Help Others. Find Yourself.

So often people go away on vacations, near or far, and come disappointed with their day-t0-day lives. 'Voluntourism' combines a great trip with the opportunity to assist people in the local area you're visiting, as well as to learn much more about the part of the world you're in.

This blog provides information on charities in countries all over the world, so that visitors can contact a charity they're interested in to arrange a volunteering session, for an hour, a day, a week, a month - anything helps! If you're not going away anytime soon, maybe you could look up your own country and see what's possible?

I hope that people will use this blog to share their experiences and ideas. If you know of any deserving charities that could be added, please do so, and if you have volunteered while on holiday, please let us know. The easiest way to find a country you're interested in helping is to make use of the search bar above.

Afghanistan

This is a country which has been fought over as long as anyone can remember. Today, it remains a volatile place, and progress towards stability remains slow and painful. Opportunities to assist in rebuilding abound, although safety and caution is advised.

Turquiose Mountain

http://www.turquoisemountain.org/ - Regenerating Afghanistan's traditional arts and historic areas while creating jobs and skills.

Help Afghan School Children

http://www.help-afghan-school-children.org/ - Aims to help Afghan children catch up on years of lost schooling.

Aid Afghanistan for Education

http://www.aidafghanistan.net/ - Dedicated to empowering women and rehabilitating the education system in Afghanistan.

Albania

Pristine beaches, charming towns and ancient sities - be surprised by Albania while volunteering with:

Children's Human Rights Centre of Albania

http://www.crca.org.al/ - Works to promote the respect of children's rights, and to protect children from violence, abuse and exploitation.

Organisation for the Support of Albania's Abandoned Babies (OSAAB)

http://www.osaab.org/ - Provides care for abandoned babies. Volunteers visit the hospital to feed, hold and talk to the babies.

The Albanian Alps Institute

http://www.albanianalps.org/ - Supports improved quality of education for children in isolated regions.

Albanian Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims (ARCT)

http://www.arct.org/ - Contributes to building a democratic society without use of torture, in a country where strong political persecution has taken place for many years.

Algeria

One of the most fascinating countries in the region, Algeria presents a mix of the traditional and modern, with some stunning architecture and scenery. Help out here with:

Association for the Families of Saharawi Prisoners and the Disappeared (AFAPREDESA)

http://www.afapredesa.org/ - Responds to the deplorable position of the disappeared and tortured, and the anguish of their relatives.

Angola

Explore this remote and undiscovered country, with its numerous geographic highlights and vast cultural riches, while helping rebuild a nation that has suffered from warfare and poverty:

The Bridge UK-Angola

http://www.thebridgeuk-angola.org.uk/ - Helps a wide range of groups, inclusing street children, the sick, the elderly, and destitute communities.

Saint Isabel's Children Charity

http://www.ocsiangola.org - Focuses on improving the quality of life for abandoned and orphaned children, underprivileged young adults, and the elderly.

Kissana Foundation

http://www.kissanafoundation.org/ - Works to conserve Angola's natural resources and national parks.

Anguilla

Choose your own adventure in Anguilla, in this idyllic island edged by amazing beaches, while volunteering with:


Anguilla Community Foundation
www.definitivecaribbean.com/Charity/AnguillaCommunityFoundation.aspx
- Devoted to improving quality of life on the island by making grants to those in need and supporting local charities.

Antarctica

Antarctica is like nowhere else on earth. The enormous white wilderness of snow, ice, water and rock will never fail to inspire awe and wonder in even the most well-travelled visitor. Experience what many people don't by coming here and volunteering with:

Volunteer Research Trips

www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/0510/trips/volunteer_trips.html - Collect data on glacier recession and marine mammals, then enjoy snowboarding and kayaking in this amazing setting.

Antigua and Barbuda

Your vacation is all about the beaches here - among some of the most stunning to be found anywhere. While visiting, volunteer here with:

SANDS

http://www.sands-antigua-barbuda.com/ - Provides support for families coping with stillbirth and neonatal death.

Argentina

Experience the power of Iguazu Falls, the passion of Buenos Aires, and the reward of volunteering:

Fundacion Arte Viva

http://www.arteviva.org/ - Generates innovative cultural and educational experiences to furnish individuals with skills for personal and social growth.

Alimentar Ensenando

http://www.alimentarenseniando.org.ar - Mission is to feed, teach, strengthen and support low-income families.

Armenia

Verdant valleys lie between a fascinating mixture of castles, palaces, churches and mosques. Visit and volunteer with:

Fuller Center for Housing

http://www.fullercenterarmenia.org/ - Assists in building and renovating safe, simple, comfortable homes, with and for low-income families in Armenia.

