This is one of the most special projects I’ve personally been to recently. The project is located in West Sumatra and is actually a combination of two wonderful projects. You can help with the turtle and coral project as well as the education program in this idyllic village. There are so few tourists here that simply meeting these incredibly friendly people is an amazing experience in itself.
If you’re looking for a full day of activities, it’s recommended to combine both projects. The projects are located along the coast, as is your accommodation, so you’ll have a beautiful sea view, which makes the experience even more special and relaxing. You’ll then take a car or scooter to the village, just 5 minutes away, where you’ll find both projects. The project coordinators are young, passionate, and ensure you feel right at home.
Additionally, the atmosphere plays a huge role in making volunteers feel comfortable. In the evenings, from around 8:00 pm, there’s often live music, and the vibe is always very relaxed and social.
In your free time, you can snorkel and search for turtles or go surfing. What more can I say? This is a wonderful place to be and at the same time, you’re doing meaningful work.
Turtle Project
Coral Improvement
1 or 2 times a week, collect loose (damaged) pieces of coral from shallow areas, take them out of the sea, and place them on cement blocks that we make (volunteers can even write their names on the blocks). We then plant the blocks in the sea, and after a few days, we dive to clean some of the blocks. This helps the coral grow.
Education Program
Each day will be a bit different, but here’s what you can expect:
The Time of Your Life!
08:00 Breakfast.
09:00 Start volunteer work. Depending on the number of volunteers, you will either (1) go to the local school, (2) feed the turtles and take care of the coral (depending on the tides), or (3) assist with other tasks.
10:00 Return from the school and focus on helping with the turtles and coral.
13:00 Lunch.
14:00 Eduvamp (education activities).
15:30 Kids Centre.
17:00 Feed the turtles.
17:30 Free time.
19:30 Dinner.
20:00 Live music.
Manou
We werden hartelijk ontvangen en alles was in orde wanneer we toekwamen!
Indy vrijwilligerswerk Sumatra
Ik zou dit project dan ook zeker aanraden omdat je veel leert over de cultuur, echt het gevoel hebt dat je iets kan bereiken!
Boré
Wat een leuke, gezellige sfeer hangt daar zeg! En geloof me, orangutans zien verveeld nooit!
Approximately from 9:00am to 5:30pm. There is some free time in between, including time for lunch and moving from one project to another.
There are around 15 staff members you’ll be working with. They also enjoy improving their English, some speak it well, while others are still learning.
English is spoken on this project.
This project involves animal care, so it runs year-round. You can also do activities with the children in the village throughout the year. However, during Ramadan, there is usually less to do and the schools are closed.
You’ll be staying at a beautiful beach, though the accommodation is shared.
Volunteers walk or take a small van to the village where the projects take place. It’s about a 5-minute trip from your accommodation.
If you have some extra space in your luggage and would like to bring something for the project, it would be greatly appreciated. Just check with us first to find out what would be most useful.
You’ll be picked up from the airport. Our local contact will be waiting for you with a sign showing your name and the Volunteer Worldwide logo.
Check out the additional trips available to see what you can do in your free time! We have some amazing excursions you can take part in. Since you’re already in such a stunning location, it’s a great opportunity to explore more of the country!
Riki is the contact person at this fantastic project. He leads a team of people you’ll get to know once you arrive. You’re in good hands. This team is experienced in providing volunteers with the support they need in a friendly and effective way.
For this project, we are looking for volunteers who want to contribute both to the protection of sea turtles and to providing education to children. You will help monitor and care for turtles and give English lessons and lead other activities with local children.
This project is ideal for volunteers aged between 16 and around 26, as it tends to attract more young people and there is often music and socialising in the evenings.
Passion for Conservation and Education:
Enthusiasm for protecting wildlife and teaching children is essential. Experience in education or animal care is a plus but definitely not required.
Initiative and Proactivity:
Being able to work independently and take initiative is important. You will organise and carry out various tasks, such as collecting turtle data and running educational activities.
Patience and Empathy:
It’s important to be understanding and patient when working with both children and animals.
Cultural Sensitivity:
Respect for local customs and traditions, and a willingness to learn from the local culture.
Flexibility and Adaptability:
The ability to adapt to different circumstances in Sumatra is important.
Communication Skills:
Strong communication skills are needed to collaborate with local staff and other volunteers.
Team Spirit:
Teamwork is essential. A positive attitude and willingness to work closely with local staff and fellow volunteers is key.
As a volunteer, you’ll help collect data on turtles, tag and care for them, and help maintain their environment. You’ll also assist with teaching English, running sports and games, and organising beach clean-ups with local children. You’ll usually work from 9:00am to 5:30pm, with free time in between.
Your time in Sumatra offers opportunities for both personal and professional growth, discovering new cultures, and gaining unforgettable experiences.
If you’re passionate about conservation and education, and ready to commit to a challenging but rewarding environment, this project in Sumatra is perfect for you. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of sea turtles and the local community.
We completely understand that having your child volunteer overseas can feel like a big step. In fact, it’s often just as exciting for parents as it is for the young person themselves, and sometimes even a little more nerve-racking. That’s why we want to reassure you that your child is in good hands.
Since 2004, we’ve been supporting volunteers and have guided many young people through meaningful international experiences.
We take safety seriously. That begins with carefully selecting our partner organisations, volunteer projects, and host families. Every placement is thoroughly checked to make sure it meets our high standards for safety, support, and ethical practices.
Our experienced and caring local contacts are always there to support volunteers throughout their journey. From clear pre-departure preparation to personal assistance during the project, we’re available to help whenever needed.
We believe strongly in open communication. You're always welcome to contact us with any questions or concerns. We’re here not only for the volunteers, but for their families too.
You can feel confident knowing we are fully committed to creating a safe, supportive, and positive experience. Your child’s wellbeing, safety, and overall happiness are our top priorities.
If there's anything you’d like to ask or talk through, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Warm regards,
The Volunteer Worldwide Team
1 week of volunteer work: $649
2 weeks of volunteer work: $1225
3 weeks of volunteer work: $1649
$310 for each additional week.
*All prices are in AUD.
Before Departure
Online introductory meeting
Information pack with details about the culture and customs in Sumatra, as well as a checklist for all necessary preparations, including insurance, finances, and other travel tips
A preparation training session
Help with obtaining a police clearance certificate (VOG)
Access to the online community
Assistance with your visa application
Help with booking your flight (upon request)
During Your Trip
Airport transfer to the project location
On-site introduction
Help with extending your visa (if necessary)
Ongoing support throughout your stay
Accommodation in the volunteer house
Three meals a day
Upon Return
Evaluation session
Certificate (upon request)
Opportunity to stay active in our WhatsApp community
Memories for life!
Flight ticket
Vaccinations
Visa
Police clearance certificate (VOG)
Travel insurance
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