This year I had some very special help as we began the year end assessments of the children; my mother and nieces from the USA! After a 14 hour journey from Detroit Michigan, USA to The Kingdom of Eswatini, they were thrilled to get a glimpse into what I do at All Out Africa.

A few years ago, we created a curriculum with the assistance of some amazing interns with decades of early education experience. This year we have decided to put our lesson plans to the test by creating a short verbal exam for the children so we can assess what they are excelling at, and where we are struggling. This information is extremely valuable. Through the assessments we are able to spot kids who are falling behind, and we are also able to see what lessons or NCP’s may need a bit more attention as we go into next year.

This year we started at Mvujini NCP. It was amazing to see how far the kids have come in one short year! The children ranged from 2 years – 7 years old,  and each one astonished my team of family-assessment officers. The smallest child, at 2 years old sang through her ABC’s and each child counted higher than our assessment questions required! This is an extraordinary accomplishment for our NCP teachers and the children that attend our preschools.

We will continue these assessments throughout the month and I am personally excited to see our office and community team celebrate their hard work at graduations this year. Well done. And thank you to my family for your contributions this week!

Stay tuned for our end of the year assessment results!

Written by Ginger Green, Communication Manager

Where are you from?

I live in Holland but I am British.

What project did you sign up for?

I signed up for the 6 weeks Kruger to coast  project and chose childcare as my voluntary work

What do you do for a living?

I am just finishing my gap year but I worked at a wedding venue for 7 months.

What does volunteering mean to you?

Bringing a smile on people’s faces to those that are less fortunate, working side to side with others and connecting with others to work towards a goal, being able to give your own time and attention for the benefit of others, showing you care and wanting to make a difference and also I wanted to explore and experience a culture/country that I didn’t know much about.

Reason for choosing All Out Africa?

I signed up for Kruger to Coast via a Dutch agency, so I didn’t actually know I would be working with All Out Africa. I found out when I arrived in Eswatini. I now will definitely recommend All Out Africa!

Your experience as a volunteer, did it had any positive impact on your life?

It had a huge impact on my life. I appreciate the things I have in life so much more than I did before coming on this trip. My experience as a volunteer allowed me to connect with new people and learn new skills. This trip will be a memory that I will cherish forever.

Click here if you would like to know more about our Childcare (Eswatini)

Charmaine is one of these students. She contacted us this year looking to collaborate on a research proposal that targets volunteer tourism, and how it is assisting conservation efforts. This is a perfect fit for us!

She is joining our projects in Mozambique in August where she will spend time with our marine conservation volunteers. She has also now opened up the opportunity to be a part of her research to our entire network of volunteers!

If you would like to assist AOA in its mission to support research, and researcher students, and also aid Charmaine in the perusal of her PhD project, we invite you to participate in an online survey that would allow her to understand your experience with All Out Africa as a volunteer. This survey will help us promote our projects and encourage more volunteers to have “Adventures that change lives.”

The survey will take approximately 5 mins.

If you  have volunteered in our Marine Conservation Project, please use this survey: https://forms.gle/Gdwigj7mN4rwq6ay6

If you  have volunteered in any of our other volunteer Projects (in any destination), please use this survey: https://forms.gle/PEDHHrV1NgUk4JvA7

If you have any questions, feel free to email AOA at marketing@alloutafrica.com or the researcher at charmaine.danielle.cilliers@gmail.com

Thank you for helping us make a difference!

If you have a research project you would like to collaborate on with All Out Africa, please email bookings@alloutafrica.com for more info on how to get started!

If you would like to learn more about ARTA, here is some more information from their website, or you can visit them https://bettertourismafrica.org 

The competition for the 2018 African Responsible Tourism Awards has moved into the second round, with over 15 tourism organisations competing for top spots at the awards ceremony at WTM Africa in April.

Sponsored by WESGRO and organised by Better Tourism Africa, the awards recognise African organisations that offer a shining example of how tourism can benefit the local people, the environment,  and destinations. The awards are part of a family of regional Responsible Tourism Awards which culminate each year with World Responsible Tourism Day at WTM in London.

This year, the longlist names tourism organisations from Kenya, Zimbabwe, Egypt, South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Seychelles and Namibia. Longlisted organisations compete in five categories, among them aquatic habitat and species conservation, good working conditions, cultural experiences and a new category in 2018 – reporting on the Global Goals.

