The Surfing for Dreams project creates sustainable opportunities that engage, uplift, equip, and empower impoverished and vulnerable youth from coastal informal settlements and communities facing significant challenges: - 60% are illiterate. - 60% come from single-parent households with very low incomes. - 76% of community members connected to the beneficiaries are unemployed. - Many young people are at risk of joining gangs or ending up in prison without proper support and guidance. To address these challenges, surfing is used as a powerful tool to engage young people while teaching discipline, determination, resilience, and essential life skills. The project provides safe spaces and structured after-school programs designed to support personal development and overall well-being. The program includes: - Fitness & Surf Therapy – Encouraging healthy lifestyles and positive coping mechanisms. - Environmental Programme – Raising an environmentally conscious generation. - Youth Empowerment – Building confidence, leadership, and personal development. - Digital Programme – Helping youth become computer literate, tech-savvy, and prepared for the world of work. - Literacy & Academic Support – Addressing learning challenges and reducing "learning poverty." - Food & Community Support – Strengthening families and local communities. - Art & Music Therapy – Supporting creativity, emotional expression, and healing. The project's vision is to create a transformed society where opportunities are maximized and young people are effectively developed, empowered, and integrated into their communities. We walk a long road alongside the people we support and strongly believe that everyone has a purpose, human potential is unlimited, and with the right support, all youth can flourish. About Good Hope Volunteers: Founded in 2009, Good Hope Volunteers provides volunteers with opportunities to make a meaningful difference in disadvantaged communities and wildlife conservation projects while experiencing a life-changing journey. We partner with local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives that rely on volunteer support. Acting as a bridge between volunteers and local projects, we help organizations access the volunteers, funding, and resources they need to continue serving their communities.
Welcome to the captivating realm of Maya Universe, an extraordinary volunteer destination that has enchanted countless individuals seeking purpose and adventure. For over a decade, our sanctuary of empowerment has welcomed volunteers from diverse backgrounds, offering an unparalleled experience. Immerse yourself in the warmth of our community, where lifelong connections is forged amidst the vibrant tapestry of Nepali culture. Engage in evening reflections and discussions, igniting your passion and preparing for rewarding days of making a difference. Embark on exhilarating hikes, indulge in hilltop breakfasts with panoramic vistas, and relish local dinners that tantalize your taste buds, all while basking in the breathtaking beauty of Nepal. Our experienced coordinators and skilled managers provides unwavering support, ensuring your personal growth and comfort every step of the way. At the heart of Maya Universe lies our thriving school, a beacon of hope and transformation. Witness the tangible impact of your efforts as you empower the local community and become part of their journey toward grassroots development. Escape to Maya Universe, where purpose meets adventure, and where you'll find yourself embraced by a profound sense of fulfillment and unforgettable memories. Join us and embark on an extraordinary volunteering experience that will forever changes your life.
Stand Up 4 Elephants (SU4E) is a Belgian and Nepalese non-profit organization that has been working in Chitwan, Nepal, since 2013. The organization was founded after its founders witnessed the poor conditions endured by captive Asian elephants in the local tourism industry. Since then, SU4E has worked directly with elephant owners and mahouts (caretakers), providing free veterinary care, foot treatments, vitamins, and other support to approximately 50 elephants in the region. In 2018, SU4E began building its own sanctuary near Chitwan National Park—a model camp demonstrating how captive elephants can be cared for more ethically with minimal resources. Beyond elephant welfare, SU4E runs community programs that support local mahout families, promote eco-farming, provide educational opportunities for children, and care for street dogs. The organization also promotes environmentally responsible tourism through sanctuary visits and awareness campaigns. Run by a small, dedicated team in Nepal alongside its co-founders based in Belgium, SU4E puts the welfare of elephants first. The organization aims to create lasting, sustainable change through education, compassion, and community partnerships rather than short-term solutions.
