Community Development Volunteering in Madagascar

Overview

Join the Community Development Volunteering Program in Madagascar with Volunteering Solutions and contribute effectively towards making lives better for the people living in Nosy Komba. Being a developing island nation, there are several issues that people have to face in their daily lives. Our main aim would be to improve the lives and living conditions of the people, by maintaining existing community infrastructures and building much needed new facilities.

The community development program was established to provide supplies for construction projects within local communities and to aid in organising and running projects. Volunteers work with local builders on projects that directly benefit the communities surrounding the base camp or at the secondary camp at Ampohana.

Through the work, volunteers will build relationships within the local communities and some volunteers choose to raise money to fund specific projects.

Community Development project volunteers will be assigned a project within the local community on arrival. Schedules vary depending on the project and the requirements of the community.

Types of construction projects include:

Toilet blocks
Irrigation systems
Local schools (building and repairs)
Painting projects
Water wells
Clinics
Places of worship
Basketball court repairs
Trash system

Among the various issues that are faced, running water and sanitation issues are among the most crucial ones. These problems are addressed by the team of volunteers as well as awareness is spread among the students about the environment.

Apart from that, transportation is another major issue. The absence of roads and motorised vehicles on Nosy Komba means that the local inhabitants face the daily challenge of crossing near impassable terrain to reach other nearby villages. Rainy season makes many of these routes even more difficult to negotiate. We assist communities by identifying these areas and building pathways and bridges to make these precarious routes easier to navigate. It also helps tourists to reach these interior places which are hidden gems of the island, thus, contributing towards the flourish of tourism.

Volunteers in this program gain the following skills -

Basic construction skills (local construction knowledge)
Teamwork
Project Management
Problem-solving

Volunteers assist not only with the physical labour required to complete the projects but also with initiating additional fundraising campaigns. These fundraising efforts are invaluable, without which we would not be able to achieve our goals. A seemingly small contribution can make a noteworthy difference in the lives of the people living here.

Volunteer Work Schedule

Volunteers usually arrive on Sunday and the program will start from Monday.

MONDAY
07:30 Breakfast
08:30 Orientation Presentation
10:00 Health and Safety Presentation
11:00 Complete and sign forms and paperwork
12:00 Lunch
14:00 Walk to the neighboring village of Ampang for a tour led by staff
17:00 Return to camp (walk or by boat at a cost of 2,000 MGA/person)
18:00 Dinner
18:45 Daily Board Briefing

TUESDAY: First official day on project! Generally, you will be doing hands-on activities integrated with staff and other more experienced volunteers. Staff will go over activities and times after dinner on Monday so you know where to go.

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES:

Each program has morning and afternoon activities. After dinner each day, we have a briefing to go over activities for the following day.
NOTE: Schedule will vary depending on the project, tides, etc.

Sample Schedule:

05:00-07:00 Breakfast on camp
06:00-08:00 Start of morning activities on the project
12:00 Lunch on camp
14:00 Start of afternoon activities on the project
16:00-17:00 Volunteer activities for the day usually conclude
18:00 Dinner on camp
18:45 Board Briefing to go over activities for the following day

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Being a volunteer for this project, your main roles would be:

Ensuring better living conditions to the local communities by contributing to the building and renovation of houses, toilet blocks, school buildings and basketball courts
Spread awareness about good health & sanitation among the students
Volunteers mostly work alongside community members using traditional building methods
Help in fundraising campaigns for building projects
Engage in extra activities with the local community

Apart from regular project construction activities, the local team also regularly plan extra activities together to encourage volunteers to spend time in the villages. The number of time volunteers spend in the local communities and the amount of effort the volunteers make to get to know students have a noticeable influence on the attendance of voluntary classes. For this reason, community events such as village walks and sporting tournaments are important to the community program.

Project Requirement

If you plan to volunteer in Madagascar, you need to be at least 18 years old. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if you are accompanied by your parents. Volunteers should be highly energetic; have a positive attitude to make a change; possess a certain level of fitness, since the island life is not as easy as it might seem!

