Community Construction: School Building Program

  Madagascar

• Other Cities in Madagascar: 
Fort Dauphin

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: 13th January, 6th April, 6th July and 12th October 2010

Description: This project supports the building rural schools in isolated and beautiful remote Malagasy villages. This is the scheme for people looking for a fitness-building outdoors experience that really makes a difference to the lives of those less fortunate. You will join a small group of like-minded volunteers, working alongside community members, camping in a stunning rural environment, engaging in hands-on construction of a 6 meter by 12 meter two-room, stone floored, tin roofed, wooden school house, equipped with tables and chairs, blackboard, shelving and water and sanitation infrastructure on site.

You will gain an understanding of the resource needs of rural communities in developing countries, being immersed in their culture you will learn some Malagasy language and gain an appreciation for this extraordinary Island.

In rural areas of Madagascar the majority of the population has little or no access to basic levels of formal education. Volunteers on this project assist Azafady in the hands on construction of school buildings in remote village areas. The communities in which volunteers work are some of the poorest in the country and therefore improving access to education is an invaluable step in the fight against poverty. All schools are built at the request of the community and with community involvement

Highlights: You will be immersed in the unique Malagasy culture for your entire visit with the opportunity to work alongside local communities and gain understanding of how the Malagasy people live on this extraordinary Island. The unique environment is always stunning, with exciting flora and fauna never far away and you will visit Nahampona Reserve to see several species of Madagascar's famous lemurs. There will also be optional excursions to nearby attractions such as idyllic waterfalls, long sandy beaches and rural community markets.

Qualifications: No special skills or qualifications, other than being reasonably physically fit, are needed, as all required skills are learned. However, while practical experience is welcome, enthusiasm & sensitivity are a must. Successful applicants will learn skills associated with rural development work and construction.

Cost in US$: USD 1195 (at current exchange rate)

Don't let the size of the required donation put you off! Azafady is there to support volunteers in raising this donation, with a wealth of fund-raising experience and resources available to volunteers.

Minimum donations are as follows;
2-weeks GBP 595
3-weeks GBP 795

Please Note: Applicants from outside the UK must raise a donation equivalent to the UK Sterling amount based on current exchange rates.

This is made up of GBP 200 which secures your place on a particular scheme, and the remainder of the balance which is due at the latest three weeks before departure. We are of course delighted if volunteers are able to raise more than the minimum donation. Once we've received your application form, one of our experienced Coordinators will give you a call to find out if you have any further questions or simply if you want to find out what volunteering is all about.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Azafady welcomes volunteers from across the world, primarily from the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia. All wish to participate in a grassroots volunteering experience but come from diverse backgrounds; those on a career break, taking a gap year or using their annual leave for an extraordinary holiday!

Age Range: 18-77

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Madagascar Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 10-20

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Azafady's Mission Statement: Azafady is a registered UK charity (no. 1079121) and Malagasy NGO working to alleviate poverty, improve well-being and preserve beautiful unique environments in southeast Madagascar. We are an award winning team that works alongside rural communities on humanitarian and sustainable livelihoods projects, helping communities to build a better future for themselves.

Year Founded: 1994