Partnership for Sustainable Development Nepal (PSD Nepal) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization established in 2002 with the mission of empowering vulnerable communities through education, environmental conservation, healthcare, women's empowerment, youth engagement, and sustainable development. Registered with the Social Welfare Council and affiliated with the NGO Federation of Nepal, PSD Nepal has over two decades of experience implementing community-driven development projects across Nepal. Our work focuses on creating sustainable solutions together with local communities rather than for them. We believe that meaningful development happens when local people actively participate in the planning, implementation, and long-term management of projects. Volunteers are an essential part of our work. Since 2003, we have welcomed more than 2,200 volunteers from Nepal and around the world who have contributed to education programs, environmental conservation, health camps, research, climate change awareness, plastic recycling initiatives, youth empowerment, and community development activities. Current volunteer opportunities include: - Teaching English and leading creative activities in schools - Climate change education and environmental awareness - Tree planting and reforestation - Plastic recycling and upcycling projects - Community health and hygiene promotion - Research and documentation - Women's and youth empowerment programs - Community workshops and awareness campaigns - Media, photography, videography, and social media - Grant writing, fundraising, and organizational development Volunteers work alongside our experienced local staff and community members while learning about Nepali culture, traditions, and sustainable development. Every volunteer directly contributes to improving the lives of children, families, and marginalized communities while gaining meaningful international experience.
Founded in 2011, Gap Year Nepal was created with the vision of making travel more meaningful through cultural exchange, community engagement, and responsible tourism. What began with gap year programs, volunteering, and internships has grown into a trusted organization offering trekking adventures, cultural tours, wildlife experiences, volunteer placements, internships, and tailor-made holidays across Nepal. Our mission is to create authentic and sustainable travel experiences that inspire personal growth while supporting local communities and preserving Nepal's rich cultural and natural heritage. We believe every journey should leave a positive impact through respect, learning, and meaningful connections. Working closely with local guides, family-run accommodations, and community partners, we ensure our programs directly benefit the people and places that make Nepal unique. Each itinerary is carefully designed to combine adventure with genuine cultural immersion. Today, Gap Year Nepal welcomes travelers from around the world, helping them discover not only the breathtaking Himalayas but also the warmth, traditions, and resilience of the Nepali people. We remain committed to using travel as a force for positive change, creating unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impact on both our participants and the communities they visit.
VolNepal's international internship programs are designed to provide transformative learning experiences that bridge academic knowledge with real-world practice. Rather than simply observing, interns become active members of local organizations, working alongside experienced professionals while gaining valuable industry exposure in a diverse cultural setting. Internships are available in fields such as healthcare, hospitality, education, social development, nonprofit management, environmental sustainability, and community development. Participants develop practical skills through meaningful responsibilities, collaborative projects, and day-to-day workplace experiences while making a positive contribution to local communities. Beyond professional development, interns immerse themselves in Nepal's rich culture, traditions, and way of life. Living within local communities provides opportunities to build genuine relationships, strengthen cross-cultural communication, and gain a broader global perspective. Each placement encourages creativity, adaptability, leadership, and problem-solving while helping interns understand the social and economic challenges faced by developing communities. Supported by experienced local mentors and the VolNepal team, interns receive guidance throughout their placement to ensure a rewarding and impactful experience. Whether seeking academic credit, career exploration, professional networking, or international work experience, VolNepal offers internships that enhance participants' resumes while fostering confidence, cultural awareness, and personal growth. More than just an internship, it is a life-changing journey that equips participants with practical experience, lifelong friendships, and the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
VolNepal's community volunteering programs are designed to be life-changing, immersive experiences that go far beyond traditional travel. Participants live and work alongside local communities, contributing to meaningful projects in education, environmental conservation, sustainable farming, and community development. Every day offers opportunities to build genuine relationships, exchange cultures, and gain new perspectives while creating a positive social impact. Whether teaching children, planting trees, supporting organic farms, or participating in sustainability initiatives, volunteers become part of the community rather than simply being visitors. The experience fosters personal growth, leadership, empathy, and global citizenship, leaving participants with lifelong memories, practical skills, and a deeper understanding of Nepal's people, culture, and resilience.
Teach students at our centre while supporting community initiatives, including clean-up campaigns, distribution drives, and other meaningful social impact activities.
Busoga Young Mothers Foundation is a community-based, non-profit organization located in Jinja, Uganda, dedicated to empowering vulnerable young mothers, teenage girls, and their families. Our mission is to equip young mothers with the knowledge, practical skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to build independent, healthy, and sustainable lives for themselves and their children. We support young mothers through vocational skills training, education support, entrepreneurship development, life skills and mentorship, psychosocial counseling, reproductive health education, child welfare initiatives, and community outreach. By working closely with local leaders, schools, healthcare providers, and partner organizations, we strive to create safe, supportive communities where young mothers can thrive and build brighter futures.
