Amanzimtoti Travel Forum

I am a patient, loving person who's going on 50 years old. I have no more ties to my hometown and not as interested in travel anymore as I am to finding a new home. I am looking for contentment, fulfillment and maybe the meaning of life. I believe this can be found in helping the animals and children of Africa. Absolute happiness - for me - is only in places where I am needed (AIDS children, preferably). Can anybody point me the way. I don't have much money (only enough to get there), but I don't ask for any luxury when I get there - just a sleeping bag and a directory of what plants would be safe to eat. Most WebSites I've come to are only looking for term (2-3 month) volunteers who pay their own way. I want to commit for years.

I would know the answer to your question if you were Dutch but this is the general way I would like to point out to you:

There will undoubtedly be organisations in Toronto that send out volunteers for such projects.
Maybe via non-governmental organisations (NGO) that do development projects in Africa.
Have you contacted any?

I know of a few specific projects in Zambia but I think it's best if you go via an organisation in your country.

Volunteering does not exclude being a professional, in the sense that you know what you are doing and how to help and what you need to know to help.
You will need funds and probably also recommendations.

You could go to the Red Cross for a start, or an Aids organisation or any other (check if it is bonafide) and ask for advice.
You could also visit embassies of the countries you consider going to and ask if they can point you into a direction.

It would help if you made a resume and try to find something you did (either in your professional or free time) that could be useful for such work.

In short, unless you want to go at great risk, both personal and towards the people you want to help, I think you should get in touch with organisations that can help you plan this.
You'll need to be practical and organised to fulfill your dream. Good luck!

You know, there are plenty people in Toronto who could use your help,...and you would'nt have to move. Might be a place to start?

Good luck in your search though,...I hope you find "it"; wherever it may be. Godspeed.

:o)

Why not work in Canada for such an organization. Earn money and then donate whatever amount you wish to a needy organization overseas such as you have suggested.This way you will have achieved a twofold task. The money you provide will purchase much needed medicines and enable professionals to provide their services .Also research requires funding.- Best of luck Robertvp

Interesting posting it under Amanzimtoti... not too many edible plants there...

Try http://www.childline.org.za or they can refer you to a charity relevant to you.