Zealand Conservation
10. Peru Amazon Turtle
Complete Gaps
 

Here's what's in it for the projects:

  • Help for the local people that work in the project
  • Money for the projects which is spent in the local economy
  • Hands-on help from you for the people, animals or environment

"Volunteers have made all the improvements at this wildlife centre. It is their donations, hard work and dedication that drive the project forward and give orang-utans in this part of the world a great chance of survival"
Guillaume Feldman, Malaysia Orang-Utan Experience

  • Especially for the children, the joy of realising that people out there in the big wide world really do care about them
  • Short term volunteer projects still make a big difference

"Going for 4 - 8 weeks is still very worthwhile. Just ask some of the orphaned children in Africa whether they would rather do without someone to cuddle them, help feed them, paint murals on their walls and teach them some English to get them into local schools."
Chloe Myers Africa Projects Manager

Here's what you will gain from the trip:

  • The wonderful feeling of providing help where it is really needed
  • An opportunity to learn new skills you could not acquire at home
  • A deeper interest and awareness in global issues

"Now that I have seen a little of what suffering looks like, I am committed to an onward pursuit to help others, no matter how insignificant my contributions may appear. I know now that ripples really can turn into waves"
Karen Higgins, Sri Lanka Orphanage Project

  • The experience of living in the developing world, without all the usual home comforts
  • A life changing experience and memories that will last a lifetime
"Honestly, this was the single most rewarding travelling experience I have ever had. It was not always easy, but looking back I learnt so much and saw such a vast scope of human and geographical beauty that I will always value this adventure very highly"
Natasha Swanson, Rajastan Desert Project


Read what other volunteers have said.

Make a REAL difference by joining us!


We offer hundreds of volunteer programmes all over the world, here are a few ideas:


India: Rajasthan Volunteer
Become part of an Indian community, working alongside locals on facility improvement and social awareness projects. You'll also get to see the Taj Mahal and other spectacular sights - the perfect way to get a real taste of India!
Tell me
 more

Rajasthan Volunteer


Black Rhino and Elephant Conservation
You can't get much more wild than living alongside elephants and rhinos in 10,000 acres of parkland. Witness the incredible interaction of different species, record vital information and learn to appreciate the simple lifestyles of local communities.
Tell me more

Black Rhino Conservation


Guatemala Houses to Homes
Some Guatemalan families live in houses made out of cardboard and sugar cane. You'll build them happy homes, keeping families hopeful and healthy. Get your hands dirty, put in some hard graft and enjoy the honour of handing over the keys!
Tell me more

Guatemala Houses to Homes


Uganda Teaching
Time to go back to school: a rural Ugandan secondary school with 300 pupils who all want to learn from you! Many of the children are AIDS orphans who need your help reaching that brighter future.
Tell me more

Uganda Teaching Project



Volunteering not for you?
Visit www.gapyearforgrownups.co.uk to see our huge range of programmes:


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Shorter Trips
After redundancy, Sally decided to see the world. She enjoyed our South Africa Wildlife Course so much that within 48 hours of arriving back in the UK she booked onto the Malaysia Orangutan Experience and the Thai Adventure!
Read more..
 
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