Fact-checking our upcoming April edition of Smart Traveler on voluntourism put me in touch with African Impact's Jolene Harris, the company's South Africa and Mozambique destination manager and marketing assistant. We chatted about African Impact, the volunteer work it facilitates for travelers to Africa, and what makes it special.First off, can you please tell us a bit about African Impact and what it does?
African Impact started in 2004 by local Zimbabweans who recognized an increasing desire by international travelers to give back and do some meaningful work when they vacation. African Impact has offices in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya and we have just branched out to South Africa. Over the last five years, African Impact has placed over 2,000 volunteers, with numbers growing each year. 2008 saw nearly 800 volunteers placed in eight countries on over 20 projects.
I notice you coordinate a wide array of volunteer opportunities: from lion, whale shark, manta ray, and black rhino conservation to assisting at clinics and fostering HIV/AIDS awareness as well as educational programs. What are some of your most popular projects?
Our most popular project would be our oldest and biggest which is the Lion Rehabilitation Project in Gweru, Zimbabwe. There are several more that receive large numbers of volunteers, namely our Livingstone Medical Project in Zambia, the Conservation and Photography Project in South Africa, and our Teaching and Community Project in Zanzibar.
African Impact works in Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, South
Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Which
country (or countries) is most popular among your volunteers?
It's hard to say, I think that each country has its own individual charm whether its exceptional landscapes, adventure activities, renowned people or great weather, and each can be a draw for anyone wanting to experience something completely different! Having said that, there are a few places that have consistently drawn large numbers of volunteers. South Africa is a popular country to volunteer in and I think it could be because of the fact that it is one of the world's top holiday destinations and so volunteers can tie in a bit of sightseeing and exploring while getting involved in local communities and feeling a part of the African culture. Zambia and Zimbabwe are also popular, both having exciting projects to be involved with, and in a lot of ways could be a more "raw" Africa experience. Mozambique and Zanzibar, with their beaches and laid-back coastal lifestyle, are also popular destinations.
What fees are required to volunteer and what percentage, roughly, of those fees paid by volunteers go back to benefit the local communities?
On average, a four-week placement would cost US$2,390. This includes all in-country transport, accommodation, meals, orientation and training, 24-hour field support and assistance by our experienced project managers. In addition, a portion of this contribution (roughly 20 percent) is invested into developing the project on the ground, whether it be through the purchase of building equipment, medical supplies or teaching materials. African Impact also donates to our UK-registered charitable trust, The Happy Africa Foundation.
African Impact promotes such voluntours as an opportunity for travelers to be more than tourists, to be conservationists and humanitarians. This notion mirrors our philosophy here at Traveler and IT. How does African Impact introduce local culture to its volunteers?
I think being an African-based organization we're in touch with the continent, its character and also how delicately it needs to be handled at times. We are passionate about our continent and truly making a difference here and I think that is something that feeds into our projects, the work we do, and ultimately to our volunteers who join us. It is real people working to make a real difference and for volunteers joining us that is part of getting a positive, authentic experience. We expose volunteers to the genuine cultures of the area they are in, including local foods, language, even dancing and traditions so they leave not only having given of themselves, but having learned much along the way.
We encourage anyone looking to travel, take an adventure, have an experience, and give back, to volunteer in Africa, and throughout the world. There is so much to be done and we truly can be the difference we want to see!
Photo: An African Impact volunteer on the beach in Zanzibar doing a litter clean-up.
It's hard to say, I think that each country has its own individual charm whether its exceptional landscapes, adventure activities, renowned people or great weather, and each can be a draw for anyone wanting to experience something completely different! Having said that, there are a few places that have consistently drawn large numbers of volunteers. South Africa is a popular country to volunteer in and I think it could be because of the fact that it is one of the world's top holiday destinations and so volunteers can tie in a bit of sightseeing and exploring while getting involved in local communities and feeling a part of the African culture. Zambia and Zimbabwe are also popular, both having exciting projects to be involved with, and in a lot of ways could be a more "raw" Africa experience. Mozambique and Zanzibar, with their beaches and laid-back coastal lifestyle, are also popular destinations.
What fees are required to volunteer and what percentage, roughly, of those fees paid by volunteers go back to benefit the local communities?
On average, a four-week placement would cost US$2,390. This includes all in-country transport, accommodation, meals, orientation and training, 24-hour field support and assistance by our experienced project managers. In addition, a portion of this contribution (roughly 20 percent) is invested into developing the project on the ground, whether it be through the purchase of building equipment, medical supplies or teaching materials. African Impact also donates to our UK-registered charitable trust, The Happy Africa Foundation.
African Impact promotes such voluntours as an opportunity for travelers to be more than tourists, to be conservationists and humanitarians. This notion mirrors our philosophy here at Traveler and IT. How does African Impact introduce local culture to its volunteers?
I think being an African-based organization we're in touch with the continent, its character and also how delicately it needs to be handled at times. We are passionate about our continent and truly making a difference here and I think that is something that feeds into our projects, the work we do, and ultimately to our volunteers who join us. It is real people working to make a real difference and for volunteers joining us that is part of getting a positive, authentic experience. We expose volunteers to the genuine cultures of the area they are in, including local foods, language, even dancing and traditions so they leave not only having given of themselves, but having learned much along the way.
We encourage anyone looking to travel, take an adventure, have an experience, and give back, to volunteer in Africa, and throughout the world. There is so much to be done and we truly can be the difference we want to see!
Photo: An African Impact volunteer on the beach in Zanzibar doing a litter clean-up.
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Beautiful locations.
Africa became one of the favorite destinations if we talked about volunteer program maybe because of lots endangered animals. It’s good to know there are lots of people gives time on taking care of the environment and the animals.
I will be volunteering with African Impact this Fall. I am really looking forward to it!!!
I would like to work on lion project how can i join my self volunteerly with the Ngo Pls. guide me.
My pone no is 91+98798 43057
waitng fro your reply
Thanks you
We went with the Big 5 project 2009 in Zimbabwe. The Hwange part was a catastrophe. We were all told in the information we got in advance that we were going to do voluntary work there with scientists. When we came nothing like that was arranged and not even possible. We spent most of our time there waiting for things to happen. They wanted us to do a survival course instead. When we came home and talked to African Impact and Real gap about it they have changed all the information about the project and refuse to repay or even answer. The staff at Miombo where nice. I do not believe it is their fault that they were not prepared to give us what we all expected, that is the main offices mistake.
If African Impact would have repaid us and said they were sorry for being the cause of our disappointment we would be able to believe that this was an accident.
The rest of the trip was great.
I volunteered with African Impact at their Mozambique Rural Pre-School project in March 2009. The experince was great. I was there for 4 weeks, and went through a rollercoaster of emotion. The African Impact Team are very good considering they are dealing with westerners who have most likely never lived in such remote and poor areas. Be advised it's not just a holiday, you will be expected to pull your wait, but when you see the smiling faces of the kids at school or those at the english lessons it is all worth it. Don't hesitate in signing up!