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If you have some free time on your hands and you are in search of something more meaningful than just a holiday, a volunteer placement in Africa may just offer the kind of rewards you are looking for. Giving the less fortunate a chance to benefit from your knowledge and skills can be a once in a lifetime experience, whether it be at an orphanage, church, small village or a healthcare institution.

Organisations recruiting volunteers for African placements are numerous and include religious bodies to well established international charities. The organisation you settle on will largely determine where you go and what kind of work you end up doing. This makes it important to familiarise yourself with the specific areas that each organisation deals with so that you can find a placement that best suits you.

It's not necessary to have any specific skills to become part of an African volunteer programme; however, those who have experience in fields pertinent to local needs are valued, as are those with relevant foreign languages under their belt. Common sense, enthusiasm and a good work ethic are however the characteristics most appreciated by the majority of organisations.

Fiscal rewards are not typical of African placements, but the organisation you work for will generally show their appreciation by offering you some basic benefits and support within their established infrastructure. You should enquire about these benefits before you leave home and ensure the food, accommodation and medical care will meet your expectations. Additionally, find out what provisions are available for emergency situations, such as repatriation to your home country or legal representation should you find yourself on the wrong side of the law.

Africa is a developing continent and hence the countries it hosts are invariably lacking the technology and advanced infrastructures that most volunteers will be used to in their own countries. With environmental, climatic and social conditions being what they are; Africa can present the average volunteer with a variety of potential hazards.

Discomfort and mild malaise can result from exposure to food, water, insects, weather extremes and endemic viruses. The less fortunate might suffer from a severe illness stemming from all the same things. It is essential all visitors are covered by travel insurance which has ample provision for medical treatment. If you purchase a good policy, you'll find your well-being covered as well as the value of your cash and personal items.

Don't be inclined to neglect the importance of insurance or make the mistake of thinking it is beyond your budget. Check out travel-insurance-discounts.com and you'll discover that comprehensive cover is considerably cheaper than you might have expected. For a moderate sum, you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind while also putting the minds of family and friends at rest.