Page 132 iStudy Guide 2019/20
P. 132
iStudy
2019/20
iStudy
What can volunteers expect during
a placement with you, and what will
they gain from it?
GW:
Underwater Africa volunteers can expect to
be part of our family and a programme that prides
itself on building the biggest and most extensive
marine dataset in Africa. On any of our programmes,
volunteers have the option to complete an open
water dive certification or an advanced open water
certification, but if they are already dive certified, they
will be able to partake in four research dives per week
straight away.
Each volunteer gets inducted into the programme and
its procedures by one of our volunteer co-ordinators
who will run through the science elements, how
to correctly carry out our various studies, and how
to properly collect the data needed to analyse and
capture the crucial information our team needs.
After the dives and datasets have been completed,
there are other activities that volunteers get involved
in, which include upgrading signage for the marine
protected areas and working with the team on our
community development initiatives. There is also lots
of fun to be had after we have completed each day’s
tasks, like surfing lessons, interacting with our staff and
other volunteers, and visiting local attractions in and
around our small village.
www.underwaterafrica.org
(+27) 712059767
What advice would you give to
someone who is interested in
volunteering, but hesitant to take
the leap?
GW:
The best advice I can give would be to realise they
are not the first to worry about making such a decision.
Many of our volunteers feared the unknown before
they came here, especially because of having to travel
so far and step out of their comfort zone. One thing
you can be sure of is that once you make the decision
to join us, you become part of our family and we will be
there for you all the way. You will only realise how easy
and safe it is once you arrive in Tofo. Just do it – it will
certainly change your life forever.
2019/20
iStudy
What can volunteers expect during
a placement with you, and what will
they gain from it?
GW:
Underwater Africa volunteers can expect to
be part of our family and a programme that prides
itself on building the biggest and most extensive
marine dataset in Africa. On any of our programmes,
volunteers have the option to complete an open
water dive certification or an advanced open water
certification, but if they are already dive certified, they
will be able to partake in four research dives per week
straight away.
Each volunteer gets inducted into the programme and
its procedures by one of our volunteer co-ordinators
who will run through the science elements, how
to correctly carry out our various studies, and how
to properly collect the data needed to analyse and
capture the crucial information our team needs.
After the dives and datasets have been completed,
there are other activities that volunteers get involved
in, which include upgrading signage for the marine
protected areas and working with the team on our
community development initiatives. There is also lots
of fun to be had after we have completed each day’s
tasks, like surfing lessons, interacting with our staff and
other volunteers, and visiting local attractions in and
around our small village.
www.underwaterafrica.org
(+27) 712059767
What advice would you give to
someone who is interested in
volunteering, but hesitant to take
the leap?
GW:
The best advice I can give would be to realise they
are not the first to worry about making such a decision.
Many of our volunteers feared the unknown before
they came here, especially because of having to travel
so far and step out of their comfort zone. One thing
you can be sure of is that once you make the decision
to join us, you become part of our family and we will be
there for you all the way. You will only realise how easy
and safe it is once you arrive in Tofo. Just do it – it will
certainly change your life forever.
