Montenegro

Newly independent, this country encompasses historic towns, dramatic coastline, deep forests and chances to volunteer such as:

Network for Affirmation of NGO Sector

http://www.mans.cg.yu/ - Contributes to the development of Montenegro through work to increase the participation of citizens in decision-making.

Morocco

Visit beaches, deserts, mountains and endlessly fascinating cities while volunteering with:

Morocco International Workcamps

http://perso.menara.ma/youthcamps - Promotes cultural tourism, international youth exchanges and voluntary work.

Moroccan Human Rights Organisation

http://www.omdh.org/ - Works to protect human rights.

Mozambique

Idyllic islands and adventure travel make this destination, emerging from the shadow of civil war, a great place to visit and volunteer:

Rede de Cranca

http://www.rededacrianca.org.mz/ - A forum of charities working to help children in difficult situations.

Business Forum for the Environment

http://www.fema.org.mz/ - Increases the participation of the private sector in setting policy and environmental awareness.

Namibia

Explore amazing national parks and breathtaking deserts while assisting with this country's poverty struggles:

Bicycling Empowerment Network

www.benbikes.org.za/namibia - Aims to empower disadvantaged Namibians through provision of sustainable transport and bicycle-related income generating opportunities.

Men on the Side of the Road

http://www.msr.org.na/ - Works with unemployed men to create jobs and training opportunities.

Nepal

Trek the Himalayas, explore great art and architecture, and volunteer in this poverty-stricken country with:

The Nepal Trust

http://www.nepaltrust.org/ - Creates community projects that emphasize local participation and responsibility.

Child Workers in Nepal

http://www.cwin.org.np/ - Focuses on child rights, child labour, trafficking, street children, child abuse and children in armed conflict.

Himalayan Helping Hands

http://www.hhhnepal.org/ - Provides education, basic health care and income-generating vocational training.

Netherlands

Experience the many delights of this country by train or bicycle, and volunteer with:

Youth Service Initiative

http://www.youthserviceinitiative.org/ - Encourages people to play an active role in their community.

Borderline Books

http://www.borderlinebooks.nl/ - Collects overstocks and slightly damaged books and redistributes them free to those who need them.

Ecpat

http://www.ecpat.nl/ - Works to end child prostitution, pornography and trafficking.

New Zealand

Non-stop beautiful scenery and opportunities for adventure, as well as for volunteering:

Charities Commission
www.charities.govt.nz/ - Search through all registered charities in NZ.

Nicaragua

Land of lakes, volcanoes, poetry and revolution, escape to this magical destination and volunteer with:

Building New Hope

http://buildingnewhope.org/ - Assists communities by selling fair trade coffee, operating career training centers, alternative school and literacy programs.

Aqua Para Vida

http://www.aplv.org/ - Helps rural Nicaraguan communities build their own drinking water and sanitation systems.

Communidad Connect

http://www.comunidadconnect.org/ - Brings together local Nicaraguan residents and foreigners living in or visiting Nicaragua.

Niger

One of the world's poorest countries, Niger still has a lot to offer with stunning stretches of desert separating colourful villages. Go there and and find out about volunteering with:

SoS Childrens Villages

www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk/sponsor-a-child/africa/niger - Has established a childrens village outside the capital Niamey, with a nursery, primary school, medical centre and emergency relief programme.

Nigeria

Suffering from the curse of natural resources and religious tensions, Nigeria still pulsates with an energy and vibrancy that is rarely found elsewhere. Check it out and help with:

African Citizens Development Foundation

http://www.acdf-assefad.org/ - Works to tackle lawlessnes, corruption, poverty, violence, greed and other negative social forces.

Stepping Stones Nigeria

http://www.steppingstonesnigeria.org/ - Works to protect, save and transform the lives of vulnerable children such as street children and orphans.

Action Health Incorporated

www.actionhealthinc.org/ - Dedicated to improving the health of Nigerian adolescents.

Norway

One of the most beautiful countries in the world, and one which takes its social and environmental responsibilities seriously, Norway is an excellent choice for combining volunteering and travel:

Worldview Rights

http://www.worldviewrights.com/ - Aims to create conflict solutions in collaboration with Nobel Peace laureates, youth and students, international organisations and leading research institutes and universities.

