Attitudes to animals in the developing world are different from those that exist in the developed world, for a variety of reasons. In poorer societies a great deal of dependence is placed on many types of animals for the completion of necessary tasks, particularly in farming, where people do not benefit from the labour-saving devices that are taken for granted in many developed countries. Working animals are therefore valued in terms of their strength and speed, and livelihoods depend on them being fit and healthy. Attitudes to other types of animals are also often very different. A dog might be 'man's best friend', and considered another member of the family by a family in the First World, but it is hard to feel affection and empathy for such an animal when you live below the poverty line and struggle to feed your children. In many developing countries there is a much higher incident rate of animal neglect, and therefore also a great need for volunteer help. Working as a volunteer on a Veterinary Medicine or Animal Care project with volunteermatch-gh, you will gain some fantastic work experience which would simply not be possible in your own country. To start with you are likely to see many exciting types of animals, such as snakes, big cats or even elephants! Volunteers will also get to
see cases that have been virtually eliminated in the developed world, such as rabies, and you will develop a better
understanding of the problems that people are faced with in both urban and rural areas of the third world.
Whether you work as a Veterinary Medicine or an Animal Care volunteer you will be given a placement supervisor who is responsible for giving you a full and varied flavour of the kind of work done by people in this field. ou will shadow local professionals and will gain hands-on experience which befits your level of experience. You ill be able to ask questions and learn from your local colleagues. You may work in a surgery or in an animal entre, and your work is likely to involve going out on visits in the local community.
Work with veterinarians in private practice or in a clinic, or venture out with vets who minister to and specialize in arm animals. You will have opportunities to work hands-on and observe the reality of day-to-day care of animals. Also make regular house calls for cattle, poultry and pigs. Some of the common diseases include: ticks, worms, foot rot, pneumonia,
Contact
The team for application form
socialworkafrica@yahoo.com
Cost involved
All volunteers pay a Participation / Registration fee of $ 600 USD upon arrival for 2 weeks to one month stay on the project. This covers Airport pick-up and drop-off, Program Orientation, Administrative work, food and accommodation whiles on the project. Payment is made after Orientation the next day. Full payment is made based on how long the volunteer wants to stay.
What is Included
Airport Pick Up: Upon arrival, our staff will be at the Airport to pick you up. Please do not forget to send us your flight information and we guarantee, you will never miss us at the airport.
Orientation: Orientation about the local culture, history, safety, religious, and other issues relating to the country.
Accommodation: You will be staying with a host family, within a rented house and volunteer will stay either in a single or shared room. All our families are middle-class and live in safe neighborhoods. The distance from the project varies. The family will provide three meals a day.
Compensation: The program fee also covers compensation for local families and hosts who supply accommodation and food for each volunteer. Staying with a host family will allow you to truly be immersed in the local culture.
Food: In most cases your meals are cooked and provided for you by your host family. You will be getting 2/3 Mealsper day. Breakfast and Supper is provided during weekdays when volunteers are on placements and lunch is provided some weekends when volunteers are in their host home. If you're a vegetarian or have any allergies, this is taken into account when we arrange your placement.
Safety: Your well being while volunteering with us is our priority. We make sure your trip is safe and our incountry coordinator will provide whatever support you may need at any step along the way.
What is !OT Included?
Flight, Airport Taxes, Visa, Immunizations, Personal expenses, Soft drinks, Mineral Water, Passport, Travel Insurance, Entrance fees and in-country travel expenses including any excursions the volunteer wishes to take whiles volunteering.
Important information
I. The program fee does not cover soft drinks, mineral water, and personal expenses.
Volunteers will be traveling on local buses and not air-condition buses.
II. We will offer meals and lodging from the first to the last day of the program.
