Balangoda Restoration Project: Volunteering for Rainforest Recovery in Sri Lanka The Balangoda Restoration Project, initiated by Rainforest Protectors in the foothills of the wet zone near Balangoda, offers an immersive, hands-on ecological restoration experience. Set within a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot, the initiative works to reverse decades of deforestation, land fragmentation, and unsustainable agriculture. Through practical regeneration methods—including planting native rainforest trees, assisted natural regeneration, soil and watershed restoration, agroforestry systems, and riverine habitat protection—the project restores ecological connectivity while improving water regulation, soil stability, and climate resilience. Volunteers actively contribute to every phase of the project based on season and need. Work includes seed collection, nursery maintenance, soil preparation and composting, native planting, plot maintenance, mapping, and monitoring restoration areas, offering deep practical insights into tropical forest ecology. The living experience is intentionally low-impact and immersed in nature. Volunteers stay in simple eco-structures, such as mud or bamboo houses surrounded by wildlife, and experience traditional rural Sri Lankan culture. This includes authentic home-cooked meals, local farming techniques, traditional ecological knowledge, and meaningful community interaction. To complement field labor, the experience balances hard work with recreation across the region’s rich landscape. Participants can swim in pristine local rivers, hike to hidden forest waterfalls, explore nature trails, visit nearby villages, spot wildlife, or embark on safaris in neighboring natural areas. This program is ideal for individuals seeking a deep, direct contribution to rainforest conservation and living landscape regeneration beyond standard tourism. Volunteering Inquiries & Contact: Email - sajwijesingha@gmail.com Phone - 94 777 77 1348
We are community members hosting international volunteers since 1988. We have welcomed volunteers from 32 countries and provide clean, comfortable accommodation and traditional Indian home-cooked organic meals. Volunteers have opportunities to interact with the local community, teach English to school students and children, and learn local and Hindi languages. They can also learn local crafts and arts, enjoy living close to nature with fresh air, and experience local customs and traditions. Participants may also join local fairs, cultural events, and Hindu religious celebrations, depending on the season and timing.
History & Mission: Simoonga Thandizani Trust School was founded in Simoonga Village with the vision of providing free, quality education to children whose families cannot afford school fees. Since its establishment, the school has grown to serve over 318 students from early childhood to primary level, supported by 29 dedicated staff members, many of whom volunteer their time to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive. The school emphasizes not only academic growth but also values such as community, resilience, and cultural pride. Volunteer Experience: At Simoonga Thandizani Trust School, volunteers become an integral part of the community. You can expect to support classroom activities, provide remedial education, assist in physical education, and engage in cultural exchange with students and village residents. Volunteers also help with creative projects, local community initiatives, and skill-sharing workshops. Every contribution directly impacts the children’s education and community development, creating a truly immersive and rewarding experience for those who join.
I'm Ruth, and I discovered the Maldives over 20 years ago while visiting as a scuba diver in search of manta rays and whale sharks. I was fortunate to form close friendships with Maldivian locals who welcomed me into their homes to share dinners, afternoon hedhika, coffee, and betel nuts. My love for the country led me to visit over 30 times before co-founding Secret Paradise in 2012. My experience of Maldivian hospitality shaped our community-based tours, designed to connect travelers with local families, businesses, and NGOs. I feel privileged to call the Maldives my home and deeply respect its people, culture, and fragile natural environment. The Maldives Whale Shark Research (MWSR) is a research-based conservation charity dedicated to studying whale sharks and supporting marine conservation in the Maldives and Indian Ocean. Since 2006, it has become the only long-term organization focused on whale shark research in the Maldives. Its mission is to advance scientific knowledge and support conservation policy through collaboration with local communities and stakeholders, helping protect marine biodiversity and the ecosystems that sustain livelihoods and culture. Secret Paradise Maldives is an award-winning, positive-impact tour company and certified Travelife Partner and Climate Literate business. Recognized for sustainability and responsible tourism, we create immersive travel experiences beyond traditional beach tourism. Whether you are a solo traveler, couple, family, or friends, we offer guided tours that immerse you in Maldivian culture, marine life, and local communities. Our experienced local guides accompany all tours and are trained in first aid, snorkeling safety, and lifeguarding, ensuring safe and meaningful travel. Our guests travel responsibly, engaging deeply with the destination while treading lightly on the environment and contributing positively to local communities.
