Q: Could you give us a short background on Africatrust Networks: A: Since 1994 our work experience projects have been in North and West Africa and a full history is on africatrust.gi The web address reflects our origins in Gibraltar – the closest English speaking community to Africa – although our main office is now in England, UK
We are a network of not-for-profit non-government organisations [NGO’s] operating in Africa whose aims are all to assist “Development” and “Job Skill/Education” with disadvantaged young people in Africa.
Post a non- contractual online application there is an interview security reference procedure as we work with young people. Then there are pre-departure briefings and compulsory in-country two or three week induction courses.
Q: What are some volunteer opportunities you offer? Do you have any volunteer opportunities you are particularly proud of?
A: The website africatrust.or.uk [click on “Volunteers’ Reports] tells of all the opportunities. Our work towards de-stigmatising HIV/AIDS was originally a volunteer initiative now continued as a sustainable project – see the 2004 Newsletter on the website
Q: What kind of daily life should prospective volunteers expect?
A: A wonderful one! Again as in (1) above please read the many volunteer’s reports over all the years.
Q: What is the most important piece of advice you can offer future volunteers?
A: Please be very sure to read Ben Okri’s poetic “Advice to an Englishman in Africa” which may be found on our 2002 Newsletter on our website. It is the best advice ever given to visitors to Africa.
Q: What is the biggest challenge while volunteering abroad?
A: In Africa, for non- African volunteers, the biggest challenge is to “go with the flow and not against it”
Q: On the flip side, what is the biggest reward?
A: The joy of being genuinely received with warmth into a family and community where you go to bed knowing it’s been a good day – everyday.
Q: Why should they pay to volunteer with Africatrust Networks? How is the money used?
A: Cause Africa is a long way and air tickets ain’t free. Coz food, accommodation, transport, induction courses all cost – and we don’t expect financially developing communities in Africa to subsidise much wealthier volunteers from more economically developed [although often less culturally developed] communities.
Details of costs are set out on our website africatrust.org.uk [ click on Application Form]
ATN is a not-for-profit team of volunteers. Nobody outside Africa has ever been financially rewarded – i.e. no pay! See 2004 Newsletter.
Q: How does volunteering abroad fit into the bigger picture of aid and development?
A: With ATN there are two main ways ATN fits into the bigger picture;
a} Intelligent graduate volunteers are able to initiate new projects that often get taken up as sustainable programmes.
b} Upon returning home such volunteers often sustain new long term awareness/funding initiatives such as to be seen on www.africabridgeclub.org
Q: Why should someone volunteer with Africatrust Networks?
A: Two main categories;
I Graduates intending on an international/development career who have no prior “field experience”
II Experienced/skilled mature volunteers who are keen to pass on their experience/skills.
Q: How can someone get in contact with Africatrust Networksand learn more about your volunteer abroad opportunities?
A: Contacts are listed on africatrust.org.uk
Q: Do you have any advice on funding a volunteer experience abroad?
A: YES: Very important. We provide all accepted post-interview volunteers with fund raising advice and guidance. We have NEVER failed since 1994
