You’ve worked really hard your entire school career and a much needed time-out filled with adventure and exploring is now the only thing on your mind. Luckily your parents are on board when it comes to your gap year aspirations (thank goodness!) and they’re are happy to support you in whatever you decide to do. And that’s the difficult bit — deciding how to spend your year. Take a look at these six amazing volunteer projects in Africa with Gap Africa Projects that are sure to change your life.
Coaching Abroad
If you’re sports crazy and can think of nothing better than giving back to a community through a sport, then coaching abroad is the perfect programme for you. Many African children do not have access to adequate sports facilities which includes not having enough guidance on the field or court. By choosing to be a youth sports coach in Africa you not only further develop your own skills but you can help develop the skills of young kids that are craving proper coaching.
Coach netball and rubgy in Ghana or football and hockey in South Africa.
Wildlife Conservation
You’re passionate about animals and perhaps you’re even considering studying veterinary science? You can gain some valuable experience or just simply help those furry creatures you love so much by selecting one of Gap Africa’s wildlife conservation projects. You can do your part for wildlife conservation by either volunteering to assist with nursing sick and injured animals or being part of a conservation team on a big five game reserve.
Choose between the Shamwari Conservation Experience and the “Pre” Vet Eco Experience.
African Overland Tours
Fancy a bit of adventure or getting that adrenaline pumping? Gap Africa offers a range of Africa Overland Tours across various African countries for varying lengths of time. From trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro to bunging jumping along the Garden Route, there is a tour that will suit your needs and satisfy your hunger for adventure.
Marine Conservation
If your love of animals lies with those that inhabit the deep, blue seas, then you should definitely consider Gap Africa’s Marine Conservation programme . Get involved in both the areas of marine research and conservation off the coast of Southern African and work closely with some of the top ocean research projects in Africa. This is the perfect way to learn and get up close and personal with aquatic creatures such as sharks, dolphins and whales.
You can work with either Great White Sharks or the O.R.C.A. Marine Foundation.
Wildlife Training
For as long as you can remember, you’ve only ever wanted to be one thing when you grew up: a wildlife ranger. Gap Africa offers an excellent wildlife training programme that consists of wildlife training courses and the opportunity to get some hands-on experience with animals in the wild. Professionals in the field are there to guide you and share their expertise in field guiding. If you’re serious about pursuing a career as a ranger, then this programme is one you won’t be able to pass up.
Veterinary Work Experience
Your love for animals has led you to a point where you know that you’d like to be a vet. What you need now is some all-important exposure to the field and that’s exactly why you should consider Gap Africa’s veterinary work experience programme. The courses available have been carefully crafted alongside specialists in wildlife veterinary science and they meet the necessary EMS criteria, so you are ensured a quality experience of the highest standard.
There are so many incredible gap year options available but choosing a volunteer project in Africa will not only mean you’ll have an extra special experience, but you’ll be able to give back in some small way as well. Contact Gap Africa Projects for more information about a project you’re interested in.
