Hi everyone this summer I will be travelling to St Lucia in South Africa with vesabroad volunteering to take part in an important sustainable community development project. During my time as a volunteer I will be addressing major issues faced by the village and the local school such as lack of fresh water, lack of proper housing, poor education facilities and generally poor infrastructure.

The volunteer work in the African program includes working with children in schools and crèches teaching English and basic sanitation, hygiene and nutrition through games and activities. I will also assist in the task of renovating the run-down facilities with fresh coats of paint, new play equipment and the construction of bathrooms or kitchens.

Secondly, the construction component varies between the construction of bathrooms and kitchens in the school and orphanage to the building of sustainable farming units; the latter allow for families and, in particular, single mothers to start a micro business and to secure an income for their family. In addition, VESA has established a program whereby the local Prince (Induna) identifies less fortunate families in dire need of help for whom we then build houses and bathrooms.

I will also be volunteering in a Wildlife conservation in local sanctuaries in the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park and Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park assist with the observation, population monitoring, capture and release of crocodiles as well as general maintenance, renovation and cleaning of the enclosures I will also be with working with Cheetahs and other African cats in a rehabilitation, breeding and release program; preparing the food, feeding the cats and constructing new enclosures for the breeding pairs.

 This is a once in a life time opportunity for me to make a difference volunteering in South Africa this summer if anyone is able to help me in raising the costs in even the smallest was possible would be immensely appreciated.