Relief and Development Support Organization (RDSO) is a national non-governmental organization (NNGO) recognized by RGB under No. 000356/RGB/NGO/LP/04/2026. It operates in the Eastern Province, Kayonza District, Mukarange Sector, and can scale up its activities to any other district. Its mission is to empower vulnerable youth, women, and poor families to achieve improved and decent livelihoods. Since its inception in August 2022, RDSO has been involved in paying medical insurance fees for the most vulnerable people, providing support to people facing human security challenges, constructing gardens for teenage mothers and villagers, purchasing sports equipment for schools, providing school feeding for underprivileged students along with scholastic materials, distributing goats to those in need, offering training to youth, students, and teachers on financial and digital literacy, and providing emergency funds where needed.
Fountain of Grace is a community-based organization in Kenya dedicated to empowering children and young people through education, mentorship, and cultural exchange. Our heart is to create a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment where both local children and international volunteers can learn, grow, and thrive together. We believe in the power of cultural exchange. We welcome volunteers from all over the world to share their skills, stories, and cultures while also experiencing authentic Kenyan life.
Volunteer Action for Change Kenya (VACK) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization founded by young Kenyans in 2015 to promote resilient and sustainable communities across the country. We address key socioeconomic challenges through grassroots action in education, health, leadership training, entrepreneurship, ICT development, and sustainable agriculture. We work to unlock the potential of young people, women, and marginalized communities, helping them become active, confident citizens capable of shaping their own futures. Our focus is especially on rural and disadvantaged groups, supporting skills development, employability, and community empowerment. VACK operates through partnerships with civil society, institutions, and organizations in Kenya and internationally. Our work is guided by voluntarism, intercultural exchange, and development cooperation, ensuring continuous innovation and impact. Mission: To improve and promote the well-being and development of communities through volunteer action. Vision: Volunteer action for sustainable development. Goals: Improve skills of youth and women, promote meaningful volunteering, encourage active citizenship, mobilize resources for community initiatives, and support social entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Strategic Objective: To empower communities to actively participate in society and civic action, enabling them to uphold their rights and contribute to development and policy processes.
Based in Da Nang, Viet Endangered Narratives (VEN) is a social enterprise connecting biodiversity, people, research, and immersive experiences across Vietnam. Through conservation storytelling, we showcase the country’s natural beauty while highlighting the vital work of conservationists protecting its rich landscapes. At VEN, we believe that shared narratives can inspire collective action for the living world. Our mission is to advocate for Vietnam’s endangered species and threatened ecosystems through the power of documentary film, hands-on volunteering, and educational media. VEN was founded in October 2023 by Hong Tang, a community-based tourism trainer, and Paven Nguyen, an accomplished documentary and nature filmmaker. United by a shared vision to reconnect people with nature through locally rooted storytelling, the duo created VEN to shine a light on Vietnam’s most endangered species and overlooked ecosystems. Today, we have teams based in Hanoi, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and Ho Chi Minh City, capturing conservation stories where they unfold. In Da Nang, our Volunteer Coordinators lead engagement efforts, connecting international volunteers with vital conservation initiatives. They facilitate cultural exchange programs, support environmental education, and help raise awareness about Da Nang’s unique biodiversity through community outreach and hands-on involvement.
