-
The Project
Help and be a volunteer in Vietnam in a wildlife haven that since 2007 has rescued and released over 1000 animals. We will take you to our project Wildlife Rescue Station, the first and only wildlife hospital and holding facility in Southern Vietnam. Located nearby tropical rubber tree forests and the famous Cu Chi tunnels, the station is home to many species including gibbons, primates, bears, reptiles, monitor lizards, carnivores, water dragons, pythons and a wide range of turtles. Staff are trying their best to provide accommodation and care for wildlife rescued from illegal traders. After recovering most of the animals healthy enough are then released back into their natural habitat.
-
Why the project needs you
Unfortunately over the last four decades, more than 200 species of birds and 120 other animal species have been wiped out. The future of Vietnam’s unique wildlife remains under serious threat, facing over 120 officially endangered species. It’s foreseen that Vietnam’s forests, rivers and seas will soon be empty if the slaughter continues at the present rate.
Project Location
The Centre is the first of its kind in southern Vietnam. It is located 2 hours outside Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) close to the popular tourist destination known as the Ben Dinh tunnels, which formed a part of the
-
Project Facts
• Duration: 1-2 weeks
• Cost: £955 for 1 week, £1244 for 2 weeks
• Requirements: age 17+
• Location: Cu Chi, 2 hours outside Ho Chi Minh City
• Project activities: Prepare food for animals, prepare playground equipment for Sun bears, plant trees, help with reserve maintenance and new construction of facilities.
• Working hours: 09:00 - 16:30, Monday - Friday. Weekends by roster.
• Project Availability: Project start every Monday.
-
What is included
• Accommodation: Shared room in a volunteer house.
• Airport pick up
• Transfer back to Ho Chi Minh
• Training: Pre-departure packs, on-site orientation, a basic language class and a local phrase book for the remainder of your stay
• Support: 24 hour support
• Excursions: Staff will help plan cultural visits to temples and archeological sites, local hikes, and cultural outings. (Activity prices may be extra)
-
What is not included
• Flights
• Insurance
• Visas
• Meals: Volunteers must buy their own food. A kitchen is provided to prepare local fresh food
• Airport drop-off
-
Your life outside the project
The centre is based close to the small rural town of An Nhon Tay. It's a quiet but beautiful area; on your days off you may want to stay around the centre and enjoy the natural beauty of the area or, if you fancy something a bit different, you could head down to the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels. These underground tunnels are part of a maze of passageway used by the Viet Cong in the war against America. Less than 1 metre high and around 70cm in width, the tunnels were used as supply routes, kitchens, hospitals, homes and training facilities. For a bit more action you can head into Vietnam's largest city, Ho Chi Minh, where there's plenty to see and do.
-
Ideas for Independent Travel
Cycling from Saigon to Angkor
The ultimate cycling adventure taking you along roads less travelled into the heart of Cambodia. On this amazing journey you will meet friendly Cambodians who still view foreigners as a novelty and encounter landscapes untouched by tourism. Good for those wanting to see more of the Mekong Delta and Cambodia, get off the beaten track and see it from the locals pace of life.
Climb Mount Faspian
At 3,143 metres Mt. Fansipan is Vietnam’s highest mountain. Although only 9km from Sapa town, it takes at least three days to get to the peak and back. The top is accessible year-round to anybody, so long as they are in good shape. As there are no mountain huts on the way, you can camp along the way on your journey. No ropes or technical climbing skills are needed, just endurance and plenty of energy to make your way through the rugged terrain.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong is the oldest national park in Vietnam. Located only 120km southwest of Hanoi. Cuc Phuong boasts engaging cultural and wildlife heritage and enchanting scenery. Magnificent limestone mountains rise up majestically from the green rice-terraces and traditional stilt houses of the Muong hill-tribe. Covered in a dense forest they form a habitat for some of Asia's rarest species. Enjoy trekking through the 1000 year old trees, night spotting and bird watching expeditions on some of Asias rarest wildlife.
Project Quality
Kaya evaluates every project we offer to ensure that we only commit to programmes with genuine need for volunteer aid, not just financial assistance. We develop relationships with the projects and help shape initiatives to ensure in the long run that we do not encourage dependence on outside help, but rather establish foundations on which the people can build and develop themselves. We also ensure that the members of those communities are open and eager to learn and discover our culture, as we become a part of theirs. The quality and sustainability of our programmes are very important to us. We want you to have the most fulfilling and memorable time as possible, and be part of something that is going to last into future generations.
Accommodation & Meals
You will be staying in a guest house and either have a single or shared room with another volunteer for the duration of your stay. Meals are not included within your project fee, however these can be bought cheaply from surrounding local restaurants. There is also a kitchen at your accommodation should you wish to buy and prepare food there instead.
In-Country Coordinators
Each country coordinator is there to make sure your time in your programme runs smoothly. They will pick you up from the airport and take you on your orientation. All in-country coordinators are English speaking and are there to ensure you have all the information and resources for the best placement.
24/7 Emergency Support
As well as support from your in-country coordinators, you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line managed by Kaya staff, in case any problem should arise while you're overseas.
Kaya Help-desk
Each member of Kaya staff have worked, travelled, studied or volunteered abroad, and many staff have visited and volunteered in our projects knowing firsthand the country and nature of the programme placements. Their knowledge of international travel and volunteering is invaluable, and they can give you good advice and tips to make the most of your international placement.
Briefing Pack & Materials
Once you have booked a programme, an information pack will be sent out detailing everything you need to know - from specific project details and vaccinations required to the visa application process.
Airport Pickup
When you arrive at your destination a member of Kaya staff will meet you with a warm welcome at the airport and take you to your accommodation to get you set up for your stay.
Cultural Excursions
Kaya staff are at hand to help organise weekend excursions and activities, which can include visiting cultural places of significance and visiting various projects around the area. This way you can learn firsthand about each project and take part in local cultural and adventure activities.
Arrival Orientation
Shortly after you arrive you will be given your orientation by one of our in-country coordinators. They will show you your placement, local transport, take you into the local town, and show you things you can do in your spare time. Information regarding safety and security will be given along with some much needed lingo when moving and travelling around the area.
Language Classes
At the beginning of your stay the in-country team will provide basic language classes to help you during your time on your placement. You will also be given a phrase book to help you practice while in Vietnam.
Funding for Individual Projects
If on your placement you wish to start up your own sub-project, a reasonable amount of funding will be provided. An example is: one volunteer arranged a basketball tournament for the street children where funding was provided for team shirts and trophies. This is a good chance to make your own lasting mark on a project and the people of your chosen country.
Local Community Benefits
Not only is your participation on your project of great help to the local communities, but so is the boost to the local economy that volunteers create while they are visiting.
Environmental Conservation on Biological Stations on the Ecuador Coast
African Lion Rehabilitation & Release in Zambia
Animal Rescue Sanctuary for Indigenous Wildlife
Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary
Environmental Conservation in Western Australia_21295259095.jpg)
Childcare and English Teaching in an Orphanage and Community Shelter
Work in a Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled Children
Work in a Centre for Blind, Mute and Deaf Children
Help Child Victims of Agent Orange
Medical Mission Trek in Vietnam
