Volunteer Feedback
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Volunteering with EDGE of AFRICA has been the best experience of my life, at times it has been challenging but the challenges have definitely helped me grow as a person. I had never travelled to South... read more Africa before or travelled anywhere by myself, in addition I have never had the opportunity to live in a house with 8 other people that I had never met before. I was encountering new situations that were already widening my life experience before I had even begun the project. I find it quite difficult to summarise everything I have done in Knysna over the past four weeks, however, the most prominent memory I have is from the Knysna Provincial Hospital. I was volunteering on the maternity ward and while in the labour room I met a patient, she was having contractions every few minutes that appeared to be extremely painful, therefore, I decided to talk to her so as to become a distraction.
The fact that I was able to just go up to this patient and start talking is an achievement in itself, this is because I was an extremely shy person before I came to South Africa which limited my experience as a volunteer in England. Since being in South Africa, I had become accustomed to the friendly nature of all the locals and this made me feel so comfortable in this new situation. Moreover, when I started to talk to the patient I only had to ask a few questions and from that she was so open with me that I learned about her whole life up until I had met her. The most inspiring aspect of this patient is that fact that she was a single mother who was also HIV positive. She told me that she had found out her status and that she was pregnant within a week of each other. Knowing all this, I was stunned by her evident mental strength; she did not exude any hostility or negativity towards her situation. In addition, she was very educated about the HIV virus and that was very refreshing and made me optimistic about HIV education for all South Africans. I became quite attached to this patient within a matter of minutes and spent the whole day with her, talking about her life, she was also curious about my life in England which seemed so simple and easy when I was telling her about it.
When I returned to the volunteer house that afternoon, I was in a very pensive mood. I was thinking about my life and any "struggles" I thought I had encountered and it all seemed so trivial. I though about that patient and how she was facing so many challenges in her life all at once, her positively was so inspiring to me. I have definitely matured as a result of volunteering in Knysna, before this experience I feel as though I lived in a bubble and was completely unaware of the struggling some people face in their lives on a daily basis. All the people I met in Knysna have positively altered my perception of life; they have shown me that no matter what adversities one faces, one will always prevail when you remain optimistic. I will never forget the time I spent in Knysna and am forever thankful to all those who made the experience so amazing for me.
I have been doing the Medical and Community project with EDGE of AFRICA. My project lasted for four weeks. Before I arrived here I did not know what to expect. I was a bit nervous and a bit excited. H... read moreowever, my time in Knysna has been an amazing experience. Everyone, whether the staff of EDGE of AFRICA, the doctors at the Provincial hospital, or the home based carers, all have been very friendly and welcoming. I volunteered at the Knysna Provincial Hospital, the pre-schools, Sinethemba Youth Centre, hospice and also the THATS IT clinic. I have gained both medical experience and have also had the chance to contribute to the community. Through my work at the medical projects I got to examine patients with different illnesses and also learned about how the healthcare service works in South Africa. The highlights have definitely been watching the caesarean section and natural delivery! Working at the community projects gave me an insight into the social, financial and cultural backgrounds of the people living in Knysna. Overall, it has been an interesting experience, one which will definitely help me in my university application as well as my later life!
Today I met a man who had not seen his family in 61 Years. Yesterday I could not wait to see my family after 4 weeks.
Today I met a 36 year old man in the hospital; stroke, with no risk factors, th... read moree right side of his body fully paralysed, married only two weeks ago. Yesterday I was worried about what to do after college.
Today I met a blind woman with diabetes, breast cancer (one mastectomy later) and hypertension and she greeted me with a smile. Yesterday I had trouble getting out of bed.
Today I met a four year old girl in the hospital, abandoned on the streets and abused with cigarette burns lining her arms and neck; all she asked for was piggy back rides and some music to dance to; her laughter filled the ward like a fireplace warms a room. Yesterday I did not want to play with my brother because I was busy.