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Community Development Madagascar - Madagascar

Living

Dates

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Costs

Duration	Program Fee	Choose your currency
1 Week	$510
2 Weeks	$770
3 Weeks	$1040
4 Weeks	$1345
5 Weeks	$1645
6 Weeks	$1925
7 Weeks	$2225
8 Weeks	$2500

Please Note: An application fee of is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment. A 5% international banking fee is charged for credit card payments of program fee in USD/AUD.

inclusions

24 hrs Assistance and support from staff
Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
Orientation
Sleeping accommodation on camp for the program duration
Three meals per day, seven days per week on camp
Supervision and training by staff
Airport pick-up in Nosy Be
Transportation to program sites
Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)

Not Included

Flights
Visa costs
Personal items
Travel and health insurance
Airport drop-off

FAQ's

Application and Program Details

How long will it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted?: After you complete your application, your personalized ‘My Account’ will be active. You will need to upload your CV/Resume along with your photo in the same. Our backend team and the placement site takes around 10-12 days to review your application. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and booking confirmation is updated in your ‘My Account’.
I haven’t traveled or volunteered abroad before. Can I still be a part of VolSol?: Yes, most definitely you can as we believe every participant brings something new to the project. If you do not have previous experience, we offer you the opportunity to have a great start with us. We make international volunteering easy – not only are our Volunteer Abroad opportunities rooted in offering you extensive support, but they are also very affordable.
Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the programs?: You must be respectful towards the people living on the island

You must be tolerant towards others and respect the differences

You must welcome teamwork but also be able to work alone

You must be at least 18 years old

You have to be a proactive person, we welcome volunteers with initiative and creativity

You must have at least an Intermediate level of English
Does VolSol provide a reference or a certificate after program completion?: Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The certificate is provided on request.
Can I volunteer as part of a group?: Yes, you are welcome to take part in the Programs in Madagascar as part of a group. We welcome families, friends, high school students, college/university and corporate groups to volunteer in Madagascar programs together.
How do I get to the program location?: The in-country coordinator will guide & assist you reach the program location, on the first day of the program.
When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Madagascar?: As we have limited spots available in our programs and we serve on a first come first basis, it is strongly recommended to apply for the program and reserve your spot in the program well in advance. You can book your spot in the program by filling an online form and pay the application fee.

Once you complete your application, your individual 'My Account' will be active in which you will receive your placement confirmation after which you can pay the program fees. You can pay the program fees later as well in installments, but 45 days before the program starts.

Connect with Past Volunteers

How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions alumni as well as other former and current volunteers?: We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the https://www.facebook.com/VolunteeringSolutions/"; target="_blank">Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or https://www.facebook.com/groups/volunteeringsolutions/"; target="_blank">Facebook Group to communicate with other participants.

To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the https://www.volunteeringsolutions.com/meet-a-volunteer"; target="_blank">Meet a Volunteer page on our website.

Flights and Visa

Can I know more about the flights and Visa?: Volunteers may fly directly into Nosy Be Fascene International Airport (airport code NOS), or into the capital city, Antananarivo (Tana for short; airport code TNR). If you fly into Tana, you can take a domestic flight from Tana to Nosy Be, or travel overland via Taxi Brousse or private car to Nosy Be. We can help arrange your overland transport if needed.

All visitors require visas and a one to two-month single entry visa may be obtained on arrival at the airport. This may be extended to in-country to a maximum of three months. We do recommend you check with the Consulate General as visa requirements can change at any time. A passport valid for 6 months after the date of return is required. Please ensure you have at least two blank pages available in your passport before the commencement of travel.

Health and Safety

Can I know more about the vaccinations required?: The https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/madagascar"; target="_blank">CDC recommended the following vaccinations for travelers visiting Madagascar: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, and influenza.
Why should I volunteer in Madagascar?: Well, we believe you need no reason to be a part of something incredibly meaningful, such as volunteering in Madagascar. However, in case you are still wondering why you should be a part of this journey, here are a few reasons that would possibly convince you to join us.

It'll be a golden opportunity for you to take a closer look at nature and understand how the flora & fauna of this island has evolved over time, disconnecting from the rest of the world.

You'll get to work with professionals and gain some valuable surveying skills.

In case you join the Marine Conservation Program, you'll get a PADI certificate that'll benefit you in the days ahead as well.

You'll get to meet some amazing people from different parts of the world, and experience an amazing exchange of skills and thoughts.

If you are keen to learn and experience something new, then there can be nothing better than this!