Author: Developer

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Roots & Shoots: Dr. Jane Goodall’s Tanzania Project

Goodall Participating in a Roots and Shoots Project in Tanzania

Image source: Greenglobaltravel.com

After writing yesterday’s post about the Darwin Primate Group and the inspiring work of Karin Saks, I spent the rest of the afternoon researching voluntour opportunities with other primate researchers. I found several, though none quite as intimate as the DPG. However, while reading about Dr. Goodall’s recent projects, I stumbled on Roots & Shoots, her community and environmental service initiative in Tanzania.

Rehabilitating Primates with the Darwin Primate Group

Rehabilitated Babboon Mother and Baby at the DPG

Image source: Maggiesergio.livejournal.com

Working with primates holds a special mystique thanks to the legacy of people like Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall (more on volunteer opportunities affiliated with their organizations soon). Primate is a large and diverse order of mammals that includes chimpanzees, our closest evolutionary ancestors. Many scientists are drawn to the study of primatology because they see so many similarities between the animals they work with and themselves. As a volunteer, working with primates offers a unique opportunity to experience the humanness of wildlife. No other animals can tell us more about our own evolutionary past, and yet, like so many others, these animals are in great danger.

St. Bernard Project: Katrina Matters

SBP Volunteers Working to Paint and Rebuild a Flood-Damaged Home

Image source: Mydmai.destinationmarketing.org

In my last post I wrote about a voluntour organization that remembers—they are committed to continuing rebuilding efforts in Haiti while many other organizations have moved on. Today I’d like to focus on another sustained effort I read about in AFAR, this time on domestic soil. The St. Bernard Project works with volunteers in Louisiana, continuing the vast rebuilding effort in the extended wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Elevate Destinations: A Voluntour in Haiti

Young Girl at Elevate Destinations Site in Haiti

Image source: Citi5.tumblr.com

Writing about voluntour organizations all around the world means exploring inspiring projects conceived by inspiring people. It forces me to remember that making the world a better place is a process and that everyone, no matter how experienced or educated or motivated, can step up and change lives. Whilst reading AFAR, my favorite experiential travel magazine, I stumbled upon a voluntour organization that really got my attention: Elevate Destinations.

The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls

Winfrey with Current Leadership Academy Students in South Africa

Image source: Uptownmagazine.com

In all the world there is perhaps no more recognizable champion for the underdog than Oprah Winfrey. She has made a career out of being an understanding, sympathetic listener. On her talk show, guests told their stories, no matter how harrowing or difficult. Something about Winfrey makes people feel comfortable. It’s easy to relate to her because of her own public struggles and failings. It’s easy to admire her because she is a humanitarian dedicated to philanthropy and making the world a better place.