Why did you decide to volunteer with The EXPEDITION Project in South Africa?
Rich: I backpacked in South Africa in my late teens and fell in love with the country, the diversity, the culture and the people so I was keen to go back. However, this time I didn't want to be just another tourist as I wanted to immerse myself more fully in the experience. With seven years working for an NGO in London I also wanted to have a bit of field work and see the impact of community organisations. The EXPEDITION Project was said to combine travel with volunteering – it seemed like a real win combination.
Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Rich: During my two weeks with The EXPEDITION Project the daily schedule involved a traditional breakfast at the guest house or B&B we were at for the night, then we would travel to our new town for the day and spend time visiting local projects, conducting interviews or surveys and interacting with locals. During 2012 the project spent a few days in each town identifying new community and conservation projects to work with in the coming years. I really hope I can rejoin the project in the future to see the fruits of our labour. Following a day of research we would check into our new host accommodation for the night and have dinner. All the delicious food, super-friendly accommodation and of course transport was part of the project.
What made this experience unique and special?
Rich: The EXPEDITION Project managed to combine something I have not yet seen in a volunteer project. Joining the team during 2012 I visited not only numerous towns, communities and landscapes across diverse South Africa, but was able to participate in community, conservation and tourism projects. The EXPEDITION Project has created a network of like-minded people, projects and establishments all over South Africa and by doing so I managed to stay over at some of the nicest lodges, game farms and B&B's as well as sample amazing local food as part of the project. You have the option of staying over at some of the static projects for longer periods of time before being collected again or you can stay on the road with the roaming team. I chose the latter and can well recommend it.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Rich: They say people volunteer in Africa because they think they will teach and change things but instead Africa changes you and you learn far more than you teach. It has re-awakened my perspective on life and I think because of that I will look to do a similar trip whenever I can. This has also helped me in my professional capacity because I have stories to compare with to the youth I deal with each day.