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Volunteer Eco Students Abroad

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25.01.2022 Today is Fiji Day 2020! Did you know on the 10th of October every year Fiji day is celebrated to mark Fiji's indipendence from British colonial rule in 1970? . Comment with a if you loved your experience in Fiji

25.01.2022 Who has been lucky enough to meet Joe and Annie, the whilst they were in Fiji? Comment below . Join us this Sunday for our next Instagram live with Joe and Annie to learn about the incredible work they do in Fiji in partnership with VESA and gain some insight into Fijian culture! It's a perfect opportunity to ask some questions if you are looking to join us on a future Fiji programme! . Be sure to tune in and say Bula on the 30th of August ... 5pm Eastern Australia Standard Time 4.30 South Australia 3pm Western Australia 7pm New Zealand . See you then! See more

25.01.2022 Did you know when you sign up for a VESA programme you help to sponsor many good causes? Including: - the Elephants at the @elephantconservationcenter - Three world children through @worldvision - Five of the children in Ecuador to pursue higher education... -the cheetahs at @emdoneni so the cats can be released into the wild And Tree Nation @treenation_org to offset our carbon emissions whilst we travel and plant forests where they are most needed! . Pretty cool huh? . Photos by @tlowen_ @ken_studies @apalmerphotography See more

25.01.2022 Today is World Tourism Day 2020! . What was your favourite adventure experience when travelling with VESA? Comment below . In the host countries we visit we offer our volunteers the chance to do some incredible once in a lifetime activities from wildlife safaris, to skydiving, scuba diving, trekking through jungles and immersing themselves in local culture... . When done sustainably tourism can bring massive benefits to local economies, protect cultural and natural heritage as well as provide employment for local communities. That's why VESA is proud to partner with many local tourism businesses so volunteers not only have once in a lifetime experiences but also they indirectly help local initiatives such as preserving the Amazon Rainforest through the jungle trekking, protecting rhinos by funding antipoaching units whilst going on safari, continuing local, saving the Asian Elephants when visiting the Elephant Conservation Center traditions by visiting cultural villages and more! See more

25.01.2022 We hope you all enjoyed the past few weeks learning a little more about our host countries and the programmes! . As we cannot be on programme this season due to covid one of our longest running VESA team members Becky Sicard has created a fundraiser selling Macrames to help raise funds for our ground team in South Africa! .... More details can be found on her Instagram and Facebook page @beckys_macrame . The proceess will be going conservation leader Johan our wonderful education leader Ziné and the children, our construction workers, and the animal conservation centres! . The purchases will be made through go fund me and you can find a link attached! And feel free to share . Again we would like to thank our INCREDIBLE VESA family and community for bearing with us and sticking with us during this incredibly difficult time https://www.gofundme.com/f/vesa-south-africa-fundraiser

24.01.2022 If you just had one day to go wherever you wanted in the world where would you go? . Please comment below . Thank you to our team leader @dario_xavier1 of this wonderful photo of our volunteers hiking the Cotapaxi volcano on the Road Less Travelled Extension trip... . . . . . . #vesabroad #volunteertravel #volunteerabroad #vesa #ecuador #cotapaxi #volcanos #adventuretravel #passionpassport #aspirations #travelgoals #travel2021 #latinamerica #amazonas #ecuadortravel #volunteerecuador See more

24.01.2022 Have you seen David Attenboroughs Documentary 'Extinction: The Facts' yet? . If not join us tomorrow for our next Instagram live with head biologist of the Elephant Conservation Centre, Anabel López Pérez and South Africa conservation leader Andrew to find out how we can make better decisions for wildlife and the planet as a whole! . Tune in on Monday the 5th of October from... 6pm Australia EST 5.30pm South Australia 4.30pm Northern Territory 3pm Western Australia 8pm New Zealand And prepare as many questions as you like! . See you soon! See more