“The quality of entries which have made it through to the longlist this year confirms the power of responsible tourism as a force for good in Africa. Each one of these organisations is playing an important role in championing responsible tourism. We’ve reviewed the entries and are excited about the possibilities,” says Heidi van der Watt, founder of the African awards and director of Better Tourism Africa.

The longlisted organisations submissions of the longlisted organisations will now be rigorously reviewed by the judging team. Chair of Judges, Professor Harold Goodwin says:
“The field for the 2018 African Responsible Tourism Awards (ARTA) is again an indication of the strength of responsible tourism in Africa! Entrants have already completed a detailed questionnaire, and now we’ll take up references and make some inquiries. On judging day we’ll identify those that demonstrate the difference that taking responsibility can make, and have the capacity to educate and inspire others to be more responsible.”

The general public can also offer support or otherwise for longlisted organisations by emailing talktous@africanresponsibletourismawards.com. Based on all the evidence, the independent judging team, made up of industry experts, will debate the entries and select the shortlist and winners. The shortlist will be announced on 9 April 2017.

The 2018 African Responsible Tourism Awards winners will be announced at a ceremony that will be held on Wednesday 18 April 2018 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The ceremony is part of the responsible tourism programme at WTM Africa, which takes place from 18 to 20 April 2018.

Chardonnay Marchesi, Portfolio Manager for Reed Exhibitions, organiser of WTM Africa, says:
“Now in its fifth year, WTM Africa is firmly established on the African travel and tourism event calendar. Responsible Tourism has been a cornerstone of WTM Africa from the outset. In recent months we’ve seen the tourism sector rallying with inspiring innovation to respond to the drought in the Western Cape. Just further proof that responsible tourism is integral to the success of tourism on the continent. All stakeholders have a duty to ensure education, sustainability, and authenticity when promoting the unique experiences that Africa has to offer. We look forward to an exciting fourth edition of the African Responsible Tourism Awards, here in Cape Town at the CTICC at WTM Africa.”

The 2018 ARTA longlist

• Abang Africa Travel (South Africa) @AbangAfrica
• All Out Africa (Eswatini) @alloutafrica
• Basecamp Explorer Kenya (Kenya) @basecampexplore
• Cape Whale Coast (South Africa) @WhaleCoastSA
• Coffeebeans Routes (South Africa) @coffeebeansrout
• Elundini Backpackers (South Africa) @elundinibackpackers
• Global Exploration (South Africa) @SGexplore
• Marine Dynamics Tours (South Africa) @MarineDynamics
• Nande Junias Explorer Cultural Tours (Namibia) @CulturalTownshipTours
• New Hermopolis (Egypt) @newhermopolis
• Nkambeni Safari Camp (South Africa) @Nkambeni_safari
• North Island (Seychelles) @NorthIslandSeychelles
• Peak East Africa (Kenya) @Intrepid_Travel  @IntrepidFdn
• Spier (South Africa) @SpierWineFarm
• Wilderness Safaris (Botswana and Zimbabwe) @WeAreWilderness

Congratulations to all longlisters, and best of luck during the judging round!

Follow #ARTA18 and @RTAwardsAfrica for all you need to know about the awards ceremony and after-party and to discover who goes through to the finals.

Volunteering in Ecuador with Ray of Hope Expeditions and Marine Megafauna Foundation (Photo courtesy Ralph Wolf)

The scientists, Dr. Andrea Marshall (aka Queen of Mantas) and Dr. Simon Pierce, were studying these species. At that time, manta rays were abundant in Mozambique waters. (Sadly, the populations are now significantly impacted by unsustainable fishing practices.) Their organization was Marine Megafauna Foundation and the documentary was BBC’s Queen of Mantas.

The author with Andrea Marshall in Komodo National Park, Indonesia.

A Desire to Contribute

I wanted to do something constructive; I wanted to contribute to helping the ocean and its animals. I began searching for dive trips where I could do some scientific volunteer work, even to just do fish counts and surveys.

All Out Africa had a program working with whale shark identifications and fish population counting in Tofo, Mozambique. This involved helping with the whale shark program I had seen on the documentary. I thought; why can’t I do that? It was for adults, not a high school or college program or a gap year, but volunteering for adults. My family had a few reason; they did not want me traipsing off to Africa by myself, and I suppose there were some good reasons among them, but I made the decision to go. I booked my trip.

