Construction, Conservation and Teaching in Africa.

Hi, my name is Tawni-Jade and I am in my 1st year at University studying Forensic Science. I have been accepted to volunteer with Volunteer Eco Students Abroad (VESA) during July/August 2016 in South Africa. I have a passion for helping other people. I suffer with depression so volunteering is very important to me as it makes me feel like I have done something good during my lifetime. I am a huge animal lover, I am very musical and my family are my rock. I spend most of my free time looking after my pets, singing or playing an instrument, or looking after my little cousins.

I have been given the amazing opportunity to volunteer with VESA on their South African program. The program is multi-faceted and includes working with children in crèches and schools teaching them to speak English, teaching them basic sanitation, hygiene and nutrition through games and activities. I will also renovate and revitalise the sometimes run-down facilities with fresh coats of paint, new play equipment and the construction of bathrooms or kitchens. I will also work with various different animals including Elephants, Crocodiles, Cheetahs and Leopards in a rehabilitation, breeding and release program; preparing the food, feeding the animals and constructing new enclosures for the breeding pairs. The three main aims of this programme are Construction, Conservation and Education and I would like to be able to make a difference to the lives of many of the children in Africa and to give them a better start in life including the change to get an education. The volunteer work also includes helping build and install sustainable farming units which allow for families and, in particular, single mothers to start a micro business and through this gain employment and income for their family. I would hugely appreciate any donations to help me get to Africa, as many of you know, being a student I am not able to afford the whole cost of this trip by myself with it costing £1150 not including the flights, any vaccinations I may need and travel insurance. I will be departing from the UK on 22nd July 2016 and be in South Africa for 14 Days, returning home on the 5th August 2016 ready equipped with hordes of photos, videos and a huge sense of achievement.