Changemaker

http://www.changemaker.no/ - Works to change the causes of poverty.

Norway Institute for Water Research

http://www.niva.no/ - NIVA is Norway’s leading multidisciplinary research institute in the field of use and protection of water bodies and water quality, in fresh and marine waters.

Oman

Beautiful beaches and desert dunes abound in this country, which has only emerged from isolation relatively recently. Explore and volunteer with:

The Creative Learning Center

http://www.clc-oman.com/ - A center for children with special needs and learning disabilities.

Pakistan

Often viewed as a violent and dangerous country, Pakistan nevertheless offers endless mountain peaks, glorious city architecture and unique experiences, including volunteering:

Concern for Children

http://www.concernforchildren.org.pk/ - Designs, implements and replicates models for sustainable development for children within at-risk populations.

Sahil

http://www.sahil.org/ - Works exclusively on the issue of child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Rural Support Programmes Network

www.rspn.org/ - Involves poor communities in improved management and delivery of basic services.

Palau

Most visitors to Palau spend their time underwater because of its amazing diving opportunities, but come up for air occasionally and volunteer with:

Palau Conservation Society

www.palau-pcs.org/support.html - Works in marine and terrestrial conservation, environmental education and research.

Palestine/West Bank and Gaza Strip

Brave the dangers and the security systems to come to the assistance of the beleaguered Palestinians, who continue to struggle to create a safe home of their own:

Palestine Summer Encounter

http://www.palestinesummer.org/ - Live with a Palestinian Christian or Muslim host family, participate in Arabic classes and serve as a volunteer with one of over 35 local organizations.

Project Hope

http://projecthope.ps/ - Supports children by providing educational and recreational activities, medical and humanitarian relief, and practical training.

Panama

A famous canal, scenic trekking, colonial towns and exquisite handicrafts are all available here, as well as chances to help with:

British American Foundation

http://www.britishamericanfoundation.org/ - Has a mission to reduce poverty and develop a sustainable future for all ethnic people who live in the tropical rainforests of the Darien province of Panama.

Unread Mothers Panama

http://unreadmothers.org/umpanama.html - Brings basic education to poor mothers and their children.

Papua New Guinea

Explore this country, unknown to most travellers, visit mountains and jungles and take care in the capital, aswell as assisting:

The Melanesian Foundation

http://www.foundation.mtspng.com/ - Funds education and medical projects.

Conservation International Melanesian

http://www.cimelanesia.org.pg/ - Works to demonstrate how human societies are able to live harmoniously with nature.

Paraguay

A relatively undiscovered country of contrasts, journey through rainforests and deserts and make time to volunteer with:

Para La Tierra
http://www.paralatierra.org/ - A biological station assisted by a constant stream of ecologically-minded volunteers working to help save the Laguna Blanca, one of the world's most beautiful, unique and little-known locations.

Microsol Foundation
http://www.microsol.org.py/ - Executes economic, social and cultural development programs.

Peru

Famous for Macchu Picchu, this country has a wealth of other attractions to explore, in addition to providing memorable volunteering experiences:

Peru Children's Trust
http://www.peruchildrenstrust.org.uk/ - A small charity dedicated to the support of poor children and young people in the city and shantytowns of Huancayo.

Homestay Tourism Project
http://www.yachaquiwayi.org/ - Visitors can learn about projects within the different communities, book home stays, and purchase handmade weavings.

Bruce Organization
http://bruceperu.org/ - Rehabilitates and educates excluded children.

Philippines

Composed of over 7,000 tropical islands full of natural wonder, the Philippines is a perfect place to discover while volunteering:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_charities_in_the_Philippines - An extensive resources for charities in the Philippines.

Poland

Ancient castles, medieval towns and rustic countryside set the stage for helping out with:

Choice to Choose Foundation

http://www.choicetochoose.org/ - Enables people with the least chances in society to have a basic education and to access microcredit.

Foundation for the Support of Ecological Initiatives

http://zb.eco.pl/ - Identifies environmental problems and researches possible ways to address them.

Portugal

Amazing coastlines, cute cities and a great climate make this an ideal country to volunteer in:

Junior Achievement Portugal

http://www.japortugal.org/ - Develops enterpreneurship, creativity and innovation in future generations.

