Information for parents

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Will my child be safe?

We make every effort to ensure all volunteers are safe during their placement. Our teams on the ground are trained and experienced and ready to handle all and any situations that may arise. Our volunteers are always accompanied by an African Impact staff member while on project.

Volunteers are briefed fully about the area that they are living and working in, with advice on how to go about their daily life as a volunteer. We are also very well accepted in the local communities we work in, having been partnered with them for many years.

Obviously caution always needs to be taken when working with wild animals on a conservation project; however, our experienced staff will provide training and support throughout the placement to ensure the safety of every volunteer.

SAFETY AND PLANNING TIPS

What support networks and emergency procedures are in place?

Throughout their placement, your child will have the support and guidance of our experienced Volunteer Coordinators. They are part of our greater African Impact support team, which will provide competent 24-hour field support and assistance.

In the event of emergency, professional and skilled operators such as medical air rescue services and competent medical practitioners are available as part of our support network. Your child’s travel insurance will also ensure that emergency assistance is on hand timeously.

Where will my child sleep? Are boys and girls separate?

Volunteer accommodation usually takes the form of a free-standing house, chalet, or in some cases, a backpackers lodge. Our volunteers usually stay in rooms with 2-6 beds (bunks) with clean duvets and bedding. There are separate rooms for males and females.

The volunteer accommodation often has access to a swimming pool, lounge and entertainment area as well as a resource room where they can plan for the next day’s projects or learn about other African Impact projects and initiatives.

Recent Reviews

We love our projects, but it is always more powerful to hear it from others. Here is what our volunteers have to say about us

“
Kelley EliseTeaching & Community Development, Zambia
“My volunteer experience in this program was undeniably the greatest thing I have done in my life! The people I met were amazing, kind, helpful, and allowed me to have an unforgettable experience in Zambia. You immediately feel like part of the family when you start, and it only gets better the longer you stay!”

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Mishy RashidHospital and Clinical Medical Support in Kenya
“Loved the cultural experience at the local hospital, Limuru Nursing Home - The principal of the hospital allowed me to get involved on an Executive Level Operations- Which turned out to be a positive outcome for my professional development.”

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Pablo VialAfrican Wildlife Photography and conservation
“I had a great experience, it was above all my expectations. The people is amazing, I learned a lot about animals, photography and conservation. I really enjoyed my time here and got to see many wonderful things.”

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NicolaBig Cat & Wildlife Research in Kenya
“This has been an amazing experience from start to finish. Naboisho is absolutely stunning. Everyone on the project are extremely welcoming and you very quickly become part of a family. The animals that you get to see whilst on the game drives blow your mind every time. Every day is a new experience here. It is great to help collect data on the animals and to feel like you are helping. It is humbling to see the children in their school and spend time playing with them.”

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Jen LamswoodEarly Childhood Development
“It is difficult, to sum up my time with African Impact. I could use every superlative possible and it probably wouldn't come close to explaining how being part of this organisation, even for a short time makes you feel. It is the most rewarding, amazing experience. split my time between two different preschools and an after-school club. All the projects were filled with inspiring people and I genuinely felt like the work we were doing was adding value to both the teachers and children.”

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Mollie RobbieSports Coaching & Development, South Africa
“South Africa has been the best experience ever African Impact has been life-changing! Sports
volunteering was brilliant. The kids were a pleasure to coach and welcomed me with open arms. The coaches at the schools are doing a great job and I will miss them all greatly! I came to South Africa alone and was very nervous, but everyone did a fantastic job of making me feel this was my home. I'm leaving here feeling more than content and with a completely different outlook on life.”

FAQS for Parents & Guardians

WILL MY CHILD BE MET AT THE AIRPORT?

Yes. At all our projects we have an experienced Volunteer Manager meeting volunteers at the airport upon arrival and transferring them safely to the project. Prior to arrival, the manager at the project will contact your child and clearly state where to meet and give an idea of those arriving at the same time.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD BECOMES ILL?

Although this is by no means a regular occurrence, our volunteers do sometimes get ill whilst on placement. The Volunteer Coordinator for the project will ensure that your child receives immediate medical assistance.

In the event of a serious illness or accident, each volunteer will be covered by their insurance policy, which is why we require all volunteers to have adequate insurance which includes repatriation. We will keep in constant contact with you as the parent, to update you on the situation.

HOW DO I KNOW WHERE MY CHILD WILL BE?

Every African Impact volunteer is provided with a comprehensive pre-departure pack which includes the full details of their destination and project, as well as the address and contact telephone numbers of their accommodation and managers on the ground.

WHAT WILL MY CHILD EAT ON THE PROJECT?

Project meals are provided three times a day and are simple and healthy. Some of our projects will arrange themed evenings where volunteers are encouraged to get involved in some of the cooking (for example a cultural evening, Hawaiian night, etc).

The water at almost all of our projects is safe to drink, but bottled water is also readily available. If your child has any dietary requirements we will endeavour to accommodate it as far as possible.

WHAT WILL MY CHILD DO ON THE WEEKENDS?

Weekends are a great opportunity to explore the local area or simply to relax. We arrange extra trips and excursions with reputable tour partners. While African Impact staff members don’t chaperone volunteers during their free time, they will be accompanied by trained tour guides.

HOW DO I KNOW IF AFRICAN IMPACT IS A REAL COMPANY?

African Impact has been in operation for over 20 years and we’ve facilitated over 2500 volunteers in the past year alone. Our credentials and past volunteer testimonials speak for themselves and we’re proud to have won many awards which we’re stringently vetted for. We are proud members of numerous responsible tourism organisations and have a large network of partners both in Africa and abroad.

We also have a strong network of past volunteers from all around the world who wish to stay involved in raising awareness for our projects and we’d be happy to put any one of them in touch with you if you’d like to speak to someone from your own country who has volunteered with us before.

At African Impact, we create life changing responsible travel experiences. We are leaders in the volunteer travel industry in Africa and experts in responsible volunteering, gap year programs, study abroad service learning and internships in Africa. Come and join our passionate teams and experience projects built, grown and developed hand-in-hand with local African communities since 2004.

CONTACT US

0808 1644 055 (UK Toll Free)
1 844 939 4115 (US Toll Free)
info@africanimpact.com

Cape Town, South Africa

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