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Founded to ‘Go Truly Local’™ to address the challenges and inhibitors to sustainable social and environmental development, we have a long track record of hosting volunteers, interns and researchers from across the world seeking practical experience and involvement in communities where we work. We are embedded in communities and align the needs of the community with the skills, knowledge and talents of contributing visitors who join us as co-collaborators. As well as benefits to local communities, visitors feedback that the experience and knowledge gained has a significant impact on their perspectives, career pathway and lifelong aspirations.
You may find it interesting and fun to check out our Volunteer postcards from Africa where a small sample of the many volunteers, interns and researchers share their experiences including Poppy, Scarlett and Kynda who volunteered in 2023/24. Also check out the diaries of recent volunteers from our partners at Carpe Diem Education – MacKenzie, Abby and Leora who joined in 2022/23, and the video below from Sara who spent 3 months as a tourism intern in 2018 and returned in 2022 to work alongside our founder. Keep reading to find out more about the opportunities that await you. . . .
In line with our founding ‘Memorandum of Incorporation & Intent’, this page provides context and information on our integrated projects you could participate in. With our commitment to make a tangible difference, it is fair to say we don’t develop projects and welcome volunteers, interns and researchers randomly. Over a protracted consultative period, our team works with communities to identify challenges which are innovated into outcomes-based opportunities for both communities and our valued visitors. From our experience there are two main profiles of volunteers, interns or researchers:
Dreamcatcher South Africa NPC follows a human centred approach underpinning economic efficiency, social justice and fostering peaceful co-collaboration as a cornerstone of sustainability throughout our projects. Our aim is long-term results, improved livelihoods, and self -sufficiency for communities and the environment where they live. We are embedded in communities and globally recognised for our approach and impact. Leaving no one behind, we work in an inclusive way. In partnership with communities, organisations, volunteers, interns and researchers, we are a melting pot of change makers sharing skills, knowledge, experience and passion. This fosters an environment of enterprise and creativity. In short, we ‘walk the talk’.
Dreamcatcher South Africa NPC has responded to the United Nations Development Goals since 2000, embedding the ethos and principles of the Goals in an integrated way throughout our projects. Due to our long-term collaboration and research in communities, we have developed a portfolio of integrated projects and opportunities aligned to local needs and challenges. We have a series of ongoing projects which you can join based on your interests, talent -and skills, or we can developed purposed opportunities for your personal development. You can choose to work on one elective or engage on a range of projects. This offers you the opportunity to diversify, join in to add value. Life in communities is dynamic. Sudden occurrences take place. Dreamcatcher responds to these events with flexibility – and there are opportunities for you to join our team. In addition, opportunities arise to conduct impact research or innovate while you are with us – or develop your own research project.
Below are examples of projects we have worked on to respond to community and environmental needs.
"We were extremely fortunate to find Dreamcatcher South Africa as a prime example of sustainable tourism. Dreamcatcher has changed the way that our students think about the planning, implementation, and growth of sustainable tourism and its application in community-based tourism experiences, bringing diverse intra-cultural encounters to life".
Dreamcatcher supports you from your initial interest through to the delivery of your programme. If you are interested in joining, we would be elated to hear from you – please Contact us.
On receipt of your expression of interest we will set up an online meeting to find out more about you, and your aspirations. If you are a student this will include a discussion on the expectations of the education institution you are currently enrolled at, or you applying to. If following our chat, you decide to pursue joining the Dreamcatcher Team, we ask you to complete a registration document, and we then work with you on an ongoing basis to finalise your programme. Also check out the Frequently Asked Questions.
Whilst volunteering you may want to explore South Africa and beyond. We are travel-route -and itinerary development experts and know the country and its people inside out. One of our best attributes is our credibility in communities across the country. These qualities empower us to develop bespoke itineraries connecting you with unique experiences most visitors to the African continent never knew existed.
When volunteering typically you will have weekends and public holidays free – but when applicable there might be opportunities to volunteer at these times – you can bank and accumulate these days allowing you to explore.
A small sample of our volunteers share their experiences below.
Dreamcatcher South Africa NPC is a legally registered non profit entity in South Africa NPC Reg No: 2019/142532/08
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