23.01.2022 Happy world rhino day . Can you tell which image has a black rhino and which is a white rhino? Comment below . On our Africa Unearthed programme you have the opportunity to see both the black and the white rhino whilst on safari in Africas oldest game reserve which also happens to be the park that saved the white rhino from extinction from just 50 individuals to nearly 18000 today!... . Unfortunately poaching for rhino horn is still a very lucrative trade as rhino horn can go for $60,000 US for 1kg as it is believed to have medicinal properties and as seen as a status symbol in some countries. . You can help to protect these animals by travelling and going on safari which helps to fund anti poaching. It is so important not to geo tag specific park locations on social media as poachers can use this to track and kill individuals . Let's do everything in our power to keep these wonderful animals alive for generations to come See more

23.01.2022 Want to find out more about our VESA programme as well as how to get involved in the future? . Then please tune in to our instagram live tomorrow at 10am Eastern Standard Time where our team members Andrew and Becky will be hosting a live information session with an opportunity for some questions and answers and explaining why volunteering and helping our host communities and animal conservation projects post pandemic is more important than ever!

22.01.2022 Missed our last Instagram live? Don't worry we'll be doing one more this Sunday the 23rd with VESA legend Johan talking about crocodile conservation, the work VESA has done over the years and the wonders of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park . Tune in at 5pm Australian Eastern Standard Time... 4.30 Austrlian Central Standard Time 3pm Australian Western Standard Time 7pm New Zealand . See you then! See more

22.01.2022 Which do you prefer the cats or the crocs? Comment below . As part of our conservation work in South Africa we work in two breed and release centre's the Zululand cat conservation centre and the St Lucia crocodile centre . The Zululand cat conservartion centre started back in 1994 with just 3 cheetahs and has since expanded to included other threatened cats species including caracals, servals and African wild cats. The project has successfully released 5 cheetahs, over 20... servals, 10 caracals and 9 wild cats back into the wild . As well as educational tours and seeing ambassador cats up close our volunteers help to do essential maintenance around the enclosures, removing invasive plants, taking part in enrichment programmes and observing behaviour and preparing afternoon meals for the cats . As well as nile crocodiles the crocodile center looks after rescued American alligators and is part of an international breeding programme for dwarf and slender snout crocs. . As well as helping to release several crocs in the wild last year (14 juveniles and over 70 hatchlings) VESA has taken part in many amazing projects including building new pools and enclosures for problem crocodiles, constructing a greenhouse nursery for the hatchlings, cleaning the ponds, collecting eggs for incubation just to name a few! @ South Africa See more

21.01.2022 'it seems to me the the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intillectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that it makes life worth loving' - sir David Attenborough. . Comment and share if you agree!

20.01.2022 Happy world lion day! Comment with a if you've been lucky enough to see them on the Africa programme! . Lions are the most celebrated big cat in the world and South Africa is one of the few places where their numbers are increasing! Unfortunately most people don't realise lions are actually endangered as their numbers have plummeted from half a million to an estimated 20,000 - 30,000 due to human and wildlife conflict and lack of space! . When we are travelling the best thi...ng we can do to protect lion populations is support national parks and game reserves where they look after and monitor wild lion populations and to avoid places where we have the opportunity to pet lion cubs or walk with lions as these places often exploit the animals and are later sold for trophy hunting! . Let us protect these magnificent cats for future generations to celebrate and enjoy in the wild where they belong! See more

20.01.2022 Who remembers/volunteered at Kasavu primary school in Fiji? Have a watch of the brilliant video the school has put together to show how they are helping fight Covid

20.01.2022 Throwing it back to the 2013 Amazon team! Comment below if you remember these wonderful people

19.01.2022 Have you been lucky enough to meet legendary VESA leader Zine? Comment below . Zine is our longest reigning VESA leader and has been running the education side of the South Africa programme for 10 years! . As well as creating reading and lesson plans for the local school in Khula Village and Mama Doris's daycare she teaches volunteers the isiZulu language and amazulu culture and she well respected within the community of Khula!... . She is the heart and soul of our Africa programme and brings joy to everyone she meets! See more