Medi Trip is a skills-led volunteer organisation that provides structured placements for medical, nursing, allied health, psychology, law and human rights, engineering, and accounting students and professionals. Unlike many volunteer organisations, Medi Trip was founded by a registered nurse with NHS experience who is also a Leadership Award winner. We work directly with local hospitals and community partners to provide supervised, ethical, and educational placements. Volunteers gain valuable exposure to real-world practice while supporting local services, with accommodation, orientation, airport transfers, and 24/7 in-country support included.
*Volunt2Thai* is a nonprofit community-based organization located in rural Northeast Thailand. Since 2013, we have connected international volunteers with local communities to create meaningful cultural exchange while supporting children's education and community development. Our mission is to help children develop confidence, English communication skills, creativity, teamwork, and global awareness through fun and engaging activities. Volunteers work alongside local teachers in village schools, leading English lessons, sports, music, arts, games, computer activities, and other educational projects that inspire children to learn. Unlike traditional volunteer programs, Volunt2Thai is deeply integrated into village life. Volunteers become part of the local community, experience authentic Thai culture, and build lasting friendships with children, families, and teachers. We believe that genuine cultural exchange creates positive and sustainable change for everyone involved. Our campus serves as a learning and cultural centre where volunteers receive orientation, participate in Thai language and cultural activities, and contribute to community initiatives including environmental projects, health and wellbeing activities, and educational workshops. With more than 30 years of experience in Thailand and over a decade of operating Volunt2Thai, we have developed a unique community-based model that combines education, intercultural learning, and sustainable development. Since our foundation, we have welcomed hundreds of volunteers from around the world and supported thousands of children through partnerships with village schools. At Volunt2Thai, volunteering is not about charity—it is about learning together, sharing knowledge, building friendships, and creating opportunities that benefit both local communities and international volunteers.
The Children Therapy & Care Program is a community-based initiative that supports children with special needs and developmental challenges in Arusha, Tanzania. The program serves children aged 0–12 years from diverse social and economic backgrounds, providing them with essential care, learning support, and developmental assistance. Many of the children we support experience developmental delays or disabilities caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Down syndrome, ADHD, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, muscular disorders, and speech or developmental delays. Our approach focuses on improving each child's independence, communication, mobility, and overall quality of life through structured therapy support and daily care activities. The program offers a combination of physiotherapy support, occupational therapy activities, speech and communication exercises, and play-based learning designed to stimulate development in a safe, supportive, and child-friendly environment. As resources become available, we also plan to expand our services by introducing additional rehabilitation approaches, including hydrotherapy. We believe that every child deserves access to quality care, regardless of their family's financial situation. For this reason, we work closely with families to ensure that children continue receiving support even when they are unable to afford the full cost of services. We are also developing long-term sponsorship opportunities for children from vulnerable backgrounds. Volunteers play an important role in supporting our team by assisting with daily activities, engaging children in educational and recreational activities, and helping create a positive, inclusive, and nurturing environment. We welcome volunteers and trainees from a wide range of backgrounds, particularly those with an interest in childcare, education, therapy support, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychology, social work, or special needs education. No professional experience is required; however, a willingness to learn, work collaboratively as part of a team, and respect the knowledge and experience of our local staff is highly valued.
Eco-Logic Thailand was established to support the projects of the Thai Child Development Foundation (TCDF). Both organizations are located on the same premises. The premises include an organic garden, a food forest, chickens and ducks, and a mushroom farm. Students at TCDF's Special School receive part of their education through activities on the farm. We are located in the heart of nature, offering plenty of opportunities for our guests and visitors to explore the surrounding area. Discover the real Thailand!