Today I met a carpenter, six weeks stuck in hospital, metal weights rearranging his hip bones and back, after his boss forced him to attempt to repair a weak roof and he fell through. Yesterday I did not know pain .
Today I met an HIV Positive man who had come to the hospital two days ago with a headache; today I carried his still warm body into the morgue. Yesterday I was afraid to say hello to someone on the street incase they did not like me.
Today I met a Zimbabwean man working a full time job during the day and earning a degree at night, sleeping four hours per day; today before he left work he took time to have a chat to me. Yesterday I felt too tired to call my Mom because I stayed late at a friends house. Joash (Project Coordinator EOA).
Today I met a boy about my age who lived in a township; when he went into a bar down town to say goodbye to a close friend, he was asked to leave because his clothes were not nice enough, he left without lifting a finger. Yesterday courage was only a word to me.
Today I met three wonderful women who had dedicated their lives towards the betterment of the world they inhabited. Yesterday I had only Known such Kindness in Angels. (Dayne , Jo and Eavanna EOA).
Today I am a new person. Ibrahim Jadoon (Edge of Africa Volunteer).
Feedback Archive
Heavenly - Have you ever had that feeling that you wanted to stop time and live in a single moment, a moment of perfection? I get that feeling every time I see you guys Theres just something about Ed... read morege of Africa.
I was volunteering with Edge of Africa this year and it was the greatest experience. The projects, and the people are what really made it. I was amazed at how professional everything was, I really did... read more not expect that at all. South Africa was very safe, everywhere we went I was gobsmacked by what I saw, so incredible! Edge of Africa was much more professional than many for-profit organizations I have seen in North America and Europe - hats off to Edge of Africa and the great people who run this organization. I was on the Everything Elephant project, got to see the townships and the highlight for sure was the Big Five Project - I will never ever forget one day of this journey. Hein, Kim and Piet were like an extension of family, so kind and went over the top to make my experience awesome! I am so thankful that there are honest, real and caring people in the world like you who make this happen, who are in it for the greater good, not selfish motivations. Anyways, I will be back! This organization is first class! Keep up the good work.
From the very beginning edge of africa provide help and support, in the initial planning of my trip they answered endless questions providing usful and reliable information. From the second i arrived ... read morein south africa i felt at home, they provide continual help and support to all volunteers, making you feel very welcomed into the team. I volunteered for 2 months with edge of africa on 3 different projects and enjoyed every single day. Not only are staff friendly and enthusiastic they believe in what they are doing. Each and every volunteer is important, even now i am in contact with edge of africa volunteering from home. I am desperate to go back and volunteer with them again and so i would highly recomend this organisation to anyone wishing to work hard benifiting wildlife and community along with experiencing the south african culture and its scenary.
I volunteered with Edge of Africa for a month in 2009, helping out in an HIV clinic in Knysna. When the idea of going to South Africa was first suggested to me, I will admit I was terrified! But as I ... read moreresearched it more and and talked to Dayne and Roger (the two super humans who run Edge of Africa) my apprehension turned to unbridled excitement. Words cannot explain the feeling you get when you board that first plane to South Africa, knowing what you are going there to do. Or what you think you are going to do, because every day there will surprise and amaze you. At least it did me.
Although I have not volunteered with other organisations outside the UK, after talking to friends who went with other volunteering groups in various African countries, Edge of Africa really set the bar with their passion, their caring attitude, and the range of options offered. Certainly worth every penny!
I volunteered with Edge of Africa for three weeks in June 2010. The project managers on all projects were professional and outstanding people. I had the greatest time of my life and I have travelled t... read moreo many countries and have extensive experience as an Olympic Project Manager myself. This organisation is exceptional and I will return soon for another great adventure. The accommodations, service, experience, everything was 110%.