19.01.2022 Who remembers this legend? comment below . Join us this Wednesday the 19th for our next Instagram live with Johan where we'll not only be discussing his work with snakes and crocodiles but the wonders of South Africa and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park! . Tune in via our insta page @vesabroad ... 10am- Pacific Standard Time 1pm- Eastern Standard Time 6pm- UK and Ireland 7pm- Western Europe and South Africa . Stay tuned! See more

19.01.2022 Who's excited for our next Instagram live? . On Tuesday the 22nd we'll be joined with the head biologist of the Elephant Conservation Center, Anabel López Pérez to learn all about Asian Elephants and the incredible work of the ECC! . Get your questions ready and join us... On Tuesday the 22nd! . 7pm Eastern Standard Australia Time 6.30pm South Australia 5pm Western Australia 9pm New Zealand . See you then! See more

19.01.2022 'No matter how many possessions you own or how much money have, loving nature and wildlife will make you rich beyond measure' . Who else agrees? Comment with a below . We at VESA are proud to work with organisations such as the Elephant Conservation Centre who advocate for the ethical treatment of animals, and restoring nature to its former glory!... . Photo by @letmebefrankiee See more

18.01.2022 GIVEAWAY TIME!!! We all need a little joy in our lives, and what better way then to bring joy to others! We are so excited to get back to our projects once it is safe to travel again, as our wonderful host countries and rural communities have severaly struggled due to the pandemic. They need us now more than ever, so why not create some excitement and incentive to get back and be apart of some of the biggest changes to date when we are able to safely go back to volunteer...ing and helping the amazing families, children and animals! . What you can win A professional photograph by Andrew Palmer @apalmerphotography taken in the beautiful country of South Africa on one of our amazing safaris! You can choose any one of his photographs* A Macramé wall decor item of a Cheetah Paw Print, inspired by the work we do with our Cheetah conservation projects, created by @beckys_macrame 2 Macramé keychains also by @beckys_macrame Made in our 4 program's Flag colors (Fiji, Laos, Ecuador, South Africa) Swipe to see options, you can choose any colors! The most exciting win of all... A FULLY PAID VESA PROGRAM!!! *flight not included* . How to enter Like this picture Follow on Instagram @vesabroad @apalmerphotography @beckys_macrame Each friend you tag equals *1* entry into the draw (You have to tag atleast 1 to be entered into the draw). *BONUS ENTRIES* Post on any social media outlet and earn an additional *2* entries per post tagging @vesabroad (This could include your Facebook page, Insta post, any Uni pages you may be on, Snapchat story, Tiktok, Twitter.. you name it!) Bonus * *3* * entries if you like VESAbroads Facebook Page! www.facebook.com/vesabroad Bonus ** *5* ** entries if you post on your Instagram or Facebook story and tag @vesabroad Bonus *** *10* *** entries by applying online to take part in one of these amazing programs! (Check out our Info videos on our website on all our programs & all other exciting details!) *Apply online* @ *www.vesabroad.org* WINNER will be announced on *January 4th* (you can enter multiple times and past/upcoming volunteers can also enter! Swipe to see it all up close :)

17.01.2022 'Fill your life with experiences not things. Have stories to tell not stuff to show.' - share if you agree

17.01.2022 Today is world giraffe day! Like many of our planets wildlife giraffes are also becoming endangered in many areas however South Africa is one of the few places where there numbers are increasing! . Who’s seen a giraffe on safari? Comment with a below .... . . . #worldgiraffeday #giraffesofinstagram #safari #ecotourism #southafrica #thisisafrica #africanwildlife #endangered #conservation #conservationvolunteers #wildlifevolunteers #adventuresafari #adventureafrica #volunteerafrica #volunteersouthafrica #gapyear #vesabroad #vesavolunteer #vesa #chasingafrica #adventuresouthafrica #conservation See more

