Educational Work
Placements are from 4 – 12 weeks, giving students the opportunity
to become involved in a wide diversity of conservation and
research projects; from game capture and tagging, to erecting
and checking of game fences and everyday reserve maintenance and
management.
Volunteers
Students participating in the programme all have a common
ambition – to make a positive contribution to conservation. To
see, feel, and smell the African bush while developing a
practical knowledge of life in the wild. Young people wanting
to learn from their experiences and develop themselves, students
must have an open mind and be prepared to change their way of
thinking.
An Educational Work Experience is an absolute must for everyone
who is enthusiastic about conservation and the environment and
especially for school-leavers, undergraduates and graduates
studying Biological Sciences (Botany, Zoology, Biology, etc),
Veterinary and Animal Sciences or any environmental subjects.
For college students doing animal care and conservation
management and wanting to make a career of conservation and the
environment. Post graduate students wishing to carry out
specific field research can usually be found a place on Reserves
with appropriate research programmes. Students with an interest
in Geology, Sociology and Anthropology will value particular
reserves where they can gain unique experience in these subjects.
Educational Work Experience Coordinators
Experienced conservation managers and game rangers, appointed by
the Reserves, are responsible for each student during their time
on the Reserve - from the time of arrival until departure. The
Co-ordinator is the point of contact on the Reserve to allocate
work projects, act as guide and tutor/mentor, and generally look
after the student’s welfare.
Most reserves take around six students at a time, allowing
co-ordinators to focus a lot of attention on each student,
whilst still allowing students to work as a team.
Open Days
We hold a number of Open Days at various locations in the UK
where applicants and volunteers can meet us and discuss the
projects. These are usually held on university premises which
is easily accessible by bus, car and from a railway station and
are on Saturdays so that you won’t have to take time off.
As well as meeting us and us meeting you, it also gives you the
opportunity to meet other volunteers who are going on placements.
You will find out plenty more about A.C.E. and the conservation
programmes from the presentation and video we give on the day.
The video and photographs will give you some idea of the
accommodation and conditions you can expect while on your
Experience. There is also a general question and answer session
when we will answer many of your questions. Parents, friends and
partners are very welcome (and are usually very envious of what
you will be doing). It is not compulsory to attend an Open Day
but are there for you if you would like to come along.
There will be A.C.E. representatives to assist you complete a
booking form and check availability if you want to book your
placement there and then. A booking deposit of £250 is required
and we will send you a booking confirmation within a few days.
Contact
Please phone us on 0870 241-5816
e-mail info@ConservationAfrica.net
To find out where and when the next Open Day is to be held.
Fundraising
Most students are in the situation where fund-raising will be
required to finance the trip. Fund-raising should be seen as
part of the challenge in getting to Southern Africa and can be
great fun. At the Introduction Weekend fund-raising session we
give you many tips and helpful hints that will assist you in
your fund-raising efforts. Our booklet “The A.C.E. Guide to
Fun(d)-Raising” will show you just how much fun it can be. It
gives you some great ideas and the basic information to get you
started. The Guide will also tell you where we can give you
direct support and assistance.
Cost
Travel costs and food arrangements vary from reserve to reserve
and according to the time of year. For example, a placement at
Kagga Kamma costs between £1,785 (four weeks) and £2,224 (12
weeks); most students can expect to pay some £3,500 for a 12
week placement. This includes international flights, domestic
flights to and from local airports in Africa, transfers and, in
most cases, full board throughout your stay. (We will advise you
where and when full board does not apply.) We'll give you the
precise cost once your placement details are confirmed and we
ask for a £250 deposit to secure the placement. (Please note
that prices are subject to change but are fixed once the deposit
is paid.)
The only additional money required will be for drinks and
entertainment during your time away, and spending money whilst
travelling. Remember that the cost of living in the countries
of Southern Africa is much lower .
What to do Next!
Ask us for an Information and Application Pack. Contact by:
e-mail
telephone
post
Fill in our online Request for Application Pack
Return your Application Form
Attend an Introduction Weekend
Pay your deposit
Fund-Raising
Payment of full balance
Depart on the Experience of a Lifetime!