This was the best experience i have ever had in my life. Edge of Africa gave me the oppertunity to work with some truly inspiring people and learn alot about myself. When i first arrived in South Afri... read moreca it was clear to see how different people lived and how different their mind set was. Even though they face tough times every single day of their lives, it was amazing how happy and welcoming they all were. The different projects Edge of Africa hold, enables people to have and feel things they have never had before. Even though i was a volunteer teaching children, in actual fact what they taught me is something i will hold close to my heart forever. I would like to thank Edge of Africa for everything they have allowed me to achieve because without them i would never have had the oppertunity to experience what i did. They should be very proud of the work and effort they put into their projects in and around Knysna. I am already planning my next trip back out there in 2011.
Many things make a good volunteer, such as enthusiasm, passion and of course hard work. But I think the most important thing for a volunteer to have is heart. You have to love what your doing and lear... read moren to take off the high heals every once in awhile and get down in the dirt. I learned a lot volunteering, and it has changed who I am and the people in the the program and out have become part of my family.
When I first decieded to do it, my first thought was to find something cheap, being a student I didnt have a lot to work with towards paying a large sum to volunteer. But with Edge it gives you a home, not once did i ever feel unsafe, I was always well taken care of and Dayne and Roger were like my african parents there when I needed them. You pay for this extra safety, and they certainly make it worthwhile, with nights out, weekend day trips and adventure tours so you get to volunteer yet still have fun and experiance South Africa.
To volunteer is one of the most incredable experiences to have, i make this comment from the experiences i had in South Africa last year, volunteering with EDGE OF AFRICA who i will always be greatful... read morel to and could never thank enough.
Spending just over 2months with them on 3 different wildlife projects was a life changing experience. Not only did i feel like i was contributing to the projects they to were giving something back to me. Not just the people that i met and worked with but the animals became a family. How a 18 year old can feel so at home and that is thanks to the hard work of edge of africa. I completly agree with the previous posts a volunteer has to come with an open mind, heart, enthusiasm and an underlying willingness to adapt and learn from the new surroundings. But a big part of the success comes to the organisations who work to set up placements and help you on your projects and so a relationship between the volunteer and organisation is key. This was my first oversea’s volunteering and it wont be the last.
Excellent - i highly recommend EDGE of AFRICA. I will come back to lead one of your projects! Dayne is a real delight - your passion for the projects is invigorating and inspiring!
Great, great, great - two weeks i'll never forget! Thank you for great experiences. You did everything to make our stay comfortable and unforgettable!
Take care of our boys and our house! Cant wait to see you all again soon! Miss you already!
I'm not going to go on about how much i love it here because you already know that! So i'm just going to say that i love you all and miss you terribly, but i will see you next year!
You are all wonderful people, and i am proud to have been a part of EDGE of AFRICA and honored to have worked for you.
Thank you so much for giving me such an amazing experience in South Africa. You guys have the best job in the world! Thank you for everything you have done for us, we will definably be back!
EDGE of AFRICA is the most amazing company in the entire world! Thank you so much for everything you have done for me. This experience will stay with me forever! The passion and enthusiasm the EDGE of... read more AFRICA team has for their projects shines through in everything that has been done and said since i have been here! I don't want to leave!
EDGE of AFRICA - Thank you for an amazing time, it will never be forgotten! You are all doing amazing things here and are all inspirational people. I am sooo sad to say goodbye, hopefully see you in t... read morehe future!
Thank you very much to the amazing EDGE of AFRICA team for giving me this experience. you will always hold a place in my heart. You are truly inspirational and should be very proud of what you are ach... read moreieving. I am really devastated to say goodbye, we have been on an extraordinary journey together and i cannot thank you enough, So until next time!
Thank you so much for the best weeks of my life. I have loved every minute and am devastated to be leaving. You are all an inspiration and i will miss you very much. See you next year!
EDGE of AFRICA - WOW! Absolute amazing experience which you have enabled me to have! Can't thank you enough!! You guys are so inspiring and have the best jobs in the world. This experience will stay i... read moren my heart forever and so will the lovely people i met here - especially the children. Thank you so so so much!
