Background of Environment Africa

Environment Africa was formed after a spectacular and famous trans-continental bicycle journey from Great Britain to Zimbabwe undertaken by the “Rhino-Girls” Charlene Hewat and Julie Edwards. The purpose of the ride was to raise awareness, support and donations for Africa’s most endangered species, the Black Rhino. The ride took one year and 22.000 km was covered leading to the formation of Environment 2000 in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, which set the tone for Environment 2000’s watchdog and advocacy role.

In 1990 the Environment 2000 Foundation was born with a vision of championing the African environment and an aim of raising awareness on environmental issues. With a staff of less than five and with limited resources the Foundation began charting its rise to what it is today – one of Africa’s leading environmental organizations. In 2001 the name was changed to Environment Africa to signify the desire to cut across political and natural boundaries. Today Environment Africa is a registered Private Voluntary Organization (WO-6/93) with nearly 100 staff, more than 700 members and successfully established its programs Action Africa; Tree Africa and Water Africa as sub-organizations. Apart from the main office in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital, the organization has branches in Victoria Falls, Lupane and Mutare as well as regional offices in the capitals of Zambia and Malawi. At an international level, the organization has an established office in the United Kingdom.

Environment Africa is an organization that is committed to best business practice and fundamental principles of transparency, integrity and accountability. The organization also nurtures own management style, typified by an open culture of trust, innovation and creativity through its mission of working together with all sectors of society raising awareness, encouraging action, and advocating a better environment that uplifts the livelihood of current and future generations.

Background of Action Africa

Action Africa was established in February 2008 as a volunteer program of Environment Africa, a registered non-governmental and non-profit organisation based in Zimbabwe. We offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities in different areas for individuals or groups to explore the African culture and wildlife for a life-changing experience. With our carefully chosen projects volunteers will help to facilitate the social and economic development of local communities in African countries, particularly in Zimbabwe. Action Africa provides a holistic approach to Africa with its breathtaking environment, the African way of life and its challenges.

Since the start of our mother organisation Environment Africa in 1990 we work together with all sectors of society to raise environmental awareness and to encourage action in order to maintain a sustainable environment for present and future generations. In each of our programs, we work with people from all walks of life, who are passionate, committed and motivated to take action in their own areas of concern. Environment Africa plays a vital role in the research and conservation of Africa’s environment and in the uplift of livelihoods through the modification of traditional practices and improving household economics. Through our volunteer and development programs we offer a safe and welcoming environment for people from all over the world who want to join us and encounter this remarkable continent.

Our programs will give people from all over the world in all age groups the opportunity to discover and enjoy Africa’s beauty and cultures, to share their experiences and to enhance knowledge about the African way of life. With our strong desire to strengthen our local communities, the assistance of our volunteers is much-needed to mobilize action, mainstream the environment, improve educational standards and uplift livelihoods for children and communities in rural and urban areas. Action Africa is based in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and run by a team of qualified and experienced staff.

Project Name

The  title of the work camp is “Investing in the power of young people”

Project Initiator

Action-Africa (Environment Africa)

Aim of the Project

The main aim of the project will be for young people to contribute their efforts in development activities in their communities through volunteerism.

Objectives

»         To encourage individual and community action in defense of the environment

»         To restore the scenic beauty of the Victoria Falls rainforest through eradication of the invasive alien species

»         To help construct and paint a boarding block at the Victoria Falls Old People’s Home and Hwange rural schools

»         To promote intercultural diversity amongst the volunteers through experience sharing during the duration of the project

Planned Activities

»         Plastering, renovating and painting identified buildings for the benefit of the community

»         Eradication of invasive alien species in the Victoria Falls rainforest

»         Rehabilitation of the Fishing camps

Free-time Activities

»         Visit to the Victoria Falls Rainforest (one of the world’s heritage site)

»         Visit to the Victoria Falls Crocodile Farm scenic

»         Campfire talks (experience sharing at international level)

»         Discussion forum on climate change and how young people can be involved in combating climate change in their communities

