THE AV EXPERIENCE

Just as we are searching for the right volunteers for our partner organisations, you are searching for the right organisation to meet your needs as a volunteer. Read below to see what makes Atlantic Volunteers different from other volunteer organisations.

Atlantic Volunteers provides much more than a customised volunteer programme. Volunteers may also book accommodation, airport transfers, safaris, and other activities through Atlantic Volunteers staff, who also provide knowledgeable and objective travel advice to ensure volunteers make the most of their time in South Africa.

Atlantic Volunteers isn’t just a volunteer matching agency – placement is based both upon the needs and wants of the volunteer and the existing needs among Atlantic Volunteers partner organisations in order to ensure volunteers make a meaningful difference in the community and benefit the most from their experience.

After a volunteer arrives in South Africa, they have immediate access to a local support network. Through monthly volunteer meetings, regular check-ins, and 24-hour emergency service where a member of the Atlantic Volunteers staff may be reached, it can be assured that volunteers feel connected during their work and stay in South Africa.

Atlantic Volunteers is not a commercial volunteer placement business based abroad – it is an organisation based in Cape Town run by South Africans. Additionally, it is a registered non-profit organisation that does not exist to make a profit – any fees collected, in other words, go towards covering Atlantic Volunteers’ operational expenses only.

Prior to beginning volunteering with the partner organisation, volunteers attend a one-day seminar in preparation for their work and stay in South Africa. The seminar includes a variety of topics, including the basics of South African cultures, differences in communication styles, safety and health information, and important considerations when volunteering in South African non-profits and community-based organisations.

Atlantic Volunteers staff will work with you one-on-one to design a volunteer programme that meets your academic, professional, and personal needs, as well as a volunteer programme that best utilises the time and resources available.