The Women's Refuge, established in 1959, provides a safe, temporary home for women and children affected by domestic violence, abuse, and social stigma. Its mission is to support survivors through physical, emotional, and spiritual healing, regardless of race or religion. Due to the sensitive nature of the project and the experiences of the residents, this is a women-for-women program, and only female volunteers are eligible to participate. Residents can stay for up to three months and receive accommodation, meals, clothing, counseling, legal and medical support, childcare, and educational assistance for their children. A key focus of the project is empowering women to regain their independence. Residents have the opportunity to participate in skills training programs such as sewing, beadwork, crafts, computer literacy, and job-readiness preparation, helping them build confidence and prepare for future employment. Volunteers play an important role in supporting the daily activities of the refuge and work alongside social workers to respond to the individual needs of each woman and her children. Founded in 2009, Good Hope Volunteers offers volunteers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in disadvantaged communities and wildlife conservation projects while enjoying a life-changing experience. The organization partners with local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives that rely on volunteer support. Acting as a bridge between volunteers and local projects, Good Hope Volunteers helps organizations access the volunteers, funding, and resources they need to continue serving their communities. Good Hope Volunteers is committed to providing high-quality, meaningful volunteer experiences that benefit both participants and the communities or conservation projects they support. The organization is guided by the following values: - Openness and transparency - Inclusivity and equality - Respect and tolerance - Sustainable community development - Environmental conservation - Positive social and environmental change
Sambhali Trust is an independent community-based non-profit working to create greater opportunities for vulnerable communities in Rajasthan, India, through training, education, health support, and livelihood initiatives. Founded by Govind Singh Rathore in Jodhpur in 2007, Sambhali grew from a local response to the inequalities experienced by women and children in the surrounding community. Sambhali has grown into a wider network of programmes supporting women, girls, children and other marginalized people across Rajasthan. Our work is grounded in the belief that effective change stems from people having the knowledge, confidence, skills and support to shape their own future. We go beyond short-term solutions by working alongside communities to strengthen education, livelihoods, safety, and social inclusion. Sambhali projects operate primarily across Jodhpur, Setrawa and Jaisalmer.
Liseli Initiative is a community-based NGO in Livingstone, Zambia, working to empower marginalized children, youth, women, and families to build safer, healthier, and self-sustaining communities. “Liseli” means “Light” in Lozi, reflecting our belief that everyone can bring hope and positive change. Our work focuses on education, youth development, gender equality, women’s empowerment, health, water and sanitation, and livelihoods. Volunteers contribute their skills and ideas while gaining meaningful experience in Zambian culture and grassroots development. We believe lasting change happens with communities, not for communities.
Ubunye Educare Centre (Ubunye) is an Integrated Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme based in Dunoon Township, Cape Town. Our Story & History: Ubunye began operating in 2007 as a community response to the lack of quality early learning opportunities in Dunoon. What started as a small initiative to provide safe, structured care for young children has grown into a dedicated centre serving the township’s youngest learners. Over the years, we have become a trusted space in Dunoon where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. Our Mission: Our purpose is to provide quality Grade R early childhood education, routine pediatric health check-ups, and nutritional support for 120 children aged 5–6 years from Dunoon Township enrolled in our care. We believe every child deserves a strong start in life, regardless of their family’s income or circumstances. What We Do: At Ubunye, learning happens through play, guided activities, and structured daily routines. Alongside our Grade R programme, we provide nutritious meals and snacks and coordinate regular health check-ups to identify and address early health concerns. Our educators work closely with each child to support their cognitive, social, and emotional development, preparing them for a confident transition into primary school. We are a small, community-rooted team committed to creating a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and build brighter futures—one child at a time.
Shekinah Kids is a club within Shekinah Christian School, a community-based school in Wakiso-Bujuuko, Uganda. Founded in January 2024, it currently serves 46 children from kindergarten to Primary 5, aged 3–13. The school was created from a personal story of resilience and aims to support vulnerable children, including orphans, children with sickle cell disease, and those from low-income families. Its mission is to nurture hearts and shape minds, helping children reach their full potential through education, care, and encouragement. The school also works with community organizations to improve health and wellbeing alongside learning. Volunteers support teaching, daily classroom activities, mentoring, and cultural exchange, helping children build confidence, discover talents, and develop life skills.
