Memorable Work

I am leaving South Africa today, but have definitely put it high on the list of places to return to. There is still so much to see and do, plus some great friends to come back and see.

One of the key aspects to my year away, was to engage in some volunteer work, and South Africa was my volunteering destination. I did not pick the most obvious work; house building or teaching English. I selected work that revolved around marine animals and conservationism. These were programs I would never find back in Canada and they offered support to the tourist industry - a industry I am deeply involved with this year.

I have learned a tremendous amount while being here. Not only the practical bits; how to work a shark decoy line, leopard babysitting tricks, and how to tell the difference between bottlenose and common dolphins; but also I have found a new zest for volunteerism.

I have done volunteer programs in North America in past years, but found it a struggle in recent times. I wasn't feeling like I was making a difference or really adding anything. Being here and offering up my time and skills has reminded me that it is not always about the actually work to be done, but rather the act of participating. That goes for both sides of the equation.

My work here could easily have been done by anyone else or, in fact, not done at all. The programs I worked with use volunteers for funding more than the human hours put to it. I paid for the privilege of participating; and it was well worth the money. I think (and hope) that the hours I invested were beneficial beyond the dollar value to those I connected with. Both of my program leaders are from the western world; Alison from the UK and Tracy from Canada. We had great discussions about work and life in South Africa in contrast to their former lives. They have chosen to make their careers here and trust me, they are not in it for glory or fortune. This is tough work. And as I was soaking up all the amazing opportunities offered to me, they were given a chance to connect to a business minded contemporary. I think I was a good reaffirmation for them about their own choices.

At first I was a bit disappointed to do both programs on my own. I had thought it would be a good chance to meet like minded travelers. In hindsight, I realize just how fortune it was to have these opportunities to myself. I was given greater exposure to all the staff and activities. Plus, I was on my own to interpret each experience. With this type of freedom, I was reminded what a privilege it is to volunteer. You are granted a window into worlds you would normally never see. For me the highlights were seeing great white sharks silently slip past our boat, spending a day with a 3 month old leopard, catching my first blow sighting of a brydes whale, watching seals frolic in the wake of our boats, and remembering how to cast a fishing line while having the mud squelch between my toes. None of this would have been possible without the support of my volunteer coordinators and the various crews I worked with.

I want to thank everyone I have met here in South Africa. A big shout out to Alison T. , Tracey, Henny, Warren, Benz, Marilie, Wilfred, Tracy, Chrissie, Daniel, Pete, Tony, Alison K. and Morne. I put my experience with you all at the top of my accomplishments for this year.