It appears crazy, absolutely nuts, to pick up and head off to Africa for six weeks by yourself. I would live in an underpopulated area where there were no doctors, and the closest thing to a town, Inhambane, was at least an hour away over roads with potholes the size of a Volkswagen. There was no decompression chamber in case of getting decompression sickness, or “the bends.” The closest one was in Johannesburg. Not a hop skip and a jump away. The message? Don’t get sick.

Observing and taking identification photos of Whale Sharks in Mexico. (Photo courtesy Andrea Marshall)

Challenge Yourself

So off I went, a midlife woman with a passion for diving and animals, off on my very own adventure. It was the best gift I ever gave myself. I was tested physically (I’ve had two back surgeries and have a few other physical issues), emotionally, and mentally. There were times, especially at the beginning, when I thought there was no way I would be able to do it.

The “Stairs of Death” in Tofo, Mozambique. The first time Tam saw them (and this is a small section), she thought she must have been “insane” to book the trip.

The experience empowered me and made me understand my abilities and my strength in an entirely different light. The trip was challenging, the environment both exhilarating and disturbing, and certainly the living standard was not what I was used to. I have been fortunate to lead a privileged lifestyle, but after my journey through southeastern Africa I came to realize that one should have no complaints as long as there is fresh water to drink, food to eat, and a roof to keep out the weather. To say it was eye opening and life changing is an understatement.

Volunteer Scientific Tourism: A Scientific Exploration in Mozambique

Diving in rough water was a new experience because the currents and surges off of Mozambique are strong. The water is cold. I was used to the warm, clear waters of the Caribbean. It took me a few dives to get comfortable, and my first two dives were pretty awful. But, I adapted. I learned, and I kept at it no matter how inadequate I thought I was. I stayed in a house of volunteers, sharing a bathroom with the house and a bedroom with a roommate, and ended up with some great friendships.

The volunteers were amazing and passionate people

I was the oldest one there. Most of the volunteers were Europeans in their twenties. But we came together in our love of the ocean and its life. I have seen these friends since the trip, we keep in touch, and we have enjoyed diving together in other locales.

Tam’s housemates in Mozambique during a game of Spoons.

Scientific Tourism Expeditions Around the World

Since that time in the summer of 2012, I have been on several citizen science expeditions (trips spent assisting scientists in research) and scientific tourism and volunteer trips. I have traveled all over the world meeting new people and making new friendships while contributing to our knowledge of the ocean and its animals.

On a Ray of Hope Expedition in Raja Ampat, Indonesia

I have been to Thailand, Ecuador, the Yucatan, Bali, Komodo National Park, Raja Ampat, the Great Barrier Reef, St Lucia and Mexico. Most of my adventures have taken place with Andrea Marshall’s Ray of Hope Expeditions, as I have an affinity with manta rays. I have been diving in the three large oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. I may travel solo, but once I arrive I meet new friends who share my passion. I’m never lonely when I travel alone.

Tam with a group of volunteers in the Yucatan. She’s still in touch with them.

Do Something Extraordinary…Now!

Have you ever wanted to do something you thought was “out there” or just downright crazy? Do you have a desire to get out into the world and make a difference? There are volunteer programs all over the world for adults. Most of them have nothing to do with scuba, and there are plenty of them on all continents. There are so many opportunities, and in some cases, for little cost. I have some advice for you; be bold. Why not look at it? Eco-tourism, volunteer tourism, or citizen science will take you to places you’ve never even dreamed of.

You want to do something? Not even participating in science, just going off on your own? Do it now. Tomorrow is promised to no one, and in midlife who knows what is coming next?  Do something extraordinary for yourself, you won’t believe how empowered it will make you feel, and how it may change your perspective on life! It certainly changed mine, and for the better.

For More:

• Marine Megafauna Foundation.org
• All Out Africacom
• Andrea Marshall’s Ray of Hope Expeditions, queenofmantas.com/ray-of-hope-expeditions/
• All Fish Faces, by Tam Warner Minton, introduces amazing, colorful underwater creatures many have never seen before, but are crucial to our oceans. Showing kids of all ages the amazing life beneath the waves is the way to preserve our oceans for future generations! Partial proceeds benefit the Marine Megafauna Foundation.
• More on our site from Tam Warner Minton: Go Beyond Tourist Sites in Amazing Indonesia.

By Tam Warner Minton

– All photos by Tam Warner Minton, except as credited.