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Fantastic 4.54rating (29)
  • Sustainable Cities And Communities

Work For Community Development

location
1 - 8 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Contribute towards the development of infrastructures where the entire community in Nosy Komba
  • Improve the lives and living conditions of the people
  • Explore the gorgeous islands of Madagascar and indulge in knowing more about this unique African country

Highlights

  • Contribute towards the development of infrastructures where the entire community in Nosy Komba
  • Improve the lives and living conditions of the people
  • Explore the gorgeous islands of Madagascar and indulge in knowing more about this unique African country
  • Work alongside local builders on toilet blocks, irrigation systems, school renovations and community sports facilities.
  • Live at camp on the island of Nosy Komba and get to know the families you are building for.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Join the Community Development Volunteering Program in Madagascar and contribute effectively towards making lives better for the people living in Nosy Komba.

    Nosy Komba is a small volcanic island off Madagascar's north-west coast, where the villages are linked by footpaths rather than roads. Almost everything the community needs has to be built by hand, and this project exists to help them do it.

    You will be assigned to a live construction project when ...

    About the program

    Nosy Komba is a small volcanic island off Madagascar's north-west coast, where the villages are linked by footpaths rather than roads. Almost everything the community needs has to be built by hand, and this project exists to help them do it.

    You will be assigned to a live construction project when you arrive, working alongside local builders rather than in place of them. The work covers things like toilet blocks, irrigation systems, school renovations and community sports facilities — unglamorous infrastructure that changes daily life in a place that has very little of it. Schedules shift with what the community needs and which materials have arrived, so flexibility counts for more than experience here.

    You will be based at the main camp on Nosy Komba, with some projects running from the secondary camp at Ampohana. Because the island is small and the team is genuinely embedded in it, you get to know the families you are building for. A fair number of volunteers go on to raise money for a specific project after they get home.

    No construction skills are needed — you will be shown what to do. Bring a tolerance for heat, humidity and physical work, and you will leave having built something that is still standing long after you have gone.

    Typical day

    Volunteers usually arrive on Sunday and the program will start from Monday.

    MONDAY
    07:30 Breakfast
    08:30 Orientation Presentation
    10:00 Health and Safety Presentation
    11:00 Complete and sign forms and paperwork
    12:00 Lunch
    14:00 Walk to the neighboring village of Ampang for a tour led by staff
    17:00 Return ...

    Typical day

    Volunteers usually arrive on Sunday and the program will start from Monday.

    MONDAY
    07:30 Breakfast
    08:30 Orientation Presentation
    10:00 Health and Safety Presentation
    11:00 Complete and sign forms and paperwork
    12:00 Lunch
    14:00 Walk to the neighboring village of Ampang for a tour led by staff
    17:00 Return to camp (walk or by boat at a cost of 2,000 MGA/person)
    18:00 Dinner
    18:45 Daily Board Briefing

    TUESDAY: First official day on project! Generally, you will be doing hands-on activities integrated with staff and other more experienced volunteers. Staff will go over activities and times after dinner on Monday so you know where to go.

    VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES:

    Each program has morning and afternoon activities. After dinner each day, we have a briefing to go over activities for the following day.
    NOTE: Schedule will vary depending on the project, tides, etc.

    Sample Schedule:

    05:00-07:00 Breakfast on camp
    06:00-08:00 Start of morning activities on the project
    12:00 Lunch on camp
    14:00 Start of afternoon activities on the project
    16:00-17:00 Volunteer activities for the day usually conclude
    18:00 Dinner on camp
    18:45 Board Briefing to go over activities for the following day

    Free-time activities

    A few popular weekend activities/places to visit are listed below.

    • Lokobe Forest Reserve
    • Discovery SCUBA Dive
    • SCUBA Dive Training
    • Explore different areas of Nosy Komba with a local guide and learn about medicinal plants, the endemic wildlife and more
    • Tanikely Natural Reserve
    • Visit Nosy Iranja or Nosy ...

    Free-time activities

    A few popular weekend activities/places to visit are listed below.