17.01.2022 Today marks world humanitarian day 2020 . A day to celebrate those who continue to fight for humanity and to improve education and health throughout the world! . A reminder to celebrate and remember what it means to be human, to be kind and give back where you can and always help in every way possible to make this world better... . We would personally like to thank all of our past volunteers who have assisted with VESA's work in international communities and those who have signed up for our future programmes to make a lasting difference . Photos by @ashleymichaudbissonnette @elizabethgrant1 @cassandrakc @kaybrittbelk @ Humanitarian Day See more

17.01.2022 A very Happy Thanksgiving to all our Canadian volunteers and colleagues! What are you greatful for today? Is it being able to travel? The friends you have met? Your family? Witnessing the most beautiful sunset? Or just living for the day? . Comment below? ... . During this pandemic it has been a very difficult time for all of us including for us here at VESA but today we are thankful for 11 years of assisting and bonding with glocal communities; being part of many incredible animal conservation project; inspiring and changing the lives of our volunteers and showing off some of the beautiful hidden gems and cultures of the world! . We are excited for the future and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the world!

17.01.2022 'Ask yourself if what you're doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow' . Today's quote of the day! Where do you want to be tomorrow? Comment below

17.01.2022 What's your favourite memory from Swaziland? . Swaziland (or Eswatini) as it is now known is a hidden treasure in Southern Africa. The country became indipendent in 1968. The country is a Monarchy currently ruled by Bheki Maphalala, who also has 11 wives! . After staying in St Lucia we head to the Swaziland and first stop at the local markets in Manzini, a chance for to buy many handcraft souvenirs. ... Cradled in the Elzuwini Valley is the Mlilwane wildlife sanctuary where we spend our final two days at the Sondzela backpackers and have a chance to really connect to nature! . The wildlife reserve is predator free so you may have the chance to just explore and see zebra, wildebeest and more grazing just a few feet away from you! . We have the option of a few activities to get to explore the area including a game drive to the roan antelope conservation area of the park and see some less than familiar African wildlife. You may go on mountain biking trails or if you're an experienced horse rider you can go trekking into the mountains up to execution rock and see some of the most incredible views! Alternatively you may just want to relax by the pool and just unwind and reflect on your amazing African experience! @ Sondzela Backpackers See more

16.01.2022 Have you been to the hidden gem of Mozambique? . Mozambique is a country known for its history of hardship but also exquisite beauty! It was once a Portuguese colony and endured a Civil War from 1977-1992 .... For the road to Mozambique we head to the province of Inhambane and stay in two beach side towns, Tofo and Bilene . In Tofo we partner up with @diversityscuba and volunteers have the opportunity to learn to Scuba dive, go surfing and go on an ocean safari and snorkel with manta rays or whale sharks and you may be lucky to see humpback whales or dolphins! . Ride a traditional dhow (canoe) in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean or take a tour around Tofo and surrounds and learn about the local culture and climb a coconut tree! . In Bilene we have more of an opportunity to relax and see the stunning cliffs of turtle Bay and snorkel in the lagoon. And finally we take speed boats over the bay and witness some of the most breathtaking sunsets! . Photos by @sierralovell15 @amyzuse @cassiemagro @ Inhambane, Mozambique See more

15.01.2022 Who's excited for our first ever Instagram live? Comment below If you don't yet follow us on insta, please add https://www.instagram.com/vesabroad/ or if you already have Instagram follow @vesabroad for tomorrow's chat and more great content from our team. Our Africa conservation leaders Damaris (who also was our Laos Elephant biologist from 2015-2018) and Andrew will be sharing their experiences of working in Africa and Laos with the elephants, cheetahs and crocodiles ...and also talking about wildlife conservation and things we can do home to make a positive difference to the planet and help the world's amazing nature and wildlife! If you are doing something to help the environment, either regularly or during this crazy time, we would love to hear from you during our chat on Monday August 3 2020 x Tune in: NSW/VIC/QLD/Tassie/ACT: 6pm Western Australia: 4pm South Australia/NT: 5:30pm New Zealand: 8pm See more

15.01.2022 'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful commited citizens can change the world; indeed its the only thing that ever has.' - Margaret Mead . Share if you agree! . When we commit ourselves to make better changes whether it is to enrich someone else's life or to make better choices for the planet we all have a part to play and we can make change happen.

