The project particularly welcomes applications from people who are studying or have studied anthropology, biological/environmental studies or science, African studies, international relations and other related courses. The project is also suitable for people interested in a future in not-for-profit organisations, NGOs, conservation, sustainable development or humanitarian causes. Although  volunteers are not required to have previous experience or knowledge in these areas, people with interest in these fields will make ideal candidates. 

All volunteers will need to be:

• Flexible 
• Team players
• Reasonably physically fit
• Able to "rough it" 

The Project

As a grassroots development organisation the charity works directly with local communities ensuring that the work is requested by, as well as being useful to, the people of Madagascar. Although there is  a skilled and dedicated team made up of Malagasy and non-Malagasy staff in the south-east of the country, much of the work is dependent upon our volunteers.

Over the course of the Programme, as a volunteer you will have the opportunity to learn how a small NGO operates and the inherent challenges that it faces when working in a developing country. More specifically you will be working on  projects in the field and gaining understanding of the resource needs of impoverished village communities and how this impacts on conservation efforts.

Generally, the first week consists of orientation in Fort Dauphin followed by several weeks in various locations in the field, ending with another week in Fort Dauphin. Below is an example of the sort of itinerary you could expect from your time in Madagascar.

School building
Pioneer volunteers are helping Azafady to address the high demand for schools in the rural commune of Mahatalaky in Fort Dauphin. Mahtalaky is made up of 16 fokontanies (villages), each made up of several outlying hamlets. The commune is vast and communities isolated from each other. Many fokontanies have no formal educational services and children are forced to walk up to 20km per day to attend school in other communities. Volunteers help in all aspects from building the actual school to supplying books and constructing furniture.

Well construction
The Malagasy government is aiming to provide 80% of rural people with clean drinking water by 2015. Azafady and the Pioneer program are helping to achieve this aim by building new wells as requested by village communities and repairing and improving existing ones. We aim that all volunteer groups will complete at least one water point during their time in Madagascar.

Reforestation
Azafady is currently undertaking the reforestation of 80 hectares of barren land with the help of Pioneer volunteers. Volunteers are helping both in the propagation and planting of large numbers of trees for this enormous task.

Improved food security
Basic lack of food is an ongoing issue which claims many lives in Madagascar. For this component of the Pioneer program, volunteers assist in developing our demonstration and training sites both in Fort Dauphin and in idyllic but very poor rural villages. Volunteers work on improved planting and harvesting techniques with improved crop varieties, and help us to develop our sites into thriving examples for the local community.

Education
Each Pioneer itinerary includes an educational component. This may be teaching English to children in rural villages or unemployed young people in Fort Dauphin; health education in the form of songs and role-play to inform children about the benefits of hand washing and using latrines; or environmental education to raise awareness of the need for conservation of local forests.

Building Improved stoves
Pioneers are helping Azafady to promote the construction of “improved stoves” in an effort to reduce both the pressure on the forest and improve the health of local people and the time spent collecting firewood. The stoves promoted are simple and can be made from local materials: they create an enclosed cooking space which requires 60% less firewood, shorter cooking times, and lessen eye and lung problems through the reduction in smoke.

Camping facilities are provided throughout the programme, although volunteers do need to bring their own tent. Facilities are basic but 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.

All meals are provided throughout the placement. 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.

£2000 for 10 weeks

Additional weeks  are costed at a sliding reducing rate
Please note these costs are correct to the best of our knowledge but can only be confirmed at time of booking due to changes in transport and taxes outside our control.

Includes: 
• A personal contact from the charity in the London office who you can contact at any time with any questions 
• airport pick up  and in-country travel costs whilst on the scheme
• Full training in all aspects of project work
• All meals for the full eight weeks
• Use of campsite facilities
• A dedicated team to guide you in Madagascar
• Orientation and language classes upon arrival  pre-placement briefings together with support throughout your placement

Not included:
flights, insurance, visa costs, personal expenses such as phone calls, medical expenses, etc.