Proyecto Peru began in 2005 in the heart of Cusco, inspired by the vision of Dora, a local Peruvian educator who wanted to share the Spanish language and support her community. Together with her partner, Coen, she developed this idea into a network of dedicated professionals who work closely with local organizations and international participants. Today, our team focuses on creating meaningful cross-cultural experiences through well-structured volunteer and internship programs. Participants engage directly with Cusco’s social, health, and education sectors by supporting partner projects such as schools, community agencies, clinics, nonprofits, animal shelters, and after-school programs that request specific skills. We also offer Spanish immersion courses and comfortable local accommodation to help you experience everyday life in Cusco. Our curated tours provide the opportunity to explore the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and surrounding landscapes while deepening your understanding of Peru.
The Toucan Rescue Ranch (TRR) is a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing Costa Rica's native wildlife. Working alongside the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), TRR provides expert care for injured, orphaned, and confiscated animals, with the goal of returning them to the wild whenever possible. Built on the pillars of conservation, education, and research, TRR offers hands-on internship programmes for students and aspiring conservationists, providing practical experience in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and animal care. TRR operates two facilities: - Headquarters (HQ), San Isidro, Heredia – Rescue centre, veterinary clinic, rehabilitation facilities, and wildlife sanctuary. - Release Site (RS), Nazareth, Sarapiquí – Final rehabilitation and pre-release facility for rescued wildlife.
The Toucan Rescue Ranch (TRR) is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing Costa Rican wildlife. Our work is built on three core pillars—conservation, education, and research—to help create a brighter future for the country's native wildlife. We provide specialised care for sick, injured, and confiscated animals referred to us by Costa Rican government agencies. TRR works closely with the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), which brings injured and displaced wildlife to our rescue centres. Animals receive expert veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, and, whenever possible, are successfully released back into their natural habitats. Our internship programmes offer hands-on experience in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation, making them ideal for students and aspiring conservationists who want to gain practical skills while making a meaningful impact. TRR operates across two locations: Headquarters (HQ) – San Isidro, Heredia Home to the rescue centre, veterinary clinic, quarantine, and rehabilitation facilities. Houses the wildlife sanctuary for animals that cannot be released and require lifelong care. Offers educational guided tours focused on wildlife conservation and environmental education. Release Site (RS) – Nazareth, Sarapiquí Functions as a second rescue centre. Serves as the final rehabilitation and pre-release site for many rescued animals before they return to the wild.
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.
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.
🌎 **Travel with Purpose. Live Like a Local. Make an Impact.** Welcome to Impacta México, a Mexican nonprofit organization connecting international volunteers with meaningful cultural and educational experiences in the heart of Mexico. We believe that traveling is about more than visiting places. It's about connecting with people, sharing knowledge, discovering new perspectives, and becoming part of a community. Through our English Assistant Teacher Program, international volunteers support English learning in local educational institutions while experiencing everyday Mexican life. Located in Morelia, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city, our programs offer the opportunity to discover Mexico beyond the typical tourist experience. 🏡 **What makes the experience special?** ✨ Live in shared volunteer accommodation with other international participants. 📚 Support local teachers and help Mexican students develop their English communication skills. 🇲🇽 Discover Mexican traditions, food, festivals, and local communities. 🌮 Enjoy cultural activities and explore the incredible region of Michoacán. 🤝 Connect with local people and make international friendships. ❤️ Become part of a community where cultural exchange goes both ways. We welcome enthusiastic, open-minded individuals who want to contribute, learn, and experience Mexico from the inside. **You don't need to be a professional teacher. You just need a willingness to share, learn, and make a difference.** Come as a traveler. Leave with stories, friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime.
We are a small community school located in Tnol Trong Village, just 13 km from Siem Reap, Cambodia. The school is a registered non-profit NGO, founded in February 2013 by our family. Cambodia is experiencing strong growth in tourism, creating future job opportunities, especially around Siem Reap. For these children, English is essential. Our goal is to provide children from disadvantaged backgrounds with free English and Chinese education, helping them access better employment opportunities in the future. We currently offer free English classes to nearly 180 children from the Bakong community. Many families face challenges such as limited access to food, water, healthcare, and school-related costs like uniforms and fees. For many children, education is the only path to break the cycle of poverty and build a better future. We welcome volunteers to support us in giving these children better educational opportunities and brighter futures.