Service Civil International is an international volunteer organization, which promotes an idea of a world peace and organizes volunteer programs all around the world. In order to participate in one of the Service Civil International projects, it is necessary to register on its official website, fill out an application form, and send it to one of the partner organizations in your country. Fees, paid by a volunteer, depend on a project and a number of amenities provided. Some volunteer camps also charge a small local fee in the host country to partially cover the cost of housing and meals for participants.
We have selected several interesting programs in different countries, supported by the Service Civil International. Finish reading the article and apply if you are interested.
1. Children development in Tanzania
The goal of this project is to give children from all social and economic backgrounds an opportunity to acquire skills, which will contribute to their future academic and personal growth. Volunteers will be working with children from the age of 4 to 8. The main tasks involve helping with infrastructure development, organizing indoor and outdoor activities for children and participating in academic development by assisting local teachers. Since the main theme of the project is a comprehensive child development, it is recommended that participants bring information from their home community for sharing.
All participants should be at least 20 years old and preferably have previous volunteering experience. In terms of skills, there are no special requirements, but volunteers are expected to be open-minded, flexible and interested in working with children. The official languages of the program are English and Kiswahili. However, you don’t have to be fluent in any of them.
The project takes place in a rural community of Zanzibar. Volunteers stay in the communal house and have an access to clean water and electricity. A €250 free must be paid upon arrival.
Children in Tanzania
2. Gardening in South Africa
The South Africa Volunteer Work Camp Association Gardening Project takes place in the city of Pretoria. The main goal of the project is to advertise and promote eco-friendly lifestyle among young people. The project gives a lot of attention to such issues as climate change and sustainable living. Volunteers have an opportunity to learn from the professionals from Department of Agriculture. Participants will be involved in voluntary work in one of the community centers where various activities will be organized.
Volunteers have to pay a €200 fee, which includes basic accommodation in Pretoria, food and project expenses. Be ready to stay in a very simple living conditions (sleep in a sleeping bag and have no electricity). However, the accommodation has a bathroom with a shower and running water.
This project invites people from different backgrounds and therefore the community language is English with a mix of local languages. During the cultural nights, each volunteer may share interesting facts about his or her country and culture with other participants.
A vineyard in South Africa
3. Working on a farm in Iceland
Due to a cold climate and restricted growing season, Iceland highly depends on imports of fruits and vegetables for consumption. Icelandic non-governmental organization SEEDS gives volunteers a chance to get to know and explore a traditional farm in this country. Located close to the town of Vík, this is one of the few places in Iceland where people cultivate carrots and keep cows.
If you are not afraid of the cold weather and physical work, become one of the volunteers who help farmer’s family with day-to-day activities. The tasks may include taking care of the animals, cultivating vegetables and even assisting in milking cows (only if you are interested). Volunteers also help with clearing fields of rocks, fences and trash.
All participants will be accommodated in an equipped flat with shared rooms. However, volunteers are responsible for bringing a sleeping their bag. Participation fee of €130 also includes food supply. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and have conversational English skills. Be prepared to experience all kinds of weather conditions and bring good working shoes, warm clothes, hats and gloves.
Cows on a farm in Iceland
4. Teaching English in Mongolia
According to the education system of Mongolia, until 1990 students of secondary school could only study Russian as a second language. But since 1990 English has been presented as a third language. Unfortunately, due to the low experience and the lack of professionals, the level of English studying in Mongolia is still very low.
Mongolian workCamps Exchange (MCE) is focusing to improve this situation and invites volunteers to teach English in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Volunteers will be helping kids to learn the foreign language through games and songs. Basically, volunteers will contribute to the children’s opportunity to find better jobs in the future and even possibly become international volunteers.
MCE is looking for people who like communicating with children and are adaptable to the living conditions. The camp language is English, but Mongolian speakers as also welcome. The only project requirements are the age (volunteers should be at least 20 years old) and experience (you have to have previous experience as a volunteer). The participation fee is $250 and used for accommodation and food provision.
Children in Mongolia
5. Volunteering for Khama Rhino Sanctuary in Botswana
Khama Rhino Sanctuary is looking for committed volunteers to assist with the day-to-day maintenance of the park and help sustain the ecosystem of the reserve. Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a conservation park for the endangered white and black rhinos, as well as a wide range of other animals and birds. The park is located within 25 km from the town of Serowe and 320 km North West from Gaborone, the capital city of the Republic of Botswana.
The sanctuary expects volunteers to be ready for a hard physical work, like maintaining the footpaths, park fence, firebreaks and trails. Participants will be working as a team during the whole time and should be self-driven, adaptable and easy going.
Accommodation is provided by the Khama Rhino Sanctuary in the camping sites. Make sure to bring your own sleeping bag and mosquito nets. Warm blankets will be useful if you come during the winter, since the temperature may reach up to -5 during the night. Participation fee of $200 includes simple meals, transfer service and electronic mailing. Supermarkets, banks and Internet access are available in the nearest town on Serowe, which is 20 minutes drive from the sanctuary.
A rhino in Botswana
