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Global Vision International (GVI) is an ethical volunteering organisation working in partnership with over 150 critical conservation and humanitarian projects worldwide. With staff in 30 countries and thousands of ex-volunteers there are many different stories to tell. This news section gives a brief overview of how you can find out more about GVI, its work and its people, and gives you a sample of some clippings from the international press.
Adventure travel with a heart
21 February 2008Global Vision International (GVI) has launched a new volunteering and adventure travel experience in South Africa and Mozambique. The new expedition offer individuals the chance to provide vital care on GVI community projects, as well as experiencing some of South Africa and Mozambique’s most breathtaking offerings. This six week programme combines four weeks of volunteer work on GVI’s South African projects with two weeks of adventure travel.
During their four week placement, volunteers have the choice of either teaching in local schools or working at child care centres in the Emjindini township of Barberton. These experiences help to provide essential care and education to disadvantaged children, many of whom have broken families as a result of the AIDS pandemic. The main role for volunteers will be to provide face to face contact with children that need positive role models in a child care capacity, as well as teaching them subjects such as English, Maths, Science and Geography.
As well as working in some of South Africa’s most deprived areas, volunteers will also have the opportunity to experience some of the country’s most picture-perfect sites. Prior to the four-week volunteer placement, volunteers will spend a week on a guided Safari in the Kruger National Park, experiencing the magnificence of South Africa – camping in the Bush and setting off each day in pursuit of the ‘Big Five’.
Chris Ash, GVI’s International Projects Director, says: “This trip with its combination of traveling and volunteering is the ideal option for people who are torn between the excitement of traveling and the rewards of volunteering. All our volunteers are looked after from the minute they arrive in the country so the trip is a safe way for people to make a difference whilst having a great time seeing the world.”
A second week of adventure for volunteers takes place half-way through the six week programme. Volunteers will travel to Mozambique, where they can relax after their first stint working on their community projects, staying in beach style reeded huts, at a lodge in Tofo. Volunteers are given the opportunity to absorb some culture, as they experience local food and visit local craft markets. There are plenty of water sports to enjoy, as well as adventure activities such as snorkeling with whale sharks! Volunteers will then briefly visit Swaziland before heading back to South Africa for their final two weeks volunteering.
