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Vet nurse Heather caring for orphan Precious Love
VOLUNTEER PHOTO GALLERY |
Volunteering in Nigeria
CERCOPAN's first volunteer arrived in 1995 to
take over from project founder and volunteer Zena Tooze when family commitments
required her to return to Canada for several months. Since then, over 90 long
and short term volunteers have been integral to this growth and development, and
as the project changes, so do the type of volunteers, bringing more and
different levels of expertise with them.
Why do we take volunteers?
Volunteers are vital to CERCOPAN's growth and
development, providing a variety of skills and expertise for minimal cost, thus conserving
scarce resources for project development. CERCOPAN considers ongoing
training of local staff vital to the sustainability of the project. Long-term volunteers have brought skills related to environmental
education, fundraising, veterinary nursing, biology, engineering,
construction,
animal husbandry and wildlife rehabilitation. Short-term volunteers
gain vital experience for their own future careers, as well as bringing vital
funds to the project and helping to publicize our work.
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Community conservationist Richard partaking of
traditional toast in Iko Esai |
Is volunteering for you?
Commitment, flexibility, sense of humour and passion about conservation are all
required, as well as the stamina to 'go the distance', even when things seem
tough and the distance from home and loved ones seems too much. If you have
these qualities, you will have the experience of a lifetime, and will definitely
develop skills to continue in conservation in the future.
Long term or short term, you are guaranteed a wonderful experience! If you feel
you don't (yet!) have the necessary life and work experience skills, or
have commitments which don't allow you to be away from home for extended period,
then the short term option may be just the thing for you. CERCOPAN accepts
both long term supported volunteers, and
short term volunteers who are self
supporting (3 months or less). We also are now offering a
working holiday option
for shorter stays of 2-4 weeks
FAQ's for short term
volunteering or working holiday |