Availability
Because most Southern African countries have Government
policies of Affirmative Action (positive discrimination)
giving priority to applications for placements from local
students, the reserves participating in the scheme are
legally bound by these policies and do not accept direct
approaches made by foreign students. As you can imagine,
Game and Nature Reserves in Southern Africa are inundated
with requests for placements so we have an agreed allocation
of spaces. Because the number of voluntary placements is
limited, the sooner you ask for your Application Pack and
return your completed Application Form, the better your
chances of being able to go for the duration and in the time
available to you.
Contact Details
African Conservation Experience
Applications Department
P.O. Box 9706
Solihull, West Midlands
B91 3FF
UK
Tel. inside the UK: 0870 2415816
Tel outside the UK: +44 1626 879700
e-mail: info@conservationafrica.net
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"Your chance to get a hands on experience with African Wildlife!"
Volunteer Programs
Cheetah & Endangered Wildlife Conservation Course
The Centre has established itself as one of the leading
private research and breeding facilities for endangered
species in South Africa . The Cheetah and Endangered
Wildlife Conservation Programme is based on a 4 week
conservation course! The Programme is aimed at giving
the students an opportunity to learn about and appreciate
the African Bush, with the main focus being education on
various conservation related topics. The students will
gain valuable knowledge in a hands on environment and will
have the opportunity of spending time in the attached "big 5"
game reserve! The programme also includes a trip to the
World Famous Kruger Park, other rehab centers and bush walks!
Students will spend most of their time involved in the
conservation programme but some time will be spent feeding
the animals in the rehabilitation centre, working in the
butchery and assisting the vet if a problem arises!
Some of the tasks you could get involved with include:
- Learn basic bush survival
- Attend lecture/discussion classes based on various
nature conservation topics
- Work with the Vet in the animal hospital if the
occasion arises
- Post mortem and collection of biological samples
- Assist with the menial tasks in order to keep enclosures
neat, clean and tidy
- Prepare food for the animals
- Feed animals (Lions & Cheetahs, African Wildcat, Black
footed-Cat, etc) including birds (ground hornbill,
blue crane)
- Assist in Translocation of animals when problems occur
- Erecting cages, fences and capture camps for game capture
- Assist in anti-poaching, remove snares
- Conducting guided tours
- Game drives
Game Capture and Wildlife Management Programme
This thrilling course gives you a once in a life time chance
to get a hands on experience in the Bush! Not only do you
get to interact with the wild animals but you also get a
chance to participate in game capture and translocation of
various African wildlife species! Experience the real magic
of the African bush with hands on involvement. Indulge in
adventure activities like flying in a capture helicopter with
an experienced pilot to locate and then drive the game into
the bomas. Visit a lion ranch and elephant sanctuary where
candidates will have the rare opportunity to get up close with
these magnificent animals!
The program is designed to be very interactive and therefore
will give you the opportunity to experience things that very
few people ever do in their life time!
Some of the activities you would get involved with include:
- Bush awareness and survival techniques
- Animal tracking and spoor identification
- Setting up boma’s for game capture, safe loading of
animals for transportation and relocation
- Assist in the capture, transportation and relocation
of animals to places of safety
- Game counting, darting, tagging, radio collaring
and micro chipping
- Rifle training and safety
- Raptor release
- Visits to local rehabilitation centers
The Game and Lion Park
The Game and Lion Park is situated on the sunshine coast of
Southern Africa , the 120 Hectare Park offers a unique aspect
of close-up Game-viewing. As the name implies Lions are the
main attraction and most of which are young cubs. The Park
is also a renowned animal sanctuary, from which many sick or
injured animals including a variety of birdlife have been
successfully rehabilitated. Volunteers working at the
sanctuary will assist with the preparation and feeding of
the animals, hand rearing and bottle feeding the baby lions,
conducting guided tours of the lion enclosures, assisting in
the kitchen and all round general maintenance of the park!
