I did the program way back in 2009 but the experience has stayed with me vividly ever since. For one thing, I absolutely fell in love with Madagascar, especially the southeast corner where we were based out of. I'd intended to explore more of the country but a military coup put an end to those plans. They even evacuated the US Peace Corps, but we stayed, and it was totally fine in that area. The Malagasy people were very genuine and kind; the Malagasy staff at SEED (Azafady, as it was known then) were fantastic, just top-notch in their respective fields (from the camp cook to the scientists), but also charming and fun to be around. We built a school, finished a well, planted thousands and thousands of trees, did public health outreach, did some research in the conservation area, all while moving back and forth from the Fort Dauphin base to various campsites in the bush. I have a thousand good memories; I'll just say I highly recommend this volunteer program.

I volunteered with SEED Madagascar during the autumn of 2018 on their Community Development programme where they gave me the opportunity to work within the local community and prioritise their needs in the work we did. Every day seemed to bring a new and exciting challenge from helping on the construction of a new school building where you work alongside a local construction team who are very friendly and accommodating during your work, to trekking to remote rural villages to make assessments on wells constructed by SEED as well as follow-ups on training they run for beekeeping in the area to help encourage a diverse range of livelihoods in the area to supplement the small scale agriculture already done by most families. The town of Fort Dauphin which you stay during the programme is also surrounded by some beautiful landscapes to add to the experience that awaits you.

It is weird to say that I loved my experience here, because the experience included a stark view of the world; it is difficult to believe that the poverty of this country and its citizens can coexist in a world with other developed countries of affluence and wealth. However, I found myself completely immersed in the experience of understanding the complexities of these issues and excited to help with the current work. I really enjoyed my experience working in the Pioneer program and then participating in the Conservation program. Each program immersed you in a community and I was able to learn about Malagasy culture in a respectful, yet participatory way. You experience the poverty that you help to alleviate, and it is clear that you can see SEED's tangible impacts throughout the community. SEED was extremely helpful in both my preparation for the trip, and support throughout my program.

I was on the Pioneer program for a total of eight weeks and loved almost every minute of it! The construction work challenged me just enough to drive me to improve my own skills, and if there was something I did struggle with the local construction team and the guides were always there to help. I found that the nature of our work meant that the volunteers worked together well as a team and therefore I have now made (hopefully) friends for life from across the globe. One of the aspects I enjoyed the most was the chatting that we all started when we were working, because it wasn't just the volunteers and the Malagasy guys in separate groups, there was a lot of overlapping between everyone, resulting in me learning a lot of Malagasy while I was there. Of course, we worked hard, laying bricks and levelling the ground in preparation for pouring a concrete floor among various other tasks. Another benefit of doing the Pioneer program is that if you are volunteering for 6 or more weeks, the last two weeks are spent at the conservation permanent location in Saint Luce, which meant I was able to get a view of the consvation efforts that SEED undertakes as well as making an immediate difference in the construction side of the program.

This programme has something to offer everyone. If you are considering a career in charity or with NGOs, if you are interested in wildife and conservation, if you simply want to travel and immerse yourself in an utterly unique place and culture, then look no further. I can promise that there will never be a dull moment, that each day you will be experiencing something new and unique. During my time on the programme in 2013 I might be assisting with some light construction on one day, only to be trekking to remote communities to assess their needs and the impact of climate change the next. As an added bonus Fort Dauphin and the surrounding region is perhaps the most beautiful place I have ever been, during your time off from helping with the charity there will be myriad chances to enjoy it.

