Madagascar often makes headlines for its wildlife, famed for its diversity of animal species and in particular its lemurs, but the African island is also home to some of the poorest people on the planet with 92 per cent of the population living below the poverty line. A small UK-based charity called SEED Madagascar have been helping both the people and wildlife of the African nation for nearly 20 years and have become one of Britain’s most important contributors to the island, but they need your help.
As part of its work, SEED Madagascar regularly helps build schools, wells and toilet facilities, the former being part of an ongoing project aimed at increasing education in the country and giving people the tools they need to bring themselves out of poverty, while simple wells and toilet facilities help deal with hygiene and disease.
The charity is in urgent need of volunteers for these projects and is hoping Britain’s construction trade may be able to help.
SEED Madagascar offers two and three week placements on the island where volunteers’ skills are put to good use working on a variety of community construction projects.
In a group of like-minded individuals, with a team of Malagasy guides and an international group coordinator, volunteers could get involved in everything from digging foundations or bricklaying to building classroom furniture or excavating a well.
“I’m an electrician and general builder as well as SEED trustee,” explains Ross Chamberlain, Director of Blueprint Construction & Development Ltd. “Having worked with SEED Madagascar on a number of water, sanitation and building projects, I have first-hand experience of how much difference those with building skills can make in the country. I swapped knowledge with local tradesmen who taught me about their building materials and methods. It was a fascinating and supremely rewarding experience. Whether you can spare a couple of weeks, fund someone’s trip or simply make a donation, this is an incredible cause to get behind.”
Of course it’s not ‘all work and no play’ and whilst on the placements there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy the incredible experiences and landscapes Madagascar has to offer, from some of the world’s most stunning beaches, coral reefs and jungles to meeting friendly locals and learning about their culture. And then of course there’s the lemurs!
“If people are looking for something exceptionally exciting to do in their time off there is no more charismatic country to visit in the world – from the beautiful isolated beaches and world famous lemurs to charming coastal towns and friendly locals there are few places on Earth that can rival the fascination and adventure found in Madagascar,” adds Mark Jacobs, Managing Director, SEED Madagascar.
If you work in the industry and feel you have something to offer, whether you’re an individual with relevant skills, a company director who may be able to fund a placement or would simply like to make a donation please contact SEED Madagascar on 020 8960 6629 or email [email protected].
Please note that there are costs associated with the placements, including flights, but many volunteers cover these through fundraising.