Civil Society Institute

http://www.csi.am/ - Aims to assist and promote the establishment of a free and democratic society in Armenia.

Aruba

Beautiful beaches, a unique national wildlife park and a relaxed environment creates a lovely spot in which to volunteer:

Volunteer While You Visit

www.aruba.com/SpecialVacations/VolunteerWhileYouVisit.aspx - Provides details of a number of initiatives such as the Reef Care Project, a Donkey Sanctuary, Coastal Clean-Up Day, and Save The Turtles.

Australia

Outstanding natural landscapes, some of the best dive sites and beaches in the world and laid-back cities await you in Australia, along with chances to volunteer:

The Charities Book

http://www.auscharities.org/ - The portal for information on major Australian charities.

Camp Quality

http://www.campquality.org.au/ - Brings optimism and happiness to the lives of children and families affected by cancer.

Austria

The architecture and cafes of Vienna, the scenic Alps, the splendour of Salzburg - there are many delights to be sampled in Austria, including volunteering:

Art Miles Mural Project

http://the-art-miles-mural-project.org/ - Combines the efforts of children and adults worldwide to promote global peace and harmony through mural art.

Birdlife Austria

http://www.birdlife.at/ - The largest organization for ornithology and the protection of birds in Austria.

Azerbaijan

Discover the many delights of Azerbaijan, such as palaces, medieval cities, mud volcanoes, mountain villages, and volunteering with:

Chf Azerbaijan

http://www.chf.az/- Implements community mobilization and economic development programmes.

Junior Achievement Azerbaijan

http://www.jaazerbaijan.org/ - Inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy.

The Bahamas

Be as active as you like by sailing, diving, or kayaking, or just relax on the beaches before assisting with:

Andros Conservancy and Trust

http://www.ancat.org/ - Works towards protecting the marine environment and natural resources.

Bahrain

Experience Bahrain's combination of traditional and modern influences as you visit forts, wind towers, burial mounds, and huge shopping and entertainment complexes. Help out here with:

Bahrain Society for Children with Behavioural and Communication Difficulties

http://www.childbehaviour.org/ - Promotes opportunities for individuals with behavioural difficulties, and their families.

Bangladesh

This country suffers from seemingly endless trials, both natural and man-made, but somehow remains a place of vitality and, in parts, unique beauty. Volunteer here with:

Theatre & Arts for the Less Fortunate

http://www.talfweb.com/ - Uses theatre and the arts to address topical social and health issues.

Vialisa Foundation

http://www.vialisa.com/ - Works to improve the prospects of street children and young workers living in slums.

Barbados

Explore perfect beaches, lush scenery and beautiful plantations while helping out with:

Variety

http://www.varietybarbados.org/ - Works to improve the lives of children of Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.

Bajan Dream Project

http://www.bajan-dream.com/ - Gives people the skills and support needed to join the workforce, start their own business, earn their own income and have a home that is compatible with human dignity.

Belarus

Picturesque villages mix with appealing cities and deep forests in Belarus, where you can help out with:

Youth Entrepreneurship Support and Development Centre

http://www.yesdc.org/ - Creates innovative ways to promote learning amongst young people.

Belgium

Crammed with cute towns and renowned for excellent chocolate and beer, volunteer here through:

European Volunteer Centre

http://www.cev.be/ - The voice of volunteering in Europe.

Belize

A diver's paradise, Belize is also home to ancient ruins, national parks, and volunteering opportunities:

Belize Audubon Society

http://www.belizeaudubon.org/ - One of the most influential conservation organizations in Belize.

Cornerstone Foundation

http://www.cornerstonefoundationbelize.org/ - Organises various cultural, community service, and peace-related volunteer programmes.

Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

http://www.monkeybaybelize.org/ - A private wildlife sanctuary and environmental education centre.

Benin

The birthplace of voodoo, this country was once home to one of the most powerful empires in Africa. It now suffers from poverty and needs your help:

Mothers of Africa

http://www.mothersofafrica.org/ - Helping mothers during childbirth, this charity started in Benin.

Bermuda

Sun, sea, coral reefs, kayaking, yachting - it's all here at this tropical paradise, along with chances to volunteer:

Keep Bermuda Beautiful

http://www.kbb.bm/ - Engaging individuals to take greater responsibility in reducing waste andeliminating litter through action and education.

The Family Centre

http://www.tfc.bm/ - Works to stabilize and strengthen families through therapeutic, caring services and community partnerships.

