There isn’t a better time than now to reflect on the state of the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit many countries very hard, leaving a trail of economic and social devastation. But the world suffered even before this horrible disease started placing people in self-quarantines and overflowing hospitals.
Earthquakes, volcanoes, fires, wars, and poverty have been roaming the world a lot longer than the current coronavirus.
The world was already in shambles when the pandemic started and it will need our help when it’s over to land on its feet. Once the travel bans are lifted, you will be able to go to volunteer destinations and become a mindful traveler. Besides traveling to see the landmarks, you will travel for a cause and help those affected the most by the catastrophes. To help you get started on your plans, here are the top volunteering destinations around the globe that could use your support.
Join a volunteer program in Thailand
Millions of people travel to Thailand every year because of its serene islands, clear waters, and pearly beaches. Even with such developed tourism, there is still a great gap between rich and poor populations, with the latter lacking education, especially in rural areas. The exploitation of animals here is still a huge problem since many are held in horrid conditions for the tourist trade.
If animals are your passion then coming to Thailand and joining a gibbon rehabilitation program may be the right fit for your volunteer work. These primates were rescued or adopted from owners, and live in the safe enclosures where they are cared for. You will prepare their food, socialize with them, and help the staff with daily duties in the sanctuary. In your free time, you can go on a tour to see some of the many Buddhist temples, like Wat Pha Sorn Kaew and Wat Arun.
Improve the lives of underprivileged natives in Tanzania
Tanzania is an African country where people travel to go on safaris in Kilimanjaro National Park and see lions, buffalos, leopards, rhinos, and elephants in person. While having an abundance of natural resources, this country has millions of people living in poverty, mostly a huge tribal population. Volunteering in Tanzania will allow you to meet the customs and traditions of the African Maasai tribe.
You will help them with daily activities, like making jewelry, milking cows, or fetching water from the river. During your stay, you will teach them basic English, but also learn a lot about their way of life and help them improve it. Since you will be exposed to their way of life, Maasai will take you through their beautiful landscapes and show you the place through their eyes.
Take a volunteering trip to Vietnam
Vietnam is an Asian country people come to for food, natural beauty, and picturesque rice valleys. Decades ago, this country was ravaged by wars and it still has a long way to go to recover from that devastation. Children under 5 suffer from malnutrition, while rural settlements are still lacking access to clean water.
One of the most rewarding volunteering jobs is helping children and in Vietnam, you can find a lot of programs to work with orphans and special needs kids. You will help local staff at children’s homes with speech classes, feeding, playing, and other activities intended to help these kids become as independent as possible. Most programs are in Ho Chi Minh City, where you can join food tours, visit numerous museums and historical buildings, or go on a day trip to the Mekong Delta.
Lend a helping hand in Australia
Australia has seen its fair share of suffering in the last year. The fires swept the continent for months, destroying its diverse ecosystem. It’s estimated that almost half a billion animals were killed in the fires, and many others ended up in wildlife sanctuaries. If you decide to volunteer in Australia, you can apply to programs that will have you working closely with amazing animals unique to this country.
The Native Zoo in Mossman is home to five endangered species and is situated in tropical North Queensland near the lush jungle of the Daintree National Park. You will work with animals daily, clean their enclosures, and help the team with getting the Zoo for visitors. On your off days, you can go hiking to one of the many waterfalls or ride a bicycle to Wonga Beach and swim.
Engage in volunteering in Costa Rica
You may know Costa Rica by its beaches and perfect vacation spots, but the truth is this Central American country is struggling. Almost 30% of the population is living under the poverty line, mostly present in rural areas where job opportunities are scarce. This is also the reason why those areas lack teaching staff and a proper educational system.
Besides the wonderful turtle conservation project, you can help the Costa Rican population by joining English teaching programs. You can volunteer with children and teach children or adults at community centers and schools, based on your teaching plans and educational approach. You can try the wonderful local cuisine and relax on the beaches. When in Costa Rica, visit one of its volcanoes, like Arenal towering over coffee plantations where you can stop for a cup.
Lastly
When the COVID-19 pandemic is over, we should all reflect on what happened and try to help those in need the best way we can. These top volunteer destinations offer opportunities to provide kindness and care all over the planet and give it a boost to recover more quickly. We may not be able to change the world for the better immediately, but with everyday effort, it is possible to make it a better place for future generations.
Courtesy of Nina Simons
