Real Gap is delighted to introduce eight new volunteer projects in Uganda, South Africa, and Tanzania this year.  The new trips span a range of interests including the adrenalin-inducing Shark Spotting Programme, the fascinating Baboon Monitoring Project, and the heart-warming Ugandan Orphan Skills Training Programme and Tanzania Hope Orphan Care Centre.

Head of Product Marc Crouch has been out to Africa to research these projects and is keen to point out that his first priority is to ensure that the new projects meet the company's strict ‘Responsible Travel' criteria. “Whilst many travel companies are jumping on the ‘green bandwagon' Real Gap has always had its own checklist” said Crouch. The checklist incorporates:

• Environmental - travel that makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and human heritage and minimises negative environmental impact.
• Social/Cultural - travel that respects culture and traditions and encourages a greater understanding between travellers and hosts.
• Economic - travel that has fair financial benefits for the host community.

“By the nature of our business we encourage people to take a longer trip, and to make a positive contribution once they get there. We also operate an orientation period to introduce travellers to their host country on arrival,” he added.

Since Great Whites have been a protected species there has been a dramatic increase in the number of sharks in the in-shore zone around Cape Town. A community shark-spotting programme has been set up to co-ordinate the needs of the sharks and local tourism. Volunteers collect sightings data, help with research, educate the public, and work to ensure the conservation and protection of the sharks, and co-ordinate other marine-related projects (4 weeks £1449).
Also near Cape Town, animal-lovers will welcome the new ‘Walking with Baboons' project, which has been developed to create a better appreciation of the Chacma Baboons. Its aim is to reduce the conflict between man and baboon due to the continued urbanisation of the area. Volunteers will help with research and data collection, create awareness in schools, and assist with all baboon activities (4 weeks £1449).

The AIDS epidemic in Uganda means that almost half of the population is below the age of 15. The Uganda Reach Out to Children Project is a community-based organisation set up to improve the welfare of disadvantaged children through educational and vocational skills, and the improvement of their environmental conditions. Volunteers to help with teaching, administration, building work, vocational skills and sports coaching are needed (4 weeks £799 / 8 weeks £1099).

Tanzania has also been deeply affected by the AIDS epidemic and a similar community scheme; the ‘Hope Orphan Day Care Centre', supports locally orphaned children in the rural areas surrounding Mwanza City on the edge of Lake Victoria. Help is needed to teach English, Maths, Science and Sports at schools, and run extra-curricular clubs such as HIV/AIDS awareness groups and wildlife and environmental clubs (4 weeks £849/8 weeks £1249).

Both Uganda and Tanzania are beautiful countries and volunteers are encouraged to explore their surroundings. In Uganda you are close to the awe-inspiring Mountain Gorillas, and Tanzania is home to the Ngorongonoro Crater, the Serengeti, Olduvai Gorge and Mount Kilimanjaro.

All these programmes include:

• The project fee, which goes directly back to the project you are involved in
• Transfers to/from your overseas International Airport to the project
• Orientation on arrival 
• Accommodation in a shared house, breakfast and dinner, sometimes lunch
• Full support and assistance from your local co-ordinator during your time in their country 
• 24 hour support number in the UK for emergencies.  

For more details call Real Gap on 01892 516164
or visit www.realgap.co.uk

Media enquiries: Jennette Baxter 01342 316337 / 0794 0174 303   Ends. January 2007.