“As volunteers with EDGE of AFRICA, we were given the opportunity to learn about the extraordinary work that takes place on a local level in Knysna and I also believe we have learnt a lot about ourselves. The amazing people we met, including the EDGE of AFRICA staff, inspired me in many ways and I don’t think I could ever thank them enough for what I now recognise as an unforgettable experience…”

http://www.thetravelword.com/2010/09/22/a-university-students-account-of-volunteering-with-edge-of-africa/

Life-changing, character-defining, and one of the best things you can do with your time while you’re alive.

MJ’s completely right; you might be leaving one family, but you’re getting another one when you arrive.

The opportunities you’ll get from working in a HIV treatment clinic (known as the HAART Clinic) to shadowing a home-based carer in the townships are something unlike you’ve probably ever even seen, let alone experienced. You’ll definitely become a new person; I did.

The work you’ll be doing is so rewarding, so beneficial, and so worth it. If you have a heart that cares and mind that explores, then EDGE of AFRICA is the foundation to do amazing things. It’s definitely an opportunity to find yourself.

The projects are sustainable, just like Jo explains in the article. Projects like the HIV workshops, like the sports clinics, like the literacy lessons. You’ll be doing work that makes a difference in someone’s life, but it’s such a kind of work that it keeps on giving, through that person. Edge of Africa is not about handouts, but empowerment to make things actually work (not just look like they do).

Volunteer anywhere, anytime, in any place. If I had to recommend an organization to work with, though, EDGE of AFRICA would make it to the top without doubt.

Sinethemba is a community centre for homeless and disadvantaged kids and youth between the ages of 4 and 25. In the safe and picturesque township of Kayalethu in South Africa, this project aims to give these kids another chance in life!

MADaboutART is a charity that exists to unite children around the world in understanding and fighting HIV and AIDS through art and education. They provide a unique mix of innovative arts-based education and narrative therapy, designed to increase children’s knowledge of HIV & AIDS and create more open communication as well as reduce risk-taking behaviour by increasing self-esteem and self-advocacy. Ultimately the aim is to reduce new HIV infections in children and young people.

Whilst I was out there volunteering I worked with 2 other girls putting together a short drama, music and dance performance for an event. The event was a collaboration of various communities in Knysna singing, acting and dancing their heart’s away at EDGE of AFRICA’s first ever talent contest.
The event took place at one of Knysna’s focal attractions, Woodmill Lane on Tuesday 25th May 2010. ‘The EDGE on Talent’ was a representation of what EDGE of AFRICA aspire to achieve, with the ethos to raise awareness of the REAL situation in Africa, establishing and supporting ethical community and conservation projects.

The aim of the event was to heighten understanding and recognition of the organisations community/conservation/educational projects and charities that EDGE of Africa support and closely work with.

I had the opportunity to learn more about the extraordinary work that takes place within the town and townships, allowing me the chance to be involved with and support this inspirational cause. I enjoyed every single minute I had over in Knysna and have decided to go back in June 2011 for a year, volunteering again!

I think I can speak for every volunteer, on every project when I say that they taught us the true meaning of happiness, they showed us that the everyday things we worry about just don’t matter, and they showed us, through their enthusiasm and trademark African smiles, that the tiniest things can make a huge huge difference.

The work Edge of Africa does is irreplaceable. The experience it gives to both its volunteers and the recipients of their efforts is life changing. We’ve all come home with the inevitable need to return.