Some of the tasks the participant would get
involved with include:
- Preparing bottles for the young animals
- Preparing food for the monkeys
- Feeding and preparing meat for the lions
- Hand feeding and cuddling lion cubs and other young animals
- Assisting in the restaurant
- Educating the public about the park, and the animal
- Cleaning of animals cages/enclosures
- General game farm management
- Conducting tours of the lion enclosures
Baboon Centre
This centre specializes in rehabilitating Baboons. Learn
more about these fascinating primates as you tend to the
young and aid in the lengthily process of forming troops
to reintroduce into the wild. Tend to many of the animals
that have been injured or traumatized due to peoples'
ignorance. At the Baboon Centre you will get an opportunity
to help rehabilitate the baboons, working closely with the
staff to learn about the mannerisms of these greatly
misunderstood animals.
Some of the tasks the participant would get involved
with include:
- Preparation of the baboons food, as well as bottles for
the babies
- Hand feeding the babies, cuddling and playing with
the mischievous youngsters
- Maintaining records of incoming animals, their progress
and treatment
- Assisting injured, ill or traumatized baboons
- Observing the interaction between the animals
For more information on the volunteer programs
email them at:
louise@African-experience.co.za
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Cheetah Conservation Centre
WILDLIFE INTERNSHIPS UPDATE
They now have openings for internships at the
Hoedspruit Cheetah Conservation Center.
Application and Additional Information
The vet you would work with is Dr. Peter Rogers, formerly the
vet of the Natal Parks Board, and Dr. Thys de Wet, previously
a government employed Nature Conservationist. The center has
nearly 70 cheetahs, two packs of wild dogs, and many other
endangered species.
INTERNSHIP DUTIES:
The mornings usually start at 6:30am preparing food for the
cheetahs and other Endangered captive animals. Most of the
time, there are injured and or sick animals in the vet
hospital and/or babies of some sort that need constant care
and feeding around the clock. Interns might be divided into
groups for logistical purposes.
When the breeding center is quiet the groups will be helping
with anti-poaching work, veld management, assisting in
veterinary procedures, or even catching problem wild animals
on nearby farms.
The veterinary work is sporadic, so they cannot promise what
immobilizations you will be doing, but the vets will keep
you busy!
The internship is $500 (US) per week. The booking for the
internship is done through us (Parawild Safaris), and the
cost covers your transportation to and from East gate airport,
housing, one meal a day, plus access to a kitchen so you
can cook your own meals.
FOOD AND ACCOMODATION
You will have to buy your own food (for the meals other
than the one provided) and drinks. On your day of arrival,
you will be taken grocery shopping. In addition, there will
be a vehicle going to town once a week.
Laundry facilities will be available, and you may be able
to hire someone to do your washing, if needed.
Students will stay in a dormitory setting.
REGISTRATION:
To reserve your place, they will need a 25% deposit ($125 per
week you plan to be there), and the dates of your internship.
TO APPLY:
Print out a hard-copy of the Application and mail completed form
with the deposit check to:
Parawild Safaris
PO Box 4101
Nelspruit 1200
South Africa
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Work at a Vervet Monkey Sanctuary in South Africa
city:
Limpopo Province
country:
South Africa
dates:
No set arrival / departure dates
Global Vision International
Nomansland
Wheathampstead, St Albans AL4 8EJ
England
phone:
+ 44 (0) 870 6088898
fax:
+ 44 (0) 1582 834002
WebSite:
click here to visit Global Vision International's web site
Travel types:
Eco Tours, Ecology and Environmental Studies
Description:
Would you like to make a difference at the biggest
monkey rehabilitation centre in South Africa? Global Vision
International has linked up with this centre which provides a
sanctuary for over 500 orphaned and injured Vervet monkeys. The
centre is much in need of volunteers who have a love for animals
and are prepared to become completely involved in the care and
rehabilitation of these wonderful creatures. Volunteers can join
for four weeks and upwards and will be fully trained in all
aspects of animal care needed for this project. Tasks range from
feeding and caring for the orphaned baby Vervets and monitoring
the monkeys, to collecting food, helping to build new facilities
and assisting with fundraising. You will live in comfortable
tented accomodation at the sanctuary and will also have the
opportunity to explore the surrounding area and experience what
South Africa has to offer.
Highlights:
Opportunity to play a hands on role in the care and conservation
of one of South Africa's indigenous primates and explore South
Africa.
