Program Photos
Community Construction: School Building Program
Location: Madagascar: Fort Dauphin
Program Duration: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: 2011: 12th January, 6th April, 6th July, 3rd August and 12th Oct
Call Us
Phone: + 44 (0)20 8960 6629
Fax: +44 (0)20 8962 0126
Description
This project supports the building of rural schools in isolated and beautiful remote Malagasy villages. This is the scheme for people looking for a fitness-building outdoors experience that really makes a difference to the lives of those less fortunate. You will join a small group of like-minded volunteers, working alongside community members, camping in a stunning rural environment, engaging in hands-on construction of a 6-meter by 12-meter two-room, stone floored, tin roofed, wooden school house, equipped with tables and chairs, blackboard, shelving and water and sanitation infrastructure on site.
You will gain an understanding of the resource needs of rural communities in developing countries, being immersed in their culture you will learn some Malagasy language and gain an appreciation for this extraordinary Island.
In rural areas of Madagascar the majority of the population has little or no access to basic levels of formal education. Volunteers on this project assist Azafady in the hands on construction of school buildings in remote village areas. The communities in which volunteers work are some of the poorest in the country and therefore improving access to education is an invaluable step in the fight against poverty. All schools are built at the request of the community and with community involvement.
Highlights
You will be immersed in the unique Malagasy culture for your entire visit with the opportunity to work alongside local communities and gain understanding of how the Malagasy people live on this extraordinary Island. The unique environment is always stunning, with exciting flora and fauna never far away and you will visit Nahampona Reserve to see several species of Madagascar's famous lemurs. There will also be optional excursions to nearby attractions such as idyllic waterfalls, long sandy beaches and rural community markets.
Qualifications
No special skills or qualifications, other than being reasonably physically fit, are needed, as all required skills are learned. However, while practical experience is welcome, enthusiasm & sensitivity are a must. Successful applicants will learn skills associated with rural development work and construction.
Languages
- English
Cost in US$:
USD 900 (at current exchange rate)
Cost Include Description:
The cost of the program is essentially a a donation to be given to Azafady UK (registered charity number 1079121). Funds generated by the program support Azafady's projects in Madagascar, with over 90% of all donations being spent in direct pursuit of our charitable aims.
Don't let the size of the required donation put you off! Azafady is there to support volunteers in raising this donation, with a wealth of fund-raising experience and resources available to volunteers.
Minimum donations are as follows;
2 weeks GBP 595
3 weeks GBP 795
Please Note: Applicants from outside the UK must raise a donation equivalent to the UK Sterling amount based on current exchange rates.
Once we've received your application form, one of our experienced Coordinators will give you a call to find out if you have any further questions or simply if you want to find out what volunteering is all about.
Credit Available
no
Volunteer Types
- Building Maintenance
- Building/construction Projects
- Community Development
- Education
- Grassroots Organization
- Primary Education
- Volunteering
Typical Volunteer
Azafady welcomes volunteers from across the world, primarily from the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia. All wish to participate in a grassroots volunteering experience but come from diverse backgrounds; those on a career break, taking a gap year or using their annual leave for an extraordinary holiday!Age Range
18-77This Program is open to
American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African, Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.
Typical Living Arrangements
- Other
Participants Travel to Madagascar
Independently
Application Process Involves
- Resume
- Written Application
Typically The Application Process Time is
5 daysPost Services Include
- Alumni Network
- Exit Debriefing Abroad
Azafady's Mission Statement
Azafady is a registered UK charity (no. 1079121) and Malagasy NGO working to alleviate poverty, improve well-being and preserve beautiful unique environments in southeast Madagascar. We are an award winning team that works alongside rural communities on humanitarian and sustainable livelihoods projects, helping communities to build a better future for themselves.
Year Founded
1994
