Community Development Program - Madagascar Volunteer

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute’s Community Development Program consistently strives to improve the lives and living conditions of the people in our communities. We achieve this by maintaining existing community infrastructures and building much needed new facilities.

Each project undertaken by MRCI is carefully planned and sanction by the community leaders. The key focus of each project is the development of infrastructures where the entire community benefit as a whole. Running water and sanitation issues are addressed as well as educational facilities which afford students the opportunity to receive an education in a functional classroom environment.

The absence of roads and motorised vehicles on Nosy Komba means that the local inhabitants face the daily challenge of crossing near impassable terrain to reach other nearby villages. Rainy season makes many of these routes even more difficult to negotiate. We assist communities by identifying these areas and building pathways and bridges to make these precarious routes easier to navigate. This also allows tourists to access these villages and we are currently devising a strategy to assist the community to attract more tourists.

Once the projects have been identified and approved by MRCI and the community leaders, work begins with MRCI sponsoring a portion of the funds required. Volunteers assist not only with the physical labour required to complete the projects, but also with initiating additional fundraising campaigns. These fundraising efforts are invaluable, without which we would not be able to achieve our goals. A seemingly small contribution can make a noteworthy difference.

All our building materials are locally sourced and purchased from local suppliers. Volunteers work alongside the community members using traditional building methods. A healthy positive attitude is all that is require to participate in this program and is needed to overcome the many challenges faced in developing these communities. The reward is in knowing that you have made a significant impact in a community that will embrace you as one of their own.

Assisting communities through building and construction will lay a foundation that will encourage the local community to continue with your efforts after your volunteer work abroad has come to an end.

Madagascar is currently among the 10 poorest countries in the world. Join MRCI’s Community Development program and make a real difference.

START DATES
All year round	Every First and Third Monday of the Month

PROGRAM COSTS
Volunteer Community Development
2 WEEKS	$ 930.00
3 WEEKS	$ 1,110.00
4 WEEKS	$ 1,290.00
5 WEEKS	$ 1,470.00
6 WEEKS	$ 1,650.00
7 WEEKS	$ 1,830.00
8 WEEKS	$ 1,010.00
9 WEEKS	$ 2,190.00
10 WEEKS	$ 2,370.00
11 WEEKS	$ 2,550.00
12 WEEKS	$ 2,730.00
The Community Development Program has a surcharge of $50 per week for the purchase of materials used on projects

PRIVATE ROOM

For an additional cost of $10 per night

MRCI is pleased to provide the option of a private accommodation. This will be available ONLY to married volunteers and/ or parents that want to accompany their children.

This rustic and comfortable bungalow is made of natural fibres, has 2 single beds, mosquito nets, a private shower and toilet.