14.01.2022 Don't forget to tune in t our instagram live tomorrow! https://www.instagram.com/p/CEGpXIMBu_V/?igshid=sj7s8vc9lezo

14.01.2022 Instagram live with our Fiji team, happening NOW!! Log in and follow @vesabroad to view our live stream

14.01.2022 A typical VESA weekend . Who wouldn't want to see this every day?!

13.01.2022 Have you been to the lost land of Laos? Comment with a if you have! . Laos is a landlocked country in the centre of Indochina bordering the countries of Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and China and compared to its neighbour's it doesn't get the recognition in the backpacker world. . The country only recently opened its borders to tourism, so for those travelling to Laos can experience a much more authentic culture compared to the popular tourist destinations of Thaila...nd or Cambodia . The terrain is composed of rugged limestone mountains, rainforest and the Mekong river flows through much of the country creating some of the most stunning scenes in South East Asia . Laos has a population of around 6.8 million people with over 49 ethnic groups and 4 main languages spoken in the country. Bhuddism is an inherent of the people of Laos and they are some of the most kind ad courteous in the world! . Laos was also known as the land of a million Elephants and the conservation of Asian Elephants is a core aspect of the Laos VESA programme. Stay tuned this week to find out more about the programme and this incredible country! . Photos by @tlowen and @_elizabethgx @ Laos See more

12.01.2022 Who's excited for our 2nd ever Instagram live? If you don't yet follow us on insta, please add https://www.instagram.com/vesabroad/ or if you already have Instagram follow @vesabroad for today's chat and more great content from our team. Our Africa conservation leaders Damaris (who also was our Laos Elephant biologist from 2015-2018) and Andrew will be sharing their experiences of working in Africa and Laos with the elephants, cheetahs and crocodiles and also talking about w...ildlife conservation and things we can do home to make a positive difference to the planet and help the world's amazing nature and wildlife! If you are doing something to help the environment, either regularly or during this crazy time, we would love to hear from you during our chat on Tuesday August 4 2020 x Tune in From Canada or the US or UK and Ireland @ EST- 2pm AST- 3pm CST- 1pm MST-12pm PST-11am UK and Ireland-7pm See more

12.01.2022 Give this post some if you loved working at the School in Laos! . As well as working with the Elephants our main goals for the local community around Sayboury is to help improve school infrastructure and assist with teaching English to the children . Learning and speaking English in Laos opens up a lot of job opportunities especially in sectors such as ecotourism which is why VESA feels its important to partake in the local schools educational activities as well as includi...ng lessons of hygiene and recycling and waste management . As well as this we help to improve school infrastructure and make sure the buildings are flood proof for the rainy season and to date we have managed to fully refurbish six schools . On top of this VESA has partnered with the local government of Sayboury to partake in our most ambitious project in build a brand new school! To date we have managed to build the foundations put on the roof, cement the floors and build two layers of wall. This has been one of VESA's most ambitious projects and we cannot wait to see the day of its completion . Photos by @elizabethgrant1 @tlowen @ Sayaboury laos See more

12.01.2022 Who's got that Monday feeling?

11.01.2022 'If you truly love nature you will find beauty everywhere!' . Where is the most beautiful place you have been? . Comment below ... . Photo credits to @cassiemagro See more

10.01.2022 Happy Father’s Day to all the kick ass dads out there who have raised a bunch of travelling and humanitarian legends! . . . .... . #fathersday #2021 #vesabroad #volunteertravel #volunteerabroad #adventuretravel #southafrica #fiji #laos #ecuador See more

