Touching Foreign Work and Training Experience

  Malawi

  Zambia

Length of Position: min. 3 months
Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: May 2010

Description: We offer foreign Therapists and Spa workers an opportunity to live and work for a while in a rural area of Africa and actively be involved in education and training of the local community, whilst also enjoying the Safari experience many tourists are after.

Are you interested in sharing your knowledge and experience with local people in a far, remote corner on the African continent? Are you willing and able to concur different challenges? Are you an adventurous minded person, with a free spirit and strong backbone? Are you not in the least worried about the fact that supermarkets, shopping malls, hair or beauty salons, internet cafes and more of the "first world" commodities are not found here? Don't you mind working and living amongst elephants, giraffes, lions, hippo's and more of the Zambian fauna? Then we can use your help!

By servicing the current tourist establishments and by operating our Bush-Spa, employment, education and income have and will be generated for the local community and Zambia in general.

The Bush-Spa has started a unique project in Zambia. After careful studies in the Far East, the project is adapted to African standards, whereby especially women are encouraged to actively get involved in employment, taking the need for flexibility into account. Operating in Zambia, the local culture, society and conduct need to be considered, whereas women, regardless if employed, still remain responsible for household, growing the crops and taking care of the children.

At the Bush-Spa we work with a larger group of therapists and trainees, all educated, on a part-time basis. A small team of regular qualified therapists and full time staff guarantee the running of the Spa, while our part-time (trainee) therapists receive the extra in-house training, obtain necessary skills to work in any tourist environment and be part of a broader education. We reach more and more women who find that there are possibilities around and they can become active to earn some additional income without neglecting their duties.

Highlights: To work and live amongst elephants, giraffes, lions, hippo's and more of the Zambian fauna and experience a deep insight into one of the local communities of Zambia. Possible see more of Africa and travel between our Spa's in neighbouring countries to assist there too!

Qualifications: - Experience with guest services and an overall understanding of massage & spa operations plus the English language is essential, certificates in other treatments (pedicure, facials etc.) are a plus.
- Must be able to cope with disappointments and able to work and live in a dusty environment where temperatures can exceed 40 degrees Celsius, tar roads are hard to find and willing to learn how to drive a 4x4 vehicle.
- Must have at least 3 months of spare time to travel independently to Zambia to assist in improving the future possibilities of the local community and must be interested in local cultures and have the quest for new adventure outweigh financial benefits.
- Must be qualified in one or more Massage Therapy Treatments and / or Spa Treatments and hold a driving license.

Minimum Education: Diploma/Certification

Salary / Pay: a volunteer allowance shall be paid on a monthly basis, basic accommodation will be taken cared of.

Experience Required: yes

Experience in the Wellness Industry and experience in massage or other Spa therapies

Typical Volunteer: Motivated individual, willing to possess a deep commitment to their work as well as their team, open for new developments and training in latest treatments and willing to pass on the knowledge to trainee therapists. Has affinity with the flora & fauna of the African bush and be willing to live and work in a rural area visited by a large number of (foreign) tourists.

Age Range: above 24

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 6

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

The Personal Touch Ltd's Mission Statement: Africa has a wealth of archaeological, geological, historical and traditional resources that have not yet been fully exploited and utilised. The Personal Touch was incorporated to make the most of Africa's rich natural heritage and in particular develop products and packages that will satisfy the needs of current key players in the tourist industry, as well as the increasing "personal attention" expectations from visitors. By personalized services to the current tourist industry, The Personal Touch provides income and opportunities for the growing local community around the high profile touristic place, plus avoids adding more pressure on the capacity of the sites. Tourism is the most obvious way to utilise the environmental resources, but we must realise that tourism should not destroy the natural environment. For true success, a balance has to be struck between tourism growth, the well being of the local communities and environmental destruction.

Year Founded: 2006