Infonature - The Spirit of Change

http://www.infonature.org/ - Informs and educates by researching the areas of human and animal rights and the environment.

Puerto Rico

Visit the island where America and the Caribbean meet, and where there is almost too much to see and do, including volunteering:

Amigos De Los Animales

http://www.amigosdelosanimalespr.org/ - Rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes abused and abandoned companion and farm animals.

Ricky Martin Foundation

http://www.rickymartinfoundation.org/ - Advocates for the well-being of children around the globe in critical areas such as social justice, education and health.

Coralations

http://www.coralations.org/ - Conserves coral reefs in the Caribbean.

Qatar

Visit this country as it goes through a massive stage of development and volunteer with:

Qatar Charity

http://www.qcharity.org/ - Supports the Qatari society and other needy communities abroad.

Romania

Sample hiking, biking, skiing, village life, communist architecture, and volunteering in the home of Dracula with:

FARA

http://www.faracharity.org/ - Has been actively working with orphaned and abandoned children since the deplorable conditions of Romania's state orphanages were first revealed.

Center for Rural Assistance

http://www.rural-center.org/ - Mission is to create and consolidate the capacities for sustainable development of rural communities.

Outward Bound Romania

http://www.outwardbound.ro/ - Offers a number of different adventures focusing on promoting self confidence and problem-solving skills.

Russia

Vast expanses, glorious cities and unique experience are on offer, as well as chances to volunteer:

St Petersburg Charities

www.russialink.org.uk/charity.index.htm - Provides links to a variety of St. Petersburg charities.

Living Hope

http://www.livinghope.org.nz/ - Helps the street children of Vladivostock and gives them the life they deserve.

Project Harmony

http://www.projectharmony.org/ - Strives towards a world where individuals and communities collaborate across borders to resolve global challenges.

Rwanda

Endless mountain views, volcanoes and gorillas are just a few of the sights to be seen in this tiny land-locked country, which is working hard to escape the memories of genocide:

Fact

http://www.fact.org.rw/ - Addresses the issues of torture and organised violence.

Orphans of Rwanda

http://www.orphansofrwanda.org/ - Assists orphans and vulnerable young people in Rwanda who have been affected by the 1994 genocide and diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria.

Surf - Survivors Fund

http://www.survivors-fund.org.uk/ - Supports a wide range of services for victims in Rwanda.

Youth Association for Dissemination of Development Information

http://www.yaddi.net/ - Has set up various projects such as: Action Against Computer Illiteracy, Lack of Life Skills and Development Information, Voice of Youth Against HIV/AIDS, Universal Arts Project

Amani Africa

http://www.africagrassroots.org/ - Uses sports teams and clubs as a way to reach out to Rwandan youth and street children.

St Kitts and Nevis

Mix activities, relaxation and volunteering in the naturally beautiful environment of St Kitts and Nevis:

The Change Centre
http://www.changecentre.org/ - Its work includes crisis counselling, legal advocacy, support and related assistance to victims of domestic violence and child abuse, financial assistance to the economically disadvantaged, health and medical referrals, and education and training.

St Lucia

Hikes, volcanoes and volunteering are all in abundance in stunning St Lucia:

St Lucia Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities
http://www.cdgc.net/ - Challenges the stigma of disability and gives disabled children a chance to fulfil their potential.

St Vincent and the Grenadines

A string of enchanting Caribbean islands greets you, along with a variety of volunteering opportunities such as:

Association for People with Disabilities
http://www.apd.interconnection.org/ - Dedicated to ensuring that children and young adults with disabilities are provided with every opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

Samoa

Help the people of this beautiful country recover from its recent earthquake and tsunami by assisting:

United Nations Development Programme - Multicountry Office - Samoa

http://www.undp.org.ws/ - This office in Samoa supports the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau and the greater Pacific community to achieve their national development goals.

South Pacific Business Development Fund

http://www.spbd.ws/ - A micro finance organisation serving those living in poverty in the Pacific Islands.