10.01.2022 Can you name all of the big 5? . After all of the hard work our volunteers get to explore the amazing landscape, wildlife and more or the local culture and see exactly why the area is a UNSECO world heritage site! . Experience a sunrise safari in the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park, Africa's oldest game reserve and the world's second oldest national park after Yellowstone! The park opened in 1895 and were once the hunting grounds of King Shaka Zulu. Today it is home to South Afri...ca's largest population of rhinos and have saved the animals from extinction . Lions, elephants, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, hyena, African wild dogs and more can be found in amongst the rolling hills and acacia trees of the savannah . Volunteers learn more about the Amazulu culture at Veyane cultural village and can get their fortune told by the iSangoma! . Hippos are a guaranteed site along the St Lucia estuary when you go on a river safari and you may spot the many crocodiles and beautiful birds such as fish eagles which live in Lake st Lucia and if you're lucky maybe even a bull shark! . We also get the chance to drive through the iSimangaliso Wetland Park looking out for various animals amd then relax in the warm blue waters of Cape Vidal and have a BBQ on the beach if you're extremely lucky you may spot dolphins or whales from the beach and spot a leopard, hyena or elephant on your drive out of the park! The only place in the world where you can go on safari and relax by the ocean in the same place. . Photos by @apalmerphotography @sierralovell15 @kattsladojevic @cassandrakc @ South Africa See more

09.01.2022 Continuing to introduce you to our key team members. Introducing Xavier! . Xavier grew up in the Andes of Ecuador and has been part of the VESA family for many years! His key role is as the construction leader helping to build toilets in the communities around Misahaulli with the local builders and his great character makes all the labor more enjoyable! .... As well as working with VESA one of Xaviers biggest passions is music. He was once played music in church and then joined a rock band called Java! He also loves to teach drums and guitar and sometimes plays music in bars See more

09.01.2022 Comment with a if you loved the ECC . Laos was once known as the land of a million Elephants but now there are fewer than 800 in Laos half of which are in captivity in most are used for the logging and tourism riding industries where the animals are severely mistreated! . Although South East Asia has many elephant sanctuaries the Elephant Conservation Center is the first to have a rewilding programme and has began a soft release of a herd of Asian Elephants back to the wil...d! . As well as this the sanctuary promotes a minimal interaction policy with the animals to teach guests and our volunteers that they are wild animals that deserve respect . Not only do our volunteers get to spend the entire volunteer week at the sanctuary they also get to learn about the plight of the Asian Elephants, the biology and anatomy of the animals and go searching for the animals roaming around their jungle home! . We also assist with many projects including building socialisation areas, in the past we have built a veterinary clinic and created walkways in the hills the biggest project we're working on the moment is to remove invasive plants and create more natural forage by replanting a forest for the Elephants . If there is an elephant sanctuary to visit the ECC should be on everyone's list . Photos by @tlowen @_elizabethgx @letmebefrankiee @ Elephant Conservation Centre, Sayaboury See more

08.01.2022 What was your favourite activity in Laos? Comment below . For our second week in Laos we say goodbye to the ECC and head to the beautiful cities of Luang Prabang and Vang Veing to show off the very best of Laos culture, charm and nature and there is so much to do and see including! . Planting rice on the living land rice farm, climbing the heights of Mount Phusay, wondering through the stunning architecture of the temples and the Kings palace, taking a leisurely bike tour, ...shopping amongst local market, paying a visit to the national museum and a traditional silk weaving workshop, not forgetting to mention bathing in the blue waters of the Kuang Si Waterfalls, one of the most breathtaking places you'll ever witness . And that's just Luang Prabang! . In Vang Vieng as well as caving and zip lining you can take a ride on a hot air balloon, the cheapest in the world! And if it isn't on your bucket list it definitely should be. And finish of your trip with a kayak and tubing tour down the song river stopping at many bars and restaurants along the way. . Photos by @_elizabethgx @letmebefrankiee @pianofreak112 @belle.fitzpatrick @tlowen @ Laos See more