    • Lokobe Forest Reserve
    • Discovery SCUBA Dive
    • SCUBA Dive Training
    • Explore different areas of Nosy Komba with a local guide and learn about medicinal plants, the endemic wildlife and more
    • Tanikely Natural Reserve
    • Visit Nosy Iranja or Nosy Sakatia (swimming and snorkeling)
    • Whale Shark Watching (seasonal)
    • Visit the Sacred Tree or Sacred Waterfall on Nosy Be
    • Hike up Mount Passot on Nosy Be
    • Visit Lemur Land park on Nosy Be, or the Lemur Park on Ampang Village on Nosy Komba
    • Ankarana National Park
    • Amber Mountain National Park
    • Visit plantations on the mainland in the city of Ambanja
    • Visit the city of Diego Suarez including the Emerald Sea, the Three Bays, Tsingy Rouge rock formation and more

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Volunteers should be highly energetic; have a positive attitude to make a change; possess a certain level of fitness, since the island life is not as easy as it might seem!

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • 24 hrs Assistance and support from staff
    • Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
    • Orientation
    • Sleeping accommodation on camp for the program duration
    • Three meals per day, seven days per week on camp
    • Supervision and training by staff
    • Airport pick-up in Nosy Be
    • Transportation to program sites
    • Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)
    • Certificate Of Completion (Upon Request)

    Airport Pickup at Fascene Airport

    Volunteers should arrive on Nosy Be Fascene Airport for pick-up on Sunday before their start date. They will be met at the airport or boat port (if arriving overland) and transferred to the volunteer camp on Nosy Komba. The boat ride from Nosy Be to Nosy Komba takes about 45 minutes with the last boat of the day departing around 15:00. If volunteers do not arrive in time for the last boat to camp, our staff will assist in getting them to their hotel (we can provide hotel recommendations).

    Accommodation

    We have 2 accommodation facilities in Madagascar. The first one, Turtle Cove, is built into the steep slopes of Nosy Komba, which is a multi-level compound overlooking the spectacular coral reef below. Climb stone stairs up from an idyllic beach to the main house situated above the dive deck and take in the stunning view of the ocean extending far across all the way to Lokobe Forest Reserve on Nosy Be. The main house accommodates senior staff members and serves as a meeting place and hangout for volunteers during the day. Large decks line the front of the main house complete with hammocks, bean bags, and benches.

    Volunteers can expect to share a hut with four to six other volunteers and will need to bring their own bedding and towels. The huts have several bathroom facilities equipped with running water, flush toilets and cold water showers. There is also a work area for volunteers as well as lockable storage boxes available for each hut to store small valuables. Volunteers should also bring a padlock to secure personal items in their luggage when not in use.

    The second camp is located on mainland Madagascar in the small remote village of Ampohana. Volunteers are accommodated in communal A-Frame bungalow fitted with double bunk beds. Our camps are eco-friendly with solar-powered lighting throughout. There are no charging facilities for electronic devices; volunteers are encouraged to bring a solar panel and battery pack to keep their devices charged. Charging ports are available in the neighboring village of Ampang, about a half-hour hike from camp.

    Food & Beverages

    Three meals per day are provided seven days per week. Each meal is prepared by our on-site cooks using traditional Malagasy cooking methods using fresh, locally grown, seasonally available produce. Most meals have a rice base with beans and vegetables on the side (or over rice).

    Fruits and vegetables served will change depending on the season and availability of local produce. Some meals will include fish/seafood, beef (zebu), or chicken. Meat, when part of a meal, is typically prepared with a sauce, cut into small pieces, and served over rice. In addition to bananas, breakfast usually consists of either baguettes and jam, eggs or crepes.

    There is a vegetarian option for all meals. Due to logistics and the limitations of our remote location, we cannot provide a vegan option. Vegans can help themselves to the vegetable-based foods prepared, but will also need to supplement their diet with foods purchased off camp.  If you have special dietary requirements, please let us know. We will do or best to provide accordingly, however you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Fascene Airport (NOS) in Nossi-be. We assist you to find cheap flights to Madagascar. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Madagascar provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Madagascar you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Madagascar. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Start dates: weekly, year-round — you can join this project in any week of the year. Choose the start date that suits you when you apply.

    On arrival: fly into Nosy Be (NOS). You will be met at the airport and taken across to camp on Nosy Komba, where you get an orientation covering the projects, the island and safety before your first day on site.

    Please note: the airport drop-off at the end of your placement is not included.
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $609 per week 1 - 8 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 8 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.5
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Location

    Africa > Eastern Africa > Madagascar > nosy komba

    Meet your project coordinator

    Sahil
    29
    reviews
    4.54
    Fantastic
    2007
    Founded

    Verified

      Below average response rate
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Community  >  Construction in Madagascar
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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