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"Pioneer spreads a positive message to local people. It’s a unique insight into Madagascar"
Indu Vaidya, 2006


	WINNER Best Volunteering Organisation

About Pioneer Madagascar

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Overview

Pioneers take part in a range of construction work, conservation research and educational activities. Projects focus on health and sanitation, sustainable livelihoods and conservation in the traditional fishing and farming region of Anosy in southeast Madagascar. Pioneer volunteers work on an extensive range of projects from the building of wells and schools in remote villages to teaching English and planting trees.

Volunteers should be prepared for physical work in a hot climate, adventurous road journeys, and long walks to reach remote and beautiful project sites. The work and lifestyle is challenging but incomparably rewarding.

When?

The program starts in the first week of January, April, July and October each year and lasts for 10 weeks. Shorter periods are available upon request. Pioneers spend around three weeks working in urban Fort Dauphin and around seven working in rural villages.

Field Conditions

Camping facilities are provided for Pioneers throughout the scheme, although Pioneers do need to bring their own tent! Facilities are basic, but there will always be latrine and private washing amenities. Electricity and piped water are available when in Fort Dauphin. In the field, however, we collect and then treat water from rivers and wells.

All meals are provided for Pioneers. Meals mainly consist of rice, beans, vegetables and fruit. Fish (or eggs for vegetarians) are provided when possible. All meals are prepared and cooked by the group, often in open-air facilities. The best possible treated drinking water is always available.

Support & Safety

A team of Malagasy staff travel and work with the group to offer translation and advice on Malagasy culture, to ensure that the group is safe and that they are able to interact well with local communities. Also travelling and working with the group is the Pioneer coordinator. Often an ex-Pioneer, the coordinators' role is to ensure that the group is kept happy, healthy and busy!

A satellite telephone travels with the Pioneers at all times. This ensures that you can be safely returned to Fort Dauphin to a doctor within just a few hours, in the event of emergency.

Free Time

Pioneers largely work in areas where few tourists visit; weekends are free for you to explore the lush forests, stunning beaches and the joys of interacting with local people. Evenings might, for example, be spent listening to local children singing or joining in with traditional dance.

Internship

The major difference between an intern and a volunteer relates to the amount of mentorship and self-evaluation. We feel that there are several factors that are necessary in order to run a successful internship program:
- Active participation
- Full involvement in the organisation’s projects
- Weekly feedback and discussion with Program Supervisor and NGO Director evaluation at the end of the program

In addition, we understand that some colleges and universities may have special requirements for internships or give credit for internships. We may be able to adapt the internship program to meet any special needs or requirements.

To get another perspective on Pioneer Madagascar, watch the film.

Any questions? Feel free to call +44 (0) 20 8960 6629 or email us at mark@azafady.org.

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