Any person aged 18 or over may become a Pioneer as all required skills are taught.
Volunteers should be prepared for physical work in a hot climate, adventurous road journeys, and long walks to reach remote and beautiful project sites. Depending on the work you are assigned, you will be digging, sawing, hammering and many more things besides. You will be camping for the duration of the programme and meals will be simple, mainly consisting of rice and beans, supplemented with fresh fruit and vegetables when available.
The work and lifestyle is challenging but incomparably rewarding and should be within the capabilities of any reasonably fit person. Although being in good physical shape is important, the ability to exhibit tolerance, patience and a good sense of humour when things get tough is just as essential. You will be asked various questions relating to these factors on the programme application form.
To apply for a place on one of our Pioneer teams you can download an application form for a Volunteer or for an Internship; or request one from info@azafady.org
Complete and return your application to Azafady and we will endeavour to inform you within seven days whether we can offer you a place. Places are limited to approximately 20 people on each team, departing early in the months of January, April, July and October each year.
With the success of our volunteer programs to date, we anticipate a high demand for places. So even if you are only thinking about joining one of the Pioneer groups, please complete the application form to let us know that you are interested and to reserve your place.
Dates for 2010
8th January - 18th March
1st April - 9th June
1st July - 8th September
5th October - 13th December
Shorter periods (from five weeks) are available upon request. However, all volunteers must be present at the start of the programme to undergo the initial orientation.
Download the Pioneer Madagascar application form.
Although we do need to receive a signed hardcopy of the form, if you would prefer to complete it in editable Word format download it here.