»         Visit to the Chief

»         Open Discussion forum for young people with the Victoria Falls urban local authority (MP, Mayor, and Senator)

»         Outdoor games (Football, volleyball, netball, basketball e.t.c)

Application Deadline: 20^th of July 2010 @ 12midnight G.M.T

Find application form attached below (Copy, complete and forward to us)

Contact Details

Douglas Musiringofa                                          &                                             Namo Chuma

6078 Mkhosana                                                                                                   P.O Box CT502

Victoria Falls                                                                                                       Victoria Falls

Zimbabwe                                                                                                             Zimbabwe

Southern Africa                                                                                                    Southern Africa

Telefax: 00263 13 40097                                                                                   Telefax: 00263 13 40097

Cell: +263912443848                                                                                         Cell: +263 712 323 115

Email: douglas@action-africa.org Email: namo@action-africa.org

Website: www.action-africa.org Website:www.action-africa.org Skype: action.africa                                                                                  Skype: action.africa

Workcamp Application Form

Name of project:  International Workcamp 2010

Venue: Jambezi Village & Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls

Date: 15.08.2010 – 30.08.2010 (2 weeks)

Personal Details

In case of emergency

1. How did you hear about us?

2. Do you have any physical limitation, allergy or illness which would impact on your volunteer work?

Yes              No

If yes, please specify.

3. Past volunteer experiences / general skills (indicate the country, year and type of work)

payment and cancellation

As soon as we approve your application, you will receive a letter of confirmation into the volunteer program. To start the placement process after confirmation a deposit of US$ 150,- must be placed into the Action Africa Bank Account which is non-refundable. The balance of the program fees can be paid either 4 weeks before your project start date into the Action Africa bank account or will be payable on the date of your arrival. Non-receipt of payment will result in your automatic withdrawal from the program and subject to cancellation and refund policy. If you apply 4 weeks or less before the start date, please notify that the full project fee will be payable at the time of confirmation. The minimum number of participants is 15 and please be aware that if this number is not reached, Action Africa reserves the right to cancel the program and will in that case refund your participation fee if already paid.

Action Africa is not responsible for any international transportation, visa or health related fees that may incur. If you want to cancel the program a written notice is required.

declaration

I understand that the requested information on this form will be used to contact applicants and that Action Africa may hold and use this information for statistic purposes and to keep in touch with me.

Furthermore I agree to the conditions listed below.

1. The information in my application form is true and correct. Any false or misleading information may lead to my immediate dismissal from the project.
2. I read and understand the payment requirement for Action Africa and will take care about to pay in time. In the event that after confirmation I withdraw from the program I agree to the above mentioned regulations of Action Africa.
3. If I have special dietary requirements or food and medical allergies I will give correct notice about to Action Africa.
4. I understand that Action Africa is not responsible for any costs arising from the loss or theft of any of my personal possessions during this program.
5. I understand that all travel before or after the program is at my own risk.

I certify that I have read, understood and agreed to the Terms & Conditions and the Declaration above of Action Africa Work camp Programme.

I agree in signing the Indemnity Form of Action Africa Work camp Programme on the project start date.

_________________________    Date                             Name of Applicant                                       Signature

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

via Statement to the Special AMCEN Session on Climate change.

We would like to see the best future in this world,,, till when will we continue making this world a catastrophe for the future generations to come.. If one  could learn about how people in other parts of the world are being forced to vacate their homes e.g Newtork, Solomon Islands e.t.c it is so sad that there are some people who are still becoming ignorant about issues pertaining to climate change. It causes a lot of pain to see people suffering in different parts of the world yet some are enjoying…

Most nations are facing huge consequencies of climatic change conditions.. Everyone should keep in mind that it doesn’t need huge initiatives to make a  change, a small initiative   can contribute to the huge change.. There is need to combine efforts in the fight against climate change and the task begins with me as an individual then together we can make it.. I think its now high time when we put all personal, national differences behind us and focus on the pandemic that will soon destroy our lives and future..