Sao Tome and Principe

Explore this tiny nation with its fishing villages and old colonial plantations while helping out with:

Volunteer Africa

http://www.volunteerafrica.org/ - Run by a team of committed volunteers with the dual aims of enabling people to make a difference to the lives of rural Africans and to raise funds for partner NGOs.

Saudi Arabia

Explore souqs, exquisite reefs, and an often mysterious and misunderstood society while assisting with:

Arab Gulf Programme for United Nations Development Organisations
http://www.agfund.org/ - Concerned with the support of sustainable human development efforts, targeting the neediest.

Senegal

Mix the hustle and bustle of the capital Dakar with golden beaches, in addition to volunteering:

Association for Women, Children and Environment
http://www.afee-sn.org/ - Aimed at improving the living conditions of women and children.

Anti-Poverty Initiative
http://www.antipovertyinitiative.org/ - Committed to working with poor, marginalized women to economically transform their lives through micro-credit/enterprise and savings programming.

Serbia

Serbia has emeged from the shadow of war as an exciting tourist destination with interesting volunteer opportunities:

Sport and Youth Humanitarian Organisation

http://www.icametoplay.org/ - A sports and peace education program which builds bridges and transcends boudaries through the power of sport and play.

Centre for Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Development

http://www.cenort.org.yu/ - Works with tourism to overcome negative impacts and develop in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Balkan Sunflowers

http://www.balkansunflowers.org/ - An international grassroots organisation which aids Kosovar refugees.

Seychelles

A hot-spot for honeymoons and ecotourism, mix sampling life in paradise with helping out with:

Marine Conservation Society

http://www.mcss.sc/ - Aims to improve the conservation of marine eco-systems through scientific, management, educational andtraining programmes.

Nature Seychelles

http://www.nature.org.sc/ - Improves the conservation of biodiversity.

Seychelles Islands Foundation

http://www.sif.sc/ - Manages and conserves the natural life of the islands.

Sierra Leone

This now peaceful country offers many opportunities to explore beaches and wildlife, as well as for volunteering:

All As One -West Africa

http://www.all-as-one.org/ - Volunteers are needed in a number of areas - some that require specific skills and others that simply require a passion for the orphaned and destitute children of Sierra Leone.

Global Rescue Mission Sierra Leone

http://www.grm-sl.org/ - Their mission is to serve the most vulnerable in society - youth, women and children.

Campaign for Good Governance

http://www.slcgg.org/ - Increases citizen participation in governance through advocacy, capacity building and civic education.

Singapore

Explore the mixture of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Western culture while sampling some amazing cuisine and volunteering with:

The Geylang East Home for the Aged
http://www.geha.org.sg/ - A community home fully managed by a team of dedicated volunteers.

Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation
http://www.tzuchi.org.sg/ - Promotes compassionate and selfless spirit in society.

Kampung Senang Charity and Education Foundation
www.kg-senang.org.sg - Works to create a beautiful world that is full of respect for life and respect of nature.

Slovakia

A plethora of cafe-bars and architectural curiosities await you in the capital Bratislava, while traditional villages are ready to be explored in the countryside. Volunteer with:

Slovak Wildlife Society:

http://www.slovakwildlife.org/ - Helps ensure the long-term survival of endangered and vulnerable species and their habitats.

Wolf Forest Protection Movement

http://www.wolf.sk/ - Creates a network of private reserves in which plants and animals can evolve towards maximum stability without human intervention.

Slovenia

Beautiful lakes, atmospheric castles and deep forests combine to make a perfect backdrop for volunteering:

Society for the Promotion and Education for Health of Slovenia
http://www.drustvo-pvzs.si/ - Works for the common good and the preservation of the planet, protecting the climate, good water, quality of life and health.

Umanotera - The Slovenian Foundation for Sustainable Development
http://www.umanotera.org/ - Implements the principles of sustainable development in practice, particularly those aimed at preserving natural resources and biological diversity.

Solomon Islands

An undiscovered gem for adventures travellers, divers and volunteers alike.

Adventist Volunteers
http://www.adventistvolunteers.org/ - Organises medical, administration, education, construction, orphanage and English language projects.

Somalia

Dangerous, insecure and extremely impoverished, Somalia presents an extreme challenge to volunteers looking to help this desperate country:

Nagaad

http://www.nagaad.org/ - A women's umbrella organisation formed by experienced and committed Somaliland women to lobby for the empowerment of women and to promote their dignity and self-worth.