All in all I had a fantastic experience in Saint Luce, albeit a brief one. The day to day routine becomes engrained in you very quickly, but I loved the certainty of a routine. Overall it was a perfect balance of walking transects spotting lemurs whilst plenty of time to relax at the beach for example. I learnt that patience is key with nature and things will not always go to plan, but the best moments were often the unexpected. I cannot more highly recommend the volunteer conservation programme. I genuinely felt the research driven schedule has given me an authentic insight into the struggles and joys of conservation work in a truly unique location. This may indeed sound extremely cliché but the people and place made it so enjoyable. Firstly all the Research Assistants were very approachable and willing to assist in every way. If you felt unwell or needed a rest it would always be possible to opt out of any activity. Secondly all the local guides genuinely cared about your welfare and are incredibly knowledgeable. They have an incredible ability to spot camouflaged insects that to most people are impossible to see. Special thanks to the person for ordering Daniel and me pizzas when we were ill and famished in town! Overall my personal highlight was merely the environment of Saint Luce. The sunrise walks to Manafiafy, the walk up the road to see the electric thunder at night; these are merely a couple of examples. Any journey in a pirogue boat was perilous and tranquil in equal measure! I saw species I had no idea existed but to be honest I’ve forgotten their names already. What I will remember is the people and memories; Daniels tent accident, Larissa’s pirogue slip, and of course any moment lemurs came flying through camp!

Stunning scenery, unbelievable wildlife encounters, passionate scientists, enthusiastic guides, brilliant kids, awesome volunteers, rice and beans, laughter, some rainy days, and lots of games... volunteering with SEED Madagascar's conservation programme was one of the best things I have ever done! From the moment I first saw the white sand of the campsite until it was time to wave goodbye to the amazing staff as we set off on the camion ride back to Fort Dauphin, I had the most incredible time. Conservation club with the children of Ambandrika school and Manafiafy school, where they learnt about conservation issues relevant to their local environment, was a highlight for me. It was rewarding to know that we were helping to educate the future generation to help them to protect and preserve the remaining forest fragments. My advice? Take good waterproofs... it was a challenge when it rained non-stop for a week and all of our clothes and shoes were wet! Everyone stayed remarkably cheerful throughout however, (lots of card games were played), and camping felt luxurious once the sun came out again!

Volunteering to teach English in Fort Dauphin, Madagascar with SEED Madagascar was a a truly rewarding experience. Fort Dauphin is located on the SE tip of Madagascar with beautiful beaches and people. Right from the moment I set foot in Fort Dauphin I felt welcomed as part of two families. I immediately felt part of the SEED Madagascar family and as well my Malagasy family where I was staying in a homestay. The language and cultural differences became insignificant once I settled into the slower pace of Fort Dauphin. I taught both adults and children. I worked with the Malagasy staff of the associated Madagascar NGO and taught in a school a couple of hours a week. It was challenging teaching 15 year olds English with only a blackboard and chalk. These obstacles were overcome and the we had some great times with lots of laughter from my wonderful students. One on one teaching English to the adults was fantastic as I very quickly learnt about Malagasy culture. If you want a fabulous experience which will challenge you and be so rewarding I would recommend joining the SEED Madagascar team where you will feel welcomed and appreciated by all.

Although a little scared at first, everything was so organised that there was no need to worry! Everybody was really friendly and the work you do out there is so worthwhile. There's a lot of flexibility of which activities you can participate in, from replanting endangered tree species to surveying frogs on a night walk, and more importantly you have plenty of time to get a photo or 2! There's also the opportunity to help at the conservation club, travel by traditional boat to see the flying foxes and even learn how to weave!The staff were amazing, with really good English and they had a natural ability to spot wildlife from a mile away, including a chameleon from a moving car! Please don't let the idea of staying in a tent put you off- by investing in a good camping mattress you can't even tell the difference and the rest of the campsite has good amenities with the longhouse being the main eating and social area and the campsite is located just two minutes away from the forest where you can see the local wildlife including geckos, chameleons and mouse lemurs.I'm definitely glad that I went and I know that the money I spent went directly towards the projects that we were working on which makes it even better.