Bhutan

Visit stunning monastries, trek sacred mountains and help out in this unique and fascinating country:

Amicus Foundation

http://www.amicusfoundation.org/ - Works with orphaned children, destitute families, disenfranchised women and imperiled cultures in Bhutan.

Bolivia

Home to natural wonders such as jungles and salt flats, vibrant indigenous cultures, colonial cities and volunteering opportunities such as:

Bolivian Street Children Project

http://www.bolivianstreetchildren.org/ - Addresses the unique needs of street children and makes a lasting difference in their lives.

Mujeres En Accion

www.cosett.com/bo/maccion - Works to counter discrimination and violence.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Escaping the shadows of violence and war, this beautiful country provides culture, stunning landscapes and opportunities for adventure and volunteerism:

SOS Bosnia

http://www.sosbosnia.org.uk/ - Delivers personal aid to people on all sides affected by the wars and their aftermath.

Botswana

One of sub-Saharan Africa's success stories, with vast open savannas full of wildlife, Botswana is a perfect African destination. Volunteer here with:

Tusk Trust

www.tusk.org/botswana-predator-conservation-trust.asp - Promotes solutions for the preservation of Africa's animals and their habitats, and links conservation and environmental issues to decision making in the ongoing development of rural Botswana.

Brazil

Famous for carnivals, beaches, waterfalls and football, as well as inequality along with opportunities to help address this:

Task Brazil

http://www.taskbrazil.org.uk/ - Improves the lives and supports the needs of children and pregnant girls living on the streets of Brazil.

Action for Brazil's Children

http://www.abctrust.org.uk/ - Dedicated to helping vulnerable children and young people.

Bulgaria

Skiing in the winter, summer by the Black Sea, magnificent monasteries and villages relatively untouched by modern life. Discover the delights of Bulgaria while volunteering with:

Bulgarian Partners

http://www.bulgarianpartners.org/ - Brings hope to those on the edge of society.

One Life Charity

www.onelifecharity.org - Helps children with life-shortening and life-threatening illnesses.

Burkina Faso

Deserts, green countryside, colourful markets, wildlife safaris - all this, and volunteering:

Paper For All

http://www.paper4all.org/ - Improves children's learning conditions by providing academic resources and tutoring for children in one of the most illiterate countries in Africa.

Burma

One of the world's most special and secluded places, come here to see some of the thousands of Buddhist temples, trek through forests, experience the intrigue of Mandalay, and to volunteer:

Prospect Burma

http://www.prospectburma.org/ - Funds scholarships for Burmese students and English language courses in Burma.

Burma Children's Fund

www.burmachildrensfund.org.uk/ - Supports orphanages across Burma to provide shelter, health care and education. Follow their blog here: http://burmachildrensfund.blogspot.com/

Myanmar Charity Group

http://myanmarcharitygroup.org/ - Provides assistance for the education and general welfare of disabled and orphaned children.

Burundi

Filled with soaring mountains and languid lakeside communities, this currently peaceful country is a great place to volunteer:

Eulogia
http://www.eulogia.co.uk/ - A project to build houses for orphaned children.

Cambodia

A magical country home to the greatness of the Angkor Wat temple and the despair of the killing fields. Peace has returned along with unique volunteer opportunities:

CamKids

http://www.camkids.org/ - Helps children in Cambodia who are poor or vulnerable.

Partnership for Development

http://www.padek.org/ - Empowers disadvantaged people to improve the quality of their lives in a sustainable way.

Life and Hope Association

http://www.lifeforhope.org/ - Works to build a peaceful society.

Cameroon

One of the most culturally diverse places in Africa - for people, for landscapes, and for volunteering:

Self Reliance Promoters

http://www.selfreliancepromoters.org/ - Contributes to the fight against poverty.

Help International

http://www.hintonline.org/ - Aims to improve social and economic well-being through education, skill development and job creation.

Canada

Large enough to contain anything you could ever wish from a trip - vibrant cities, beautiful scenery, outdoor adventure - as well as volunteering opportunities:

Charity Village

http://www.charityvillage.com/ - Encourages and services Canada's 200,000 charities.

Cape Verde

Containing barren flats, verdants valleys, and a volcanic peak, Cape Verde is full of surprises, as well as opportunities for volunteering:

Eco Education Project

www.watercharity.org/taxonomy/term/25 - Carries out training on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Local Ecosystems.