Horn of Africa Relief and Development Organisation

http://www.hornrelief.org/ - An African-led international development and humanitarian organisation which aims to improve the conditions of those living in marginalized areas in the Horn of Africa. They strengthen rural livelihoods through training, technology transfer and innovative humanitarian projects in pursuit of a peaceful, self-reliant, greener future.

South Africa

This country is home to stunning scenery, world-famous wines, and a vast array of wildlife. It also struggles with HIV/AIDS, crime, and racial tensions. Help tackle these problems with:

South African Volunteers

http://www.southafricavolunteers.co.za/ - Brings volunteers with or without experience to work in this vibrant country. Share knowledge, learn new things about life and yourself, and make a difference.

Charity South Africa

http://www.charitysa.co.za/ - Lists a number of South Africa's charities alphabetically and by location.

Networking AIDS Communities of South Africa

http://www.wc-nacosa.co.za/ - Provides organisational capacity building, networking, and promotes dialogue to empower organisations to respond to the impact of HIV/AIDS and TB.

Spain

A fantastic selection of beaches, mountains, cities, architecture, cuisine and entertainment greets every visitor to Spain. Combine these with volunteering:

Amnisti Animal Madrid

http://www.amnistianimalmadrid.org/ - Dedicated to reporting abuses committed against animals.

Association Action Against Infantile Pornography

http://www.asociacion-acpi.org/ - Fights against sexual exploitation of minors.

ACCEM

http://www.accem.es/ - Provides care and shelter to refugees and immigrants in Spain, promoting inclusion and equality of rights of all people whatever their origin, sex, race, religion or social grouping.

Sri Lanka

Affected by both natural and man-made disasters, Sri Lanka still offers an amazing variety of scenery, culture and history, as well as opportunities to volunteer:

Bridge 2 Sri Lanka

http://www.bridge2srilanka.com/ - Organises various medical, livelihood and housing projects in impoverished areas of Sri Lanka.

Federation for Wildlife Conservation

http://www.wildfed.org/ - Set up to conserve biodiversity and related ecosystem services.

Cultural Survival Trust

http://www.culturalsurvivaltrust.org/ - Helps indigenous people and traditional communities articulate, document and disseminate their age-old traditions of ecological and cultural wisdom.

Sudan

Torn apart by war and genocide, this country continues to struggle to establish peace and order. Help towards this goal with one of the many volunteer organisations based in Sudan:

Sudanese Child Support Organisation

http://www.thechildsupport.org/ - Children are often the worst affected by conflict. This organisation works to improve the living conditions of children and protect them from danger.

Pact Sudan

http://www.pactsudan.org/ - Designs and implements numerous programs in the area of community security, peacebuilding and infrastructure rehabilitation.

Suriname

Discover the jungles, forest and rivers of this South American country while assisting:

Conservation International Suriname
http://www.ci-suriname.org/ - Works to conserve the Central Suriname Nature Reserve which covers a range of toopgraphy and ecosystems of notable conservation value due to their pristine state.

Lobi Foundation
http://www.lobisuriname.org/ - Works in the field of sexual and reproductive health.

Swaziland

Explore this tiny African kingdom with its lovely valleys and amazing game reserves, while helping out with:

All Out Africa

http://www.all-out.org/ - Engages people and resources from around the world in the research and action necessary for a sustainable Africa.

Bulembu Ministries

http://www.bulembu.org/ - Working to create a self-sustaining community and restore health, education, commerce and care for children.

Sweden

Volunteer in this beautiful and peaceful nation with one of the following organisations:

Animal Right

http://www.djurensratt.se/ - The largest animal rights organisation on Scandinavia, their mission is to end painful animal experiments.

Sweden Local Heritage Movement

http://www.hembygd.se/ - Works to bring local areas and surroundings to life.

Solidarity, Human Rights, Inclusion, Accessibility

http://www.shia.se/ - Supports work that disabled people and their organisations are carrying out for increased rights, equality and inclusion.

Swedish Micro Credit Foundation

http://www.swedishmicrocredit.se/ - Enhances lives by providing for independent and family businesses in need.