Cost in us$:
From US$1285 for 4 weeks
Cost includes:
The Volunteer contribution includes all your food, accommodation,
training materials and project equipment.
typically the application process time is 1-2 weeks
Global Vision International's mission statement:
The underlying aim of GVI is the promotion of sustainable
development through partnership with aid reliant organizations.
These organizations and dedicated GVI Volunteers combine
resources to fulfill project goals. Partner organizations share
GVI's vision and are committed to GVI's three focal points of
sustainable development: environmental research, education and
community development.
year founded:
1998
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Diving & Marine Research
“This is an amazing opportunity for Expedition Members to become
involved in internationally respected research programmes. The
base is purpose built, with all modern facilities, and GVI have
invested heavily in project equipment to assist our local
partners. Based within the Cap Terney National Marine Park,
this is a unique opportunity to work in an incredible place. ”
Steve Gwenin, GVI Director of Marine Projects, December 2003
Overview:
GVI has been invited by the Seychelles government and local
NGO’s, to assist their priority biological study and
conservation programmes. Global Vision International’s third
ambitious coral reef research expedition supports and assists
the work of local government Seychelles Centre for Marine
Research and Technology (SCMRT), Marine Parks Authority (MPA),
Ministry of Environment, and the local NGO’s Marine Conservation
Society of the Seychelles (MCSS) and Nature Protection Trust of
the Seychelles (NPTS), plus international NGO’s and universities.
Based within the Cap Terney National Marine Park in the
Seychelles surrounded by the spectacular scenery and
wildlife of the islands, the training and opportunities
for personal development on this expedition are second to
none. This is a unique opportunity to become involved in
internationally respected research programmes and dive in
an incredible area.
Expedition Aims:
Extensive meetings with local government agencies (SCMRT), MPA,
Ministry of Environment and local NGO’s MCSS and NPTS identified
the following project areas that were deemed a priority:
* Characterisation surveys of the marine environment of Silhouette
Island, to assist with a GEF research application.
* Coral reef and bleaching recovery monitoring through SCUBA diving
surveys.
* In water sea turtle, octopus, lobster and sea cucumber surveys.
* Sea Turtle nesting surveys
* Whale shark migration surveys
* Training people in diving and survey techniques
* Assist in the development of the environmental education and
awareness programmes and the Development of the base as an
Ecological Research and Awareness Centre.
PLEASE NOTE:
All Expedition Members should be aware that the projects being
conducted during any given expedition depend upon the season
and the priority needs of our local working partners. The needs
of our local working partners will always be our priority, and
so GVI reserve the right to add or cancel projects as the
seasons and requirements dictate.
Expedition Skills Required:
Expedition Members will need to be qualified to at least PADI
Open Water or equivalent; however GVI’s comprehensive training
programme will provide you with all the skills necessary for
expedition life, such as marine survey techniques. You must
be able to pass a medical examination to prove you are
physically fit to dive. Everyone must be able to work as part
of a team and have a strong interest in wildlife and
conservation. Participants must also be very enthusiastic,
adventurous, have a good sense of humour and be respectful of
the host country`s environment and cultures. Please note that
preference will be given to science / biology / marine science
graduates or students and ex GVI Marine Expedition Members.
Location:
Cap Terney Marine National Park, West Coast, Mahe Island,
Seychelles
Field Conditions:
The expedition base is set within the Cap Terney Marine National
Park, on the west coast of the main island. The base is within a
5 minute walk of a sandy beach with scenic views, and a 10 minute
drive to the nearest village. The base is a government run
research centre, specifically built with wet laboratories,
classrooms, offices, kitchen area, dining room, electrical
supply and running water, along with showers, functioning
toilets and laundry facilities. There is also an outside social
and bbq area. Expedition Members will live in dormitory style
accommodation, 12 to a spacious room with comfortable beds. The
Expedition Members will assist in developing their expedition
base as Ecological Research and Awareness Centre. The programme
of research will eventually supply Expedition Members with
opportunity to work temporarily in small working parties groups
upon at least one other island.
The nearest village to the base has public telephones and bus
connections to the main town and port, Victoria, where internet
communications, restaurants and bars can be found, plus the
ferry terminal for access to other islands.
Duration:
5, 10, 15 or 20 weeks
Group Size:
12-16 plus expedition staff
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