Thank you so much for the best 5 weeks ever! You are all amazing!
I have learnt so much from all the different projects and enjoyed my time very much.
I have had the best time ever! Thank you for making my stay so special!
I have made new and great experiences and had a lot of fun. What you do is so precious, go on!
Thanks for an unforgettable experience, for your efforts and for helping me to see the culture and live in Africa!
I had the most fantastic experience and the projects EDGE of AFRICA offer genuinely gives volunteers the REAL South African experience. I think it is amazing how committed the staff are, EDGE of AFRIC... read moreA have the perfect team and i would 100% recommend EDGE of AFRICA.
Thank you so very much for giving me this opportunity, i have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. EDGE of AFRICA is very inspirational and i will never forget my experience here. It's not goodbye, it's s... read moreee you next year!
I have had the time of my life. Thank you for everything! The kids really benefited from having us here. I think we boosted their confidence and gave them something to focus on.
Absolutely brilliant, I am so glad i did this. Memories to have forever - going home a different person!
Life changing! Best experience ever, just wish we had longer here in Knysna!
I had a fab time, what EDGE of AFRICA is doing is great, would love to come back in the future. Thank you for an amazing time, EDGE of AFRICA is making such a difference in South Africa.
I have never experienced anything like this in my life. It was so AMAZING! I don't want to go home. Thank you so much for everything you've done, EDGE of AFRICA does an awesome job and it is unbelieva... read moreble how your passion for these projects rubs off on each volunteer that arrives.
Excellent trip, can't thank you enough. Best 5 weeks ever! Thank you for everything! I will definitely be back!
We love you EDGE of AFRICA and will see you next year!!
I am really impressed by the work you are doing and i know the difference in organizing volunteer work. I know its more than a job, its your life - at the same time i know that every single second is ... read moreworth living the way you chose: you not only give through you work but you give people the chance for a better life, you also help connect people from all over the world to join in your efforts.
Through the wonderful weekends and exciting ADDO trip you also help to understand the beauty and diversity of this country - thank you very much!
You guys are so amazing. I have had an amazing time here! An awesome experience!
It was the best time ever, the Rastas (on the Kayalethu Eco Trail Project) are the coolest people on this planet and probably the whole universe!
My trip to South Africa with EDGE of AFRICA was the best experience i have had in my life! I worked as a volunteer on the Everything Elephant Project for four weeks and at the weekends stayed in the "... read moredreamlike" volunteer house which was right on the lagoon. Knysna is a beautiful town lying on the Garden Route of Southern Africa. The people are unbelievably friendly and it is an extremely safe town with lots to do in your spare time.
Roger and Dayne from EDGE of AFRICA cared for us in an amazingly friendly manner and had everything set out for us and willingly helped us with everything, answering all our questions about their country and i felt as if our two countries were closer together.
There was also a three day trip to ADDO Elephant National Park where we also saw lions. The other truly amazing experience was the Bungee Jump!
It is 216m and is the highest in the world. Also at ADDO Elephant Park i could pick up the snakes and had one around my neck! That was an unbelievable experience!
I made friends with people from other parts of the world and this was so good.
I will definitely recommend this experience with EDGE of AFRICA with Dayne and Roger as it is the most beautiful country and this was the most amazing and impressive experience of my life!
You guys are amazing. You took amazing care of us, always available for any sort of inquiry, personal or placement related. I had an amazing time here in Knysna, at work as well as in my free time goi... read moreng out and socializing with locals. Not having to worry about anything project wise really helped.
Will never be forgotten, it has been a wonderful experience and will be truly missed. Thank you for giving me this opportunity and allowing me these experiences and meeting new friends. Thank you for ... read morehelping me with my university work.
Just to say i think its great that EDGE of AFRICA is involved as your input and volunteer projects clearly makes an impact.
Project doctors allow us to get involved as much as possible! So not only are we learning how to work as doctors, how to diagnose and treat patients, but we also get to help out the sisters and porter... read mores as well. I really did learn a lot about how the ARV clinic works. Terrific experience. Awesome job! Thanks so much!
