Volunteer in Madagascar with the Pioneer Programme
Volunteer on the unique and exotic island of
Madagascar. Join the Pioneer Programme and take part
in sustainable development projects making a difference
to the region’s poorest communities.
Running for over 10 years, this project involves working on a variety of sustainable development projects, while gaining first-hand experience of the resource needs of impoverished communities and how these impact on conservation efforts. This programme gives you an understanding of development projects working on the ground in some of the poorest communities in the world, whilst working alongside local people on a variety of tasks. The specific projects you will work on are diverse and will vary according to the present needs of specific communities. Rest assured whatever you are working on will be invaluable to the local people and there is something for everyone on this project!
Organisation Voted "Best Volunteering Organisation" at the 2007 Responsible Tourism Awards, you will be working for a UK registered charity and Malagasy NGO whose aim is to eradicate poverty, suffering and environmental damage in Madagascar. The organisation’s approach is one of co-operation and participation with local communities living in the southeast of the country and its work aims to alleviate the effects of poverty and to support viable, environmentally-sensitive development. The charity works for a better future for people, communities and the environments in which they live.
Project Location Set in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa, Madagascar is the world's fourth largest island and has a colorful and unique human culture as well as breathtaking natural scenery and flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth.
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 the 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 Pioneers take part in a range of practical construction work, conservation projects and educational activities as required by the NGO's projects, which focus on health and sanitation, sustainable livelihoods and conservation. The 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:
•Building and equipping schools •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 •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 •The construction of fuel-efficient stoves within rural communities
This volunteer project seeks to minimize its impact on the environment and work in a sustainable manner which benefits the community. Wherever possible only local suppliers are used and local people are employed, and group sizes, water usage and motorized transport are all kept to a minimum. Volunteers are taught some of the local dialect of Malagasy and made aware of local customs before starting work.
Accommodation Basic 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 throughout the scheme. Meals mainly consist of rice, beans, vegetables and fruit. Fish (or eggs for vegetarians) are provided when possible. All meals are prepared by a cook, who travels alongside the group. The best possible treated drinking water is always available.
Costs £2000, based on the full 10 weeks (shorter programmes may be possible)
Don't let the size of the required fee put you off! The project managers have a dedicated office to support volunteers, with a wealth of fundraising experience and resources including manuals, raffle tickets, posters, sponsor forms, online donation facilities, collection boxes and even a lemur suit!
The cost of the programme is essentially a donation to support the charitable work of the organisation. Funds generated by the programme support projects in Madagascar, with over 90% of all donations being spent in direct pursuit of our charitable aims and providing vital support to our ongoing projects in the areas of health and sanitation, sustainable livelihoods and conservation.
The donation covers you for all in-country travel costs (excluding flights), project costs, training, meals and plenty of safe water, use of basic campsite facilities, orientation and a dedicated team to guide you in Madagascar. It does not include flights or any pre-departure expenses, such as visa fees, travel insurance and medical expenses.
Departure Dates There are four 10 week teams departing in the first week of January, April, July and October.
Likely Weather Conditions January to March – Hot and humid with rain. April to July – Drier. Hot in April then growing noticeably cooler July to September – Dry. Cooler in July then growing noticeably warmer October to December – Windy. Progressively hotter and more wet.
Our unique relationship with our tour operators ensures only people who have participated in a trip after making an enquiry for it at The Africa Guide can leave a review.
The email we send you when you make an enquiry has full instructions for registering a booking and leaving a review - both are free services.
Feel free to read through the reviews for any trip you like the look of.
Trips with no reviews are usually new to the The Africa Guide but are normally operated by a tour operator who is established here. Most tour operators listing here will usually have gained reviews about other trips they have listed here.
Thanks for visiting, happy travels and don't forget to send us your reviews...
Overall experience: “the place and people made it a very special experience and the feeling that at the end of the day you were contributing to important projects that will benefit the local communities and wildlife was great… I would recommend [this program] to anyone who is interested in volunteering in Madagascar. I liked the small community feeling of the organisation and as a volunteer I really felt part of the team and hope to stay in touch with the great friends I have made during my stay. I’ll keep a look out for any other opportunities to visit again! Thank you.”
Support from the staff in Madagascar: “very good – they were all wonderful, patient and obliging even though they must come up against the same issues with volunteers time and again. It really felt like we could have been the first and only group of volunteers in terms of friendliness and enthusiasm!”
Highlights: “Camping in St Luce – although basic conditions, the people and the place make it a very enjoyable experience. Meeting the local people and hearing their opinions on [the NGO] and conservation. Teaching and being in the forest everyday. The wildlife!”
