Do you want to help forgotten people and protect one of the most delicate ecosystems on the planet? Have you ever wanted to travel to a far off island paradise?

Then step of the beaten track and join Azafady on the island of Madagascar for a life changing experience. Situated off the east coast of Africa, Madagascar is one of the world’s most biologically rich, yet economically poor countries.

By joining our Pioneer Madagascar Programme, you can make a difference to the development and conservation of this unique and exotic country.Joining Pioneer Madagascar means that you will be living, working and travelling amongst some of the most beautiful and remote parts of Madagascar. The town of Fort Dauphin, where Azafady (a UK charity and Malagasy NGO) is based, is set in a stunning location in the southeast of the country, with beautiful beaches and close proximity to some of Madagascar's famous nature reserves. Projects take place both within the town and in the surrounding rural villages.

Project Activities

Living with a team of like-minded individuals, you will have the opportunity to contribute to our vital front-line work with local communities by taking part in a range of practical construction work, conservation research and educational activities as required by Azafady's projects, which focus on health and sanitation, sustainable livelihoods and conservation.Azafady’s projects are led by some of the most competent conservation and development workers on the island and are entirely based on communities' expressed needs. You will be an integral part of the team and gain an insight into real grassroots conservation and development.

Some examples of projects that you will be learning about and may work on are:

• Active conservation of some of the world's most endangered endemic tree species


• Health and sanitation work including building wells and latrines


• Raising health and hygiene awareness - typically working with children in rural areas on crucial issues like nutrition, hand-washing and malaria


• Building and equipping schools


• Teaching English to school children and unemployed adults in rural areas


• Environmental education in remote villages


• Sustainable income-generating activities such as beekeeping and community vegetable gardens


• Development of sustainable agriculture


• Community forest conservation

Accommodation

Camping facilities are provided for Pioneers throughout the scheme, although Pioneers do need to bring their own tent.
Facilities are basic especially when working in rural areas. There will always be latrine and private washing facilities. Electricity and piped water are available when in Fort Dauphin, however in the field, water is collected and then treated from rivers and wells.

Food

All meals are provided for Pioneers for the duration. Meals mainly consist of rice, beans, vegetables and fruit. Fish (or eggs for vegetarians) are provided when possible. All meals are prepared and cooked by the group, often in open-air facilities. The best possible treated drinking water is always available.

Why volunteer with us?

Azafady is not alone in offering you the opportunity to spend a part of your life overseas. What makes us different is that we are a UK registered charity (number 1079121) and our programmes are not-for-profit schemes. Funds generated from the programmes are invested right back into our projects in Madagascar, rather than into a private company. By joining one of our programmes we can promise you a genuine, worthwhile volunteering experience.

Examples of recent Pioneer achievements in Madagascar include:

• Providing access to clean drinking water for 10,000 people in rural areas


• Building fully equipped schools allowing access to education for more than 1,800 children who previously had no educational opportunities


• Cultivating 10,000 seedlings of two critically endangered tree species

By joining us out in Madagascar, you really will be making a difference.

0845 344 7579

Named “Best Volunteering Organisation”, 2007 Responsible Tourism Awards, Azafady sends volunteers to Madagascar to support our environmental, humanitarian and sustainable development projects. Working with local communities our clean water, sanitation, health care, education and wild lemur projects are building a better future. Want to make a real difference? We want you.