Content & Digital Media Creator Volunteer Program

The Content & Digital Media Creator Volunteer Program in Madagascar is a hands-on digital volunteering programme run by the Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute (MRCI). Volunteers create photos, videos, social media content, blog articles and testimonials that document MRCI’s conservation and community programmes on Nosy Komba and Nosy Be. Content creators may work across Marine Conservation, Forest Conservation, Community Development, English Teaching and Turtle Monitoring, capturing field activities such as reef dives, turtle surveys, beach clean-ups, mangrove planting, community builds and English lessons. Volunteers support MRCI’s marketing team with ethical storytelling, content curation and publishing for platforms including the website, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. The programme runs year-round, starting on the first and third Monday of each month, with 2026 costs starting from $720 and including meals and accommodation.

About the Content Creators Program

MRCI’s Content Creators Program supports conservation communication by helping document the daily work, people and environments connected to its projects in Madagascar. The programme is designed for photographers, videographers, writers, journalists, marketers and other creative volunteers who want to use digital media to support conservation and community development.

Volunteers work with MRCI’s on-site team to create respectful, accurate and useful content that raises awareness, shares local and volunteer stories, and helps show the impact of MRCI’s programmes. The role combines practical field exposure with content production, giving volunteers the opportunity to build a portfolio while contributing to MRCI’s outreach and education goals.

Program Activities and Volunteer Involvement:

As a digital content creator in the Content Creators Program, volunteers will:

Document field activities, such as reef dives, seagrass and turtle surveys, beach cleanups, mangrove planting, community builds, and English lessons
Capture candid moments, volunteer life, and scenic landscapes of Nosy Komba and Nosy Be
Conduct short interviews with staff, volunteers, and community members to highlight personal stories
Produce high-quality photos and short-form videos for Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok
Write engaging blog articles and volunteer testimonials for MRCI’s website
Support the marketing team with content curation and publishing

All content creators receive a full orientation on our programs and goals, and are supported by our on-site team to ensure ethical and impactful storytelling.

Objectives and Goals of the Content Creators Program

Increase awareness and support for MRCI’s conservation and community programs
Create a professional portfolio for aspiring photographers, videographers, journalists, and marketers
Share the voices of local communities and volunteers in a respectful and empowering way
Attract more volunteers and donors by authentically showcasing life and impact at MRCI

Volunteer Requirements

We welcome both aspiring and experienced digital volunteers. Volunteers should:

Have basic to advanced skills in photography, videography, graphic design, or writing
Bring their own equipment (e.g., camera, phone, laptop, editing software, GoPro, drone if licensed)
Be creative, independent, and open to feedback
Be respectful of Malagasy culture and sensitive to ethical content gathering

Program Costs

Start Dates:

All Year Round / Every first & third Monday of the month. Program fees include participation in the program as well as meals and accommodation at our camp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous experience to volunteer in this program?

No previous professional experience is required for the Content and Digital Media Creator Program. We’ll provide guidance on capturing and editing high-quality photos and videos, as well as tips for creating engaging social media content like reels, posts, and stories. All you need is creativity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to get involved across our various programs—whether that’s marine and forest conservation, English teaching, or community initiatives. If you’re eager to develop your content creation skills while making a positive impact, you’ll fit right in.

Do I need a visa to volunteer?

Yes. All volunteers require a tourist visa to enter Madagascar. For most nationalities, it is best to purchase a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport in Madagascar. Alternatively, you can apply for an e-visa online or at a Malagasy embassy in your home country. MRCI provides guidance and documentation to help with the visa application process.

Is this program suitable for students or gap year volunteers?

Yes. It is ideal for students, graduates, or anyone on a gap year seeking hands-on experience as a volunteer content creator while gaining exposure to conservation and community projects.

What should I bring to the program?

Bring personal equipment for content creation, comfortable clothing for outdoor activities, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a positive attitude. MRCI provides additional materials and guidance on-site.

Can I create my own portfolio during the program?

Yes. All work you produce as a volunteer content creator can be added to your personal portfolio, showcasing your skills in photography, videography, social media, and storytelling.

Will I get to collaborate across different programs?

Absolutely. You’ll document marine and forest conservation, English teaching, community development, and turtle monitoring projects, giving you a broad experience as a Content Creator.

What vaccinations should I have before traveling?

Madagascar does not require any vaccinations to enter the country. Commonly recommended vaccinations for Madagascar include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Malaria prevention medication is also advised. Always check with your doctor or a travel clinic before booking flights.

become a volunteer

Apply Today

Ready to embark on your volunteer journey? Join us at MRCI, where together, we can discover, conserve, and transform Madagascar for the better.