SEED Madagascar Community Development Internship Madagascar

I completed the ten week pioneer programme in Jul-Sep 2014, it was a truly humbling experience that altered my views on the world. Although manual labour can be tough and repetitive it was at no point boring. I learnt a lot about how charities undertake their work in the field, the charity educated me about the local region, their various projects, their reasoning behind them and how funding is collected and administered. I found it very interesting to find out about the charity sector. The tasks you undertake on the projects are varied and you learn many new skills, no previous experience is required. The Azafady staff are amazing, welcoming and truly look out for you, at no point did I feel unsafe. My favourite part was that you could physically see the difference that you were making to the local community. Spending ten weeks with a group of like minded individuals meant making life long friends, I really couldn't recommend this experience more.

I was in Madagascar with Azafady from April-June 2014 and had probably the best ten weeks of my life. The work we were doing was both meaningful and sustainable, making us really feel as though we were making a difference to people's lives and to the environment. The staff went way beyond the call of duty to make sure we were having the best experience possible, and the scenery/campsites were BEAUTIFUL!

I spent July and August 2013 volunteering with Azafady's Conservation Program, and I can honestly say that everyday I spent there was absolutely incredible. We were able to work hands on in conducting research on biodiversity and conservation and despite any challenges that could come our way, Azafady was always there to support and care for its volunteers before, during, and after our time in Madagascar. As a small NGO, it was so impressive to see how much work is being don in the region where Azafady operates, and how much of an impact this work has made on the lives of the local people and the environment. I have volunteered abroad with organizations in the past, but none have made such an impact as Azafady has on my life. I would HIGHLY recommend this program to anyone, especially to those with interest in conservation work in one of the world's biodiversity hot spots, as well as to anyone who enjoys working with local communities.

I did the 10 week Pioneer scheme (Jan-March) as a part of my gap year. I felt like I was in safe hands all the way through from pre-daparture to landing back home. Our group was led by confident, English speaking, Malagasy staff, who guided us expertly through our volunteering procedure. They knew the ins and outs of the country since they had lived there all their life and became great friends of the group. Our group was an excellent range of people, from all over the world and also different ages, so although I was on my gap year, it isn't a scheme full of mainly gap year students. We all bonded tightly as a group and by the end of the 10 weeks were a close group of friends. There was an option to stay and travel after the 10 weeks which I didn't do, but heard it was a fantastic travelling experience. Expect the volunteering projects to be tough as they can be very hard not just physically, but mentally. From mixing cement in tropical heat, to planning english and conservation lessons to be taught to the local children. Walking for 2, 3, 4 hours to complete community surveys, then the next day planting hundreds of trees. It really offers the complete range of volunteering experience.

You will have an amazing time volunteering with Azafady.

This is a volunteer program from you benefit more than the comunity. Even so you can see the improvement and fun in the community, which you bring.
But hard manual work, international group 24/7, living in a tent without shower and flush toilettes and daily rice and beans forms a new little family for you and it will be a great time.

I had an amazing experience in Madagascar with Azafady when I took part in their Pioneer Volunteer project over summer 2011. I was there for the full 10 weeks, and even had the chance to travel for a week once it was done. Our time was broken up into three work placements, two on a school construction site just outside a village and one building stoves in a different community. The project was extremely well organised and we volunteers were made to feel comfortable enough outside whilst still being firmly outside our comfort zones. The work was trying but incredibly rewarding, and it, as well as our down time, was spent in stunning landscapes. On our time off we were able to explore the various towns and environs we worked in, as well as visit some beautiful beaches and go on long hikes. We were able to get to know the locals, villagers and Azafady team members alike, and were integrated enough with them to learn lots about the language and culture. I would highly recommend this project to anyone!

I had a fantastic experience on Pioneer with Azafady. Madagascar is a beautiful country and it left me feeling so lucky that I'd had the opportunity to experience it and be a part of it. On the programme we were working with the communities on projects that they'd asked for and so it really felt like we were making a difference there. It was over 6 years ago now that I went on the programme but memories from my time there fill my head everyday and im still in contact with others I met out there. You do need to be prepared for roughing it a bit though - camping, getting dirty and working hard in all weather conditions so if you're looking for a holiday then probabaly not for you but otherwise get stuck in and you'll love it!!

Salama!
I fell in love with Madagascar when I was a tourist travelling across the island in 2005, when I was living in Réunion Island. I was desperate to come back in a more meaningful context. I found out about Azafady on the internet and made enquiries straightaway. I decided to finish my degree before returning. I was a pioneer the January after I graduated after having fund-raised and worked to raise the money I needed to go. It is a decision that I will never regret and has marked me to this day. Azafady has a pro-active, sensitive and determined approach to poverty alleviation and development. I loved getting to know the locals whilst building the latrine for the community hospital in Mandromondromotra. Cement mixing is hard work but improved hygiene and sanitation for the local population hugely rewarding. This project was accompanied with Azafady's team working alongside the local population to encourage safe drinking water use, we also fixed the only well in the village. A highlight was watching the local women perform role plays that spoke louder than words, using their own customs to communicate the message of the importance of clean, safe drinking water. We also worked alongside the local population in St.Luce in the reforestation project amongst other projects in Fort-Dauphin. I have returned several times to see the trees we planted, they are growing strong! I know that my money was used to benefit the direct project needs and I feel that the 3 months here opened up opportunities for what has followed. I came back and lead a team with Tearfund in the North and then ended up working for an NGO in DR Congo. My experiences with Azafady in Madagascar have been invaluable and I look forward to my next visit to this amazing island. Big shout out to my fellow pioneers too!

Misaotra betsaka Azafady! Tena tsara ny asanareo, mitahiry ny ala vo ny olo-marina. (Thank you very much Azafady! Your work is very good, protecting the forest and the people)