Project Summary

If you would have an interest in working with communities while developing your own knowledge on issues such as reforestation, recycling and permaculture, you should consider volunteering in our tree planting and environmental education summer initiative. Every year, we going efforts with local organisations in Africa to promote tree planting and environmental education. This summer, the initiative will be taking place in South Africa. 

The initiative is hosted in collaboration with local community leaders, schools, youth and farm groups to try to change attitudes, create unity within the communities and build a sustainable eco-legacy. Individuals, friends and small groups will join this initiative at the national and international volunteering levels to work as part of small teams led by regional experts. The aim of this year’s initiative is to help address the deforestation that occurred during devastating wildfires in June 2017 in the Eden District along South Africa’s beautiful Garden Route. The fire really impacted the social and environmental communities in the area. The initiative aims to rebuild and help regeneration through the planting of indigenous trees, while introducing ecosystem processes to the locals, and removing alien vegetation and catchment management.

Weeks 1 and 2 are specifically for high school students. Week 3, all participants of all ages are welcomed. Whether you are a university students interest in environmental topics, professionals keen to take a holiday to make a difference, study groups wanting to do fieldwork, families who love adventure or individuals, this is a great placement for all who wants to be active and change the way we treat the environment. You may also be a family who wants to join their child on the placement during week 3!

Be part of this mass action project and help generate solutions that ultimately aim to prevent flooding and a decline in biodiversity that are the common outcomes of deforestation.

Why choose this project?

As a volunteer, you will be working with a multicultural team discussing and getting first-hand experience of global attempts to address mass deforestation and solutions being implemented in the Eden District area. You will share your new skills and understanding with local communities at schools, in markets and local communities. You will get involved in tree planting and you are sure to take away knowledge that will influence your future. If you are studying you will be able to learn from experts it in the field. You can also fundraise to help pay for your trip or to further help reforestation efforts. This project can also be added to one of our other projects in South Africa – speak to an advisor to find out more.

Role of the volunteer

During your placement, you will have the opportunity to do tree planting, eco-education at local schools, mural painting, natural building using natural and up-cycled materials, nature immersion learning its healing properties, and permaculture. During your free time, you will have the chance to connect with like-minded individuals coming from all over the world, while doing yoga, mindfulness, dance-offs, up-cycling and sustainability workshops!

Skills Required

There are no specific skills required for this program other than being fit and healthy, as this is a hands-on placement. Being able to work as part of a diverse team and live in a closed environment is important. Enthusiasm and a willingness to do what is required during every task is needed, especially as you will be inspiring others to change their habits. Come with a spirit of adventure and passion for the environment and make the most of this incredible learning experience.

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