An amazing two weeks teaching in Fort Dauphin. The students are really enthusiastic and all staff are extremely friendly and helpful. My only regret was that I didn't stay longer. I was never bored; teaching, updating spreadsheets and lesson planning. The schedule is spilt so you have the opportunity to teach NGO staff one on one. This is vital as it not only builds confidence but improves communication within the office. English club lessons at school are an extra curricular activity for students so this tends to be a relaxed and fun lesson. I aided the Malagasy teacher at a number of English lessons at the high school. These classes had approx 75 students and were taught as part of the curriculum.

Some people may not feel like spending two weeks of their holidays without a hot shower, electricity or internet but, trust me, you can survive. And, even more, you can enjoy it and have a really nice time. In Saint Luce you can feel the experience of being in contact with nature and learn with the local people about their endangered ecosystems. Moreover, you will learn that, finally, taking a shower with a bucket is not so dramatic! And most important, without internet, you can really disconnect from work and routine! As a conclusion, if you go with Azafady to Madagascar, do not expect to be lying in the beach or living in a resort. However, you will taste the real life in Madagascar. At the end of the day, you will discover that they will help you much more than what you could help them.

An inspirational way to spend my summer. I was with Azafady for only two weeks, but left feeling like I had a years worth of experiences. Everyday was exciting and educational, with a great mix of international volunteers and local guides. The involvement in the local community of Sainte Luce was very special. Particular highlights were teaching conservation club to children between ages of 3-21 and English to ages 10-44. Walking through littoral rainforest searching the forest floor for frogs, to the tree canopies for lemurs was incredible to get a real feel for nature. The research assistants were absolutely brilliant in terms of support and explaining what and why we were doing each activity. Camp in Sainte Luce was well set up with the right balance of social and private time. The food was fantastic and plentiful. This really was a memorable fortnight and would recommemend Azafady as a superb charity to volunteer with.

Last summer I jumped on a plane to Madagascar to spend 10 weeks doing the Pioneer program with Azafady. I was excited, and nervous, and I thought I knew what to expect, I was so wrong. The Pioneer program was so incredibly rewarding. If you are thinking about going overseas for any reason whatsoever I recommend Azafady. The charity and Malgasy NGO is doing amazing work for people and the results can be seen in each person you talk to. My only recommendation is that you choose to stay the full 10 weeks. At the end of Pioneer our group was heartbroken at the thought of leaving. Don't be turned away by the thought of staying in a tent, or taking bucket showers, I assure you it is beyond worth it. It is also worth mentioning that the food is incredible. Since coming home I have craved rice and beans, something I never thought I would say.

Azaday is an incredibly well run charity that makes a genuine difference to a community and people that are in dire need of their assistance

You stay on the edge of St Luce, a small village in the rural SE of Madagascar. Tents are centered on a wooden long-house where meals are eaten and the hanging-out is done between trips in to the forest. These forest trips range from half-hour bird surveys to a couple of hours following lemurs or conducting Herp surveys - all very informative and good fun. All in the most amazing forest surroundings with the ever-present chance of seeing something incredible. All of the Azadafy staff, whether domestic or international, were very friendly and the organisation's relationship with the local community in St Luce make for a uniquely integrated experience. The Azafady literature makes the food in the bush seem intimidating but it's actually fantastic, the cooks do a great job. All-told, my only regret is that I didn't stay for longer. Although I highly recommend that you also leave time to travel the country after your volunteering is over. The guys in camp will give you some great advice.

I am an experienced field biologist that was looking to volunteer in Africa and see as many primate species as possible. As Azafady was recommended to me by a past volunteer (who I volunteer with through another organization in Canada), I knew they were a trustworthy and legitimate organization. Azafady answered my numerous questions in a timely manner before my departure, and ensured someone picked me up at the airport after 12:00am. I rented an amazing tent from the organization and it help up during terrible rains. The field set up is basic- latrines, bucket showers etc. but you can hear the ocean from your tent and the forest itself is incredible. I saw more endemic species than I could count- from bats to chameleons. The staff is kind, knowledgeable, sincere and do their jobs with a passion that is admirable. If you are looking to help preserve some of the most fragile species in the world and have an amazing adventure, this experience is for you.