08.01.2022 Share if you believe Laos is the most underrated country! . The modern nation-state of Laos emerged from the French Colonial Empire as an independent country in 1953. Previously the country was known as Lan Xang. Lan Xang existed as a unified kingdom from 13571707, divided into the three rival kingdoms of Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Champasak from 17071779, fell to Siamese suzerainty from 17791893, and was reunified under the French Protectorate of Laos in 1893. The b...orders of the modern state of Laos were established by the French colonial government in the late 19th and early 20th centuries . Some other fun facts about Laos . It has the cheapest alcohol in the world their homemade rice whiskey . Even though the country is landlocked you can find the irrawaddy dolphin (a type of river dolphin) . White Elephants were seen as the richest currency you could hold and royalty rode Elephants everywhere . All of Laos products are heavily made of silk due to an abundance of silk worms in the country . On the 6th lunar month Laos hosts the rocket festival, a festival which is believed to encourage good rains for the rice planting season. Those who can make their rocket fly the highest win and those who don't win get thrown in the mud . We hope you enjoyed a little more Intel about Laos and stay tuned tomorrow to learn more about the Elephant Conservation Center @elephantconservationcenter and the amazing work they do and what we contribute . Photos by @_elizabethgx @pianofreak112 @letmebefrankiee @ Laos See more

08.01.2022 Over the next few weeks we'll be introducing you to our host country team members who have worked both in front and behind the scenes and are as just as much the heart and soul of VESA as the volunteers and our other team leaders! . For those who have not been on our Africa programme or missed our recent instagram live we'd first of all would love to introduce you to Johan Breytenbach! . Johan is from the small town of Vryheid South Africa and has been living in St Lucia and ...working with VESA since 2011 . Johan has had a passion for animals, particularly reptiles since he was very young and getting to work with crocodiles was a dream come true for him. . Since then he has assisted in HUNDREDS of crocodile captures and releases and his passion for these animals is always felt on his educational tours. VESA volunteers are always left with an impression of respect and awe of crocodiles and other African wildlife. . Over the years he has assisted in many projects with VESA at the crocodile centre but his favourite was the most recent- completing 4 brand new enclosures to house problem crocodiles for rehabilitation and release. . Comment with a if you've loved working with Johan in Africa! @ St Lucia Crocodile Centre See more

05.01.2022 What is your favourite things about South Africa? The people, the culture, the landscapes, the wildlife? Comment below . When we think about South Africa certain words or places come to mind such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela or the world famous Kruger National Park. The truth is there is a whole lot more to the country than meets the eye today we'll share some fun facts about South Africa! . Did you know South Africa is known as the rainbow nation due to the ...huge diversity of ethnic groups living in the country and there are 11 official national languages including and at least 35 unofficial languages! The most commonly spoken is isiZulu is the most prominent but English is widely taught in the curriculum and spoken. . South Africa shares borders with 6 other countries, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland (Eswatini) and Lesotho . From 1948 to 1994 the Dutch and English ruled South Africa in an apartheid government - a government of segregation based on ethnic groups until 1994 when Nelson Mandela was elected as president in the countries first full democratic election . South Africa is one of the most developed nations on the continent and makes up 25% of the continents GDP . The first ever heart transplant took place in South Africa . South Africa was the first African country to host the Fifa world cup in 2010 . South Africa is the birthplace of rhino conservation and saved the southern white rhino from extinction in the Umfolozi game reserve (now Hluhluwe Imfolozi) from just 50 individuals today there are roughly 18000 southern white rhino . South Africa has roughly 2500km and on the east side of the country you can find the warm Indian Ocean and on the west side, the cold Atlantic and the two oceans meet at the Cape of Good hope in South Africa's most southerly tip . South Africa was the first country in the world to voluntary dismantle its nuclear weapons! . We hope you enjoyed these fun facts and tomorrow we'll talk a little more about the work we do in South Africa @ South Africa See more