This has been an amazing trip, the only feedback that i could give is that it is awesome!! I am sad to leave!!
Awesome people! Awesome place! Simply awesome!
Awesome Placement, really enjoyed it. Exciting and varied, fun and interesting. Tasty food!
Had an excellent stay, thank you. Nice people and beautiful place.
Thank you so much for taking so good care of me. This was one of the best experiences by far. I will love to come back! Thank you!
Amazing experience, it still seems like a dream.
Excellent, so many memories, so much i can take away with me from the people and the animals. Grateful to have been a part or such a passionate, committed and determined project.
Its been amazing. Feel completely welcome and comfortable in the community. This project was meant to be! Thank you!
Thank you so much for everything! I will most definitely tell people about your program. EDGE of AFRICA is very well structured and makes for a memorable experience.
I got everything i wanted out of this and more!!! Amazing place and great people. I will recommend everyone i know to do the same, come here and take part in this adventure world!!
Fantastic people, looked after very well. Loved the camping experience!
I have had an amazing experience. Everyone has been so great and i have loved every second!
Thank you for your excellent organisation!
This is a great company. I love the morals/ethics/values this company has displayed. You guys work hard to make sure I feel comfortable and well fed. Thanks so much! Great Work!
Really, really, really Great! The weeks flew by and I made new friends. An unforgettable experience and I feel like I really made a contribution!
Super awesome! I am so glad I came here and wish I did not have to leave. Never met a bad person and I love everyone. I am truly going to miss this and am coming back next year!
I have had a great time and working with the elephants is something I will never forget.
I really liked my stay in South Africa. All the people we met are so friendly and helpful! I will never forget July 2009 thanks to EDGE of AFRICA.
Very enjoyable, I loved the elephants; everyone was very friendly at the park. It was fun going to town at the weekends. The (volunteer) house is great! EDGE of AFRICA looked after me very well and th... read moree food was very good too!
For several months i had been looking for a project in South Africa
to incorporate into my travel plans. When I found the Rasta Eco Project I knew that was what I wanted to do.
As a teacher of conse... read morervation and also operating a business doing restoration work, this suited me perfectly.
I spent 2 wonderful weeks assessing, advising and working removing alien weed species, (Australian species). (At home I remove South African weed species and this provided me the income to come to South Africa and remove Australian alien
species!). To work on the Khayalethu River Trail was a life changing experience and i was welcomed by all the Judah Square Community and made many wonderful friends. Working with Brothers Maxi and Gene I had the truly enriching and positive opportunity to share and exchange knowledge and information. I was inspired and humbled by the dedication of the community in creating the trail, building the information centre, restoring the Fynbos and environmental education for the future generations. A real grassroots project which can only benefit the community and the people who visit. Jah Bless!
Well where to start I had the time of my life. EDGE of AFRICA are very dedicated people not only with animal conservation but land and people infact all of Africa. This was showed time and time again ... read morewith the people they work with and the places I stayed and the people and animals they are helping. It was all happy and good, I could not have felt safer or been looked after better everything transport food, people, and projects. I would not only highly recommend them but strongly suggest any one who really wants a special experience in every way contact them and you will not be disappointed
I had a truly wonderful month on the Big 5 project in South Africa.
The project was very well facilitated and I received exactly what I was looking for - a varied, interesting hands-on experience. Pa... read morerticipating in everything from collecting and feeding food to the lions and darting and relocating a male wildebeest, to making a new road on the reserve and learning about some of the plants and insects. I also had a chance to see some of the beautiful Garden Route. They are a very well organised and professional company and looked after every tiny detail.
A whole spectrum of impressions. I learned about the struggle for life for the poor and HIV TB infected, about care and joy and hope for each other and the strength of these people.We met alot of peop... read morele who allowed us to have a look in their lives which was very special!