Cayman Islands

A haven for diving, snorkelling, hiking and a chance to find a slower pace, and volunteer:

Cayman Islands Cancer Society

http://www.cics.ky/ - Increases awareness, prevents the development of cancer, and counsels and supports cancer patients and their families.

Central African Republic

A staggeringly beautiful country, with amazing wildlife, it still suffers from under-development, poverty and insecurity. Try to help with:

International Rescue Committee

www.theirc.irg/where/central_african_republic - Runs emergency assistance programs for displaced people and vulnerable populations.

Chad

Travelling here can be dangerous and unstable, but still contains a number of unique attractions in its deserts and national parks, as well as chances to volunteer:

Safer Birth in Chad Foundation

http://www.saferbirthinchad.org/ - Supports the training of midwives to reduce maternal mortality.

Chile

Stretching from deserts to glacial fields, this country offers a wealth of experiences, including volunteering:

Unread Mothers

http://unreadmothers.org/umchile.html - Works to bring basic education to poor mothers and their children.

Nesst

http://www.nesst.org/ - Works to solve critical problems by developing and supporting social enterprises.

Habitat for Humanity

http://www.hphchile.cl/ - Promotes the right of vulnerable families and communities to a home.

China

No description can fully explain the varied attractions of China. Home to a fifth of the world's population, the opportunities for adventure in all kinds of settings seem limitless. Although continuing to grow as a world economic power, millions here still live in poverty. Help out with:

Half the Sky Foundation

http://www.halfthesky.org/ - Provides nurturing care for China's orphaned children.

China Giant Panda Volunteer Program

http://www.chinagiantpanda.com/ - Offers customized volunteer tours in China.

Colombia

All kinds of adventures await you in Colombia - safaris, jungle walks, trekking, surfing, diving - as well as volunteering:

Las Golondrinas

http://www.lasgolondrinas.org/ - Works to give familes of marginal neighbourhoods a present and future with hope and dignity.

Solidarios En Red

http://www.solidariosenred.org/ - Contributes to increasing social justice.

Congo, Democratic Republic

Journey into the Heart of Africa, filled with volcanoes and rivers, while you help out with:

Maisha Foundation

http://www.fondationmaisha.org/ - A non-profit organisation for street children in Lubumbashi.

Journalists in Danger

http://www.jed-afrique.org/ - Dedicated to defending and promoting press freedom.

Congo, Republic

Known for its lowland gorillas and wild chimpanzees, the Congo contains rainforest, jungles and chances to help:

Azur Development

http://www.azurdev.org/ - Provides leadership in the socio-cultural and economic development of the Congo, and Africa in general.

Cook Islands

These remote desert islands offer spectacular scenery as a backdrop to volunteering:

Global Volunteers

www.globalvolunteers.org/cook.default.asp - Help to bolster literacy, provide care for the elderly and perform other social services while learning about the captivating South Pacific culture.

Costa Rica

One of the most biodiverse countries in the world, come to Costa Rica and surf, hike, watch wildlife, and volunteer:

Save the Parismina Sea Turtles

http://www.parisminaturtles.org/ - Set up to combat the effects of widespread poaching.

Kids Saving The Rainforest

http://www.kidssavingtherainforest.org/ - Educates children about the rainforest, preserves local rainforest land, and rehabilitates baby and injured animals. Kids Saving The Rainforest recently partnered with the Blue Banyan Inn http://bluebanyaninn.com/ to facilitate learning about and volunteering with endangered animals.

Cloud Forest School

http://www.cloudforestschool.org/ - Educates people to love, respect and protect the natural environment.

Cote d'Ivoire

Safaris, beaches, rainforests and faded colonial charm come together in this country, along with opportunities to help:

La Pierre Angulaire

http://www.pangulaire.org/ - A health assistance and counselling charity.

Croatia

With one of the most amazing coastlines in the world, Croatia is a special place to visit and volunteer:

Eco-Centre

http://www.caput-insulae.com/ - A research and education centre for the protection of nature.

Cuba

This fascinating country offers the chance to see the decaying beauty of Havana, explore the delights of the countryside, listen to the non-stop music that pulses through the island, and volunteer with:

Camaquito

http://www.camaquito.org/ - Supports children in Cuba in the areas of education, sports and culture.

Cuba AIDS Project

http://www.cubaaidsproject.com/ - Directly supports HIV/AIDS patients.

Cyprus

This sunny island is home to golden beaches, gorgeous mountains and beautiful architecture, and offers opportunities to volunteer such as:

Cans For Kids

http://www.cansforkids.org/ - Educates children about the importance of recycling and recycles cans to buy medical equipment for paediatric hospitals.