MADAGASCAR / Frontier
With this project you will experience the best that Madagascar has to offer, with an unforgettable teaching experience in a developing community, a breathtaking trek through the prolific forests stuffed full of flora and fauna, and scuba diving over the reef-scapes of one of the best diving spots in the world. Join this project for a varied and exhilarating journey through this most tempting of travel destinations!
WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?
Madagascar’s lemurs
Madagascar has been isolated for over 165 million years, creating a biodiversity resource of global significance, with over 80% of species found nowhere else on Earth, including leaping Sifaka Lemurs, Lesser Mouse Lemurs or even the elusive Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur. Sifaka Lemurs are very popular with visitors due to the unusual manner in which they traverse open ground. They are mainly found in trees and are capable jumpers, but due to the dispersal patterns of their favourite trees, they cross un-jumpable spaces by sashaying sideways on their hind legs, with their arms in the air! Sadly these beautiful creatures are threatened – which is why programmes such as this are so vital.
Other interesting creatures found here include an abundance of reptiles such as tortoises, snakes, iguanas and a vast array of chameleons, both the smallest and largest in the world. There is spectacular bird life, and over three-quarters of the flora are endemic, with palms and more orchids than in all of mainland Africa.
Protecting marine wildlife
Madagascar’s human population has doubled since 1960, leading to increased deforestation and overgrazing, which in turn has caused massive soil erosion and desertification, and damage to the marine ecosystems due to pollution and runoff.
Through marine SCUBA and snorkel surveys you will map coral, identify reef and commercial fish, and record marine species including fish, dolphins and turtles. Diving under the supervision of a professional dive officer, you will become confident and comfortable underwater. Your results will determine the biodiversity of these waters and help formulate management plans.
Other activities include surveying mangroves, a vital buffer against elements such as tsunamis, and also documenting coastal bird and reptile populations, an important part of the coastal ecosystem.
Lack of foreign-language teachers
The vast majority of the population speaks only Malagasy, and there is a lack of foreign-language teachers. Your help can give children and adults a sense of confidence, encourage their enthusiasm and ambition, and even improve their opportunities for the future. To teach, you will need to be patient, flexible, a confident communicator and able to use your initiative and imagination. It would be helpful to have beginner’s level French, but you will have plenty of opportunities to learn! Lessons will be fun and interactive, developing the pupil’s confidence and conversational skills.
Follow this link to apply on our Website
http://www.frontier.ac.uk/projects/244/Madagascar-Teaching%2c-Wildlife-%26-Diving
Expires: Sept 15, 2015
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