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.