Big Beyond

Skills-based volunteering in East Africa

We offer enthusiastic and adventurous individuals the opportunity to live next to beautiful national parks in rural East Africa and work hand-in-hand with friendly local communities, to help integrate conservation and socio-economic objectives through a range of high-impact projects. All placements are completely bespoke and tailored to your skills, knowledge, passions and capabilities.

Our philosophy is all about building capacity - of our volunteers and the local people - and at the root of each Big Beyond placement is a varied and fulfilling learning experience.

Where can I go?

Right now we're looking for individuals to join our teams in rural Uganda. At this site you'll be living next to the vibrant African jungle of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the Southwest. It's a stunning place and where big families of one of the world's most endangered primates – the amazing Mountain Gorillas will become your neighbours. It's green, lush, mountainous, remote and a perfect choice for those of you after a real adventure.

We will also be launching programmes in Ethiopia from later this year – so watch this space!

What can I do? As a volunteer you'll work across a range of high-impact projects that aim to integrate conservation and development goals of the local area and are led by local community groups.

You can choose to apply and build skills in a particular field or alternatively concentrate in a particular project category such as conservation, education, culture, health or enterprise.

Current placements include, but are not limited to:

• Community Enterprise
• Marketing
• Events Management
• Wildlife, Conservation and Environmental Management
• Arts and Drama
• Community Farming
• Rural Health and Wellbeing
• Teaching
• Kids and Rural Schools
• Sports and Fitness
• Youth IT Education
• Culture and Tourism
• Research and Mapping

How long can I stay? Volunteers can stay from 2 weeks up to 12 months, although the longer the better to really get stuck in. All placements are full time, Monday to Friday, with weekends off to travel or relax.

When can I come? We have positions available throughout the year and two intake dates every month. Just tell us when you'd like to join and we'll match you up with the nearest intake and let you know if there's availability.

Where will I live? During your stay, you'll live in the Big Beyond house with other volunteers and you'll be happily integrated into the local community. An extensive orientation program helps you adapt well to your new home. Big Beyond make sure you're properly supported from the moment you sign up to the team and you'll receive on-going training and support from the dedicated Big Beyond managers who live on site with you.

We will provide three meals a day, organise all your local transport, make sure your placement goes smoothly, and you'll have a huge amount of local knowledge on tap for when you feel like exploring further afield.

Is it for me? Big Beyond's range of volunteer programs is very diverse and we need lots of enthusiastic individuals with a range of skills and interests to make a difference. The only thing we ask is that you're over 18 years and have the right attitude to volunteering and living in Africa.

Costs The programme fee depends on how long you'd like to stay. The costs start from $1595 and get cheaper per week the longer you stay. Just tell us how long, and we'll quote you the specific program fee.

The programme fee includes all your accommodation, all food (3 meals a day), pre-trip support, great orientation and training, tailored volunteer placement to match your skills and interests, excellent 24 hour on-site management and program support, airport transfers, local transport, mobile phone SIM plus a few more bits.

How to apply Please check out www.bigbeyond.org for more information. Applications or enquiries can be made by completing an online application form or you can call free on +44 (0)800 644 6203 for a chat about requirements or email answers@bigbeyond.org with your programme area of interest, preferred dates and durations.