Restore Nature Uganda is a community-based environmental organization based in Uganda. Our mission is to restore degraded landscapes, combat climate change, and improve livelihoods through tree planting, environmental education, sustainable agriculture, and community empowerment. We work closely with schools, local communities, women, and young people to create greener and healthier environments. Volunteers become part of our daily activities, helping to plant trees, establish school gardens, teach environmental awareness, support community outreach, and assist with creative projects such as photography, social media, fundraising, and documentation. Life with us offers a genuine cultural exchange. Volunteers stay in a welcoming community, where they experience Ugandan culture, enjoy local food, and take part in everyday village life while making a meaningful contribution to environmental conservation.
Peace Point - Myanmar is a community-based human rights organization working in Myanmar, promoting and protecting the rights of the people and empowering diverse youth across the country. Please visit our website, www.peacepointmyanmar.org.
Initially conceived in 2013 and formally founded in 2014, IMPACT Madagascar is a Malagasy non-profit organization focused on implementing and maintaining actions for environmental change. Our mission is to partner with local communities to develop sustainable, practical solutions to biodiversity loss, deforestation, pollution, and poverty—creating a healthier environment and stronger livelihoods.
Stay Africa Volunteers (previously known as SASTS Working Adventures) was established in 1972 to provide affordable travel opportunities for South African students. It served as the travel division of NUSAS, the National Union of South African Students, whose activities originated during the Apartheid era. For over 40 years, we have played an integral role in facilitating student and youth travel and are well-equipped to help young people realize their travel dreams. We have achieved this by working with reputable and internationally recognized partners from around the world. Stay Africa's volunteer programs are operated in accordance with the guidelines established by these international organizations. Over the past 15 years, Stay Africa has expanded its offerings to include exciting opportunities for international travelers to experience South Africa through Work South Africa, Volunteer South Africa, High School Exchange, and group travel programs.
Aspire School provides free education and ongoing support to approximately 100 local children, while also offering full-time care and accommodation for 20 students who live on campus. The school is dedicated to improving educational opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they have access not only to learning but also to safety, stability, and daily necessities. Through its programs, Aspire School creates a nurturing environment where students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. All proceeds from this cooking experience directly contribute to sustaining Aspire School’s educational initiatives, including daily meals for students, essential learning materials, classroom resources, and the continued care and wellbeing of residential students. By participating, guests are directly helping to support long-term educational development and empowerment within the local community.
Founded in 2013, MRCI is a government-approved organization dedicated to environmental research, conservation, community development, medical assistance, and content creation in Madagascar. Our work spans marine, forest, and turtle conservation, as well as English teaching and infrastructure projects in remote villages. In partnership with international organizations, we support long-term monitoring and species-focused initiatives to protect Madagascar’s unique biodiversity, both on land and underwater. We provide a safe, inclusive environment for volunteers from around the world to create meaningful impact while fostering personal growth. Through sustainable research, conservation action, medical outreach, content development, and community engagement, we help improve local health and education. We also collaborate with other organizations to build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for Madagascar.
We welcome to ASPIRE organization, School - Homestay & Volunteer ! Volunteers that choose to help children at Aspire organization, ASPIRE school and homestay can expect a wholesome and rewarding experience. Volunteering our NGO organization will also allow you to be immersed in local Cambodian culture. If you look at our photo gallery, you can see various activities that the children enjoyed with our past volunteers. These activities have been created by voluntary teachers, many of whom have given their time and resources, adding to the opportunities we can offer our children, such as Khmer traditional dance, music instruments, and other school activities. We also welcome people from all backgrounds regardless whether you are fluent in English or not. This is also a great place to volunteer as a group as we provide housing for multiple guests. We are providing 24 hour care for 20 of the 100 children from extreme poverty families in Siem Reap, free education for all the children. They range in age between 5 to 16 years old. Aspire School Organization and Home to help for poor, homeless and orphans, is located 7kms to the east of the center of Siem Reap, on National Road 6 in Trang Village. ASPIRE is a non-governmental, non-profit organization aimed to assist children who are either orphaned, homeless, in poverty or have disabilities. We try to offer free education to children, especially destitute families throughout Cambodia . Cambodia suffered greatly during the Khmer Rouge and genocide (1975 - 1979) this totally decimated the population, many of the remaining population being left homeless, without food and shelter. Since then Cambodia has been slowly developing. However even now, work is not plentiful here so a lot of people leave to work outside the country or in areas where they cannot take their children. These children would be homeless if it was not for organizations such as Aspire school.