05.01.2022 Happy world elephant day! Comment with a if you think elephants are just incredible animals! . Elephants are some of the most intillegent and social animals and it's no wonder why we find them so captivating! .... Unfortunately the lack of space and human conflict and poaching for ivory and and other body parts are still massive threats to elephants and their numbers have been in decline in many areas . VESA is proud to work with the Elephant Conservation Centre for the work they do not only to protect Laos captive Elephants but to educate the public as to why we should not support tourism organisation's where we can ride elephants or bathe and swim with them and that elephants should be treated as wild animals! See more

04.01.2022 Share this if you miss these infectious smiles! . The community work we do in South Africa is based in Khula Village, neighbouring St Lucia, where we get involved in a number of infrastructure and education projects. . Part of the education work is based in the local school where volunteers assist on English and Mathematics. One of the reasons we aid in the school lessons is that there are roughly 25 employed teachers and over 1000 pupils which can be difficult for the teac...hers to manage all at once! . In the afternoons we head to the local daycare run by Mama Doris, who created the facility so that the younger children of the community have a place to go whilst their parents are working and she makes sure they are well fed. As well as fun games and arts & crafts our volunteers do one to one reading lessons with the children. . For our infrastructure projects VESA has partnered with the Induna of Khula to aid families who are living in poor housing conditions and alongside our skilled trades people our volunteers and leaders help to build new houses for the families to move into . To date we have helped to build over 35 houses that families have been able to move into, a library unit for the primary schoo and refurbishes school facilities as well as a 70 bed community centre. . Photos by @morgan_judy39 @niamhiegorey @ashleacaldwell @mamajack_7 @cassandrakc @ Khula Village See more

03.01.2022 When you're ready for the weekend no matter what the weather! Would you brave the rain for a safari? Comment below!

02.01.2022 It's been a while since we've done a throwback Thursday and who doesn't love a good remanisce? . Who remembers this dream team? Comment below

02.01.2022 Last season VESA began its extension programme for Laos, Chasing Waterfalls! . Our volunteers take a calm and beautiful journey from Vang Veing all the way down to 4000 islands on the borders of Cambodia . During this extension not only do we visit many waterfalls but we get to explore more of the amazing nature and culture of Laos! From camping on the islands of Nam Ngum lake to riding a boat through Konglor Cave the 8th wonder of the world and swimming in the pristine lagoo...ns! . During this extension volunteers get the opportunity to stay with a host family and take part in traditional sustainable fishing and take part in the Lao Baci ceremony to banish bad spirits! . Eventually the journey ends at the Mekong river with the chance to see endangered river dolphins, zip lining through the canyons and a visit to the ruins of the Wat Phu temple, viewing the golden bhudda statue and witnessing the breathtaking sunsets over the limestone mountains! . Laos is often under appreciated in the backpacker world compared to its neighboring countries and despite the vast array of activities the journey is infused with a sense of calm and relaxation and it is an unforgettable experience for those travelling to Laos! . Photos by @letmebefrankiee @ 4000 Islands, Mékong See more

01.01.2022 Have you had the privilege of meeting our Fijian partners Joe and Annie? . Joe and Annie are the founders of the NGO Community Support Network (CSN) who began their work back in 2009 and who we collaborate with for our projects in Fiji to help refurbish schools where they are most needed! . CSN is completely run by Fijians to help create sustainable incomes and livelihoods around several islands and districts... . As well as seeing where community assistance is most needed you will meet Joe and Annie for a cultural orientation when you arrive in Fiji and get you excited for what your trip has to offer! . If you would like to find out more about what Joe and Annie have been up to check out our recent instagram live interview on our IGTV! See more

01.01.2022 Don't forget to tune in this evening for our first Instagram live with our African conservation leaders Damaris and Andrew! . Who's excited? . 6pm Australia EST... 4pm WA 5:30 SA 8pm New Zealand See more