What does the programme cost?
From £150/ €150 per week, minimum stay one week. Long stays are expected to help run the programme! It is not a cheap holiday!
What does this cover?
Accommodation (multi bedded and simple- think backpacker hostel rather than hotel); half board-breakfast and evening meals are provided. Lunches are free on the (most) boats and there are cooking facilities in the Visitor Centre for snacks etc. A ham and cheese sandwich for lunch would cost €1-2 depending where you are; transfers to and from the boats; all training. You can get by on very little (£10pw is the record) or you can spend a lot- depends on the depth of your pocket.
Activities such as diving are organised at a big discount and if you are interested in learning to dive, or similar, let us know so we can help you plan your monies.
Why is it so cheap?
The AWdF exists to give young people without wealthy parents the opportunity to get involved, to do something amazing. The idea is to inspire them to do more with their lives. The AWdF operates on a shoestring, employs no administrative staff and pays no wages (although it has started to pay stipends to co-ordinators in the field in the knowledge that for many young people from not so wealthy backgrounds this is the only way they could contemplate giving over more of their time to this kind of work.) The AWdF is a UK registered charity and operates at hopefully not too much of a loss each year. Costs are kept at a minimum in this way.
What can I expect?
You must read the induction pack. It is important that you understand what you can expect from us and, equally, what we expect of you. We exist to give young people a chance to ‘do something’, a platform from which they can ‘make a difference’. We are not a tour operator providing a cheap holiday and, equally, we are not a kindergarten- we expect volunteers to take responsibility for themselves and be proactive in their actions.
What is expected of volunteers?
A lot!! Great attitude, adaptability, a desire to want to make a difference, a willingness to have a go, teamwork, fun sense of humour, sprinkled with lots of idealism and the sense that humanity is not a lost cause.
We are not interested in cynics, the lazy and indifferent, shirkers, demanders, whiners and complainers, people who expect others to do things for them and feel they are entitled to things. If you read the above and recognise the qualities we are not interested in in other people, if you know what we are getting at then you are for us!
If you don’t understand what we are getting at then you should probably join another project or go on a package holiday.
How do I get from the airport?
The induction pack details bus transfers which are inexpensive and relatively straight forward (if not too late at night). Alternatively, we can arrange a low cost taxi transfer at €20 which can be shared with others if you are travelling as a small group. Transfers are from the south airport only. The north airport is quite a distance away and should be avoided if possible.
Are there facilities for hair dryers?
Yes, but get a life – check out www.thomsonholidays.com
What would a typical day consist of?
Up at 8.00am, if rotated on the whale watching boats or at the Visitor Centre, breakfast, transferred to the whale watching ports. The port co-ordinator will get you onto the whale watching boats and co-ordinate all volunteer activity during the day- talks, education workshops, interaction with tourists, films etc.
On the boats volunteers ‘research guide’- photographing the dorsal fin of cetaceans seen, collecting a range of data and talking to the tourists. The guiding element is designed to improve the tourist experience, ensuring that they learn about cetaceans as a result of their visit and that they are made aware of the various conservation threats facing cetaceans and what they, as individuals, can do about the situation.
Apart from working, volunteer time is split between learning about the island and individual or small group projects. There are daily ‘fam’ trips throughout the Summer months through which up to eight individuals daily (this is organised on a rota basis so that everyone gets at least two days out each week on these trips) get to ‘see’ an aspect of this amazing island : Santa Cruz, the colonial capital; El Teide and Las Canadas- UNESCO World Heritage Site; Guimar valley- cathedral and Black Madonna in Candelaria, picnic areas in the pine forests above Arafo; Puerto de la Cruz and the wine growing areas of La Oratava including wine tasting at the fabulous wine museum in El Sauzal; black sand beaches of Taganana; Laurel Forests of Anaga etc. These ‘fam’ trips also take in magnificent walks- Masca (quite possibly the most beautiful walk in the world, El Teide overnight, Roque del Conde, Imoque, Pilgrims walk….. also activities- snorkelling with turtles and exotic fish, go-ape in the pine forests, trekking etc. Each evening fam trippers show films and talk about their experiences to the rest of the group and in this way all our volunteers get to learn about this amazing island and, as importantly, are able to wax lyrical about it to tourists.
The third part of the week is spent on individual or small team projects: conservation, education, research, working either in the research station or at the Visitor Centre developing an aspect of the project of academic or career or general interest to them. This could be anything from a piece of research, developing educational workshops, making a conservation film, designing posters, campaigning on social media…
Evening meetings are an important part of the day. The projects are run on an experiential learning framework and daily group reflection on how the day has gone, how thing can be changed or developed for the better, planning for the next day are critical for the success of the programme. The Sunday evening meeting is particularly important as it sets the programme for the coming week.
Is there spare time and what activities can be done?
Weekends are free from Friday evening! There are a fantastic range of activities that can be arranged at hugely discounted prices- diving, sailing, trekking, surf boarding, horse riding, kayaking. Or enjoy the beach or explore the island. The choice is yours. If you want to visit the island of La Gomera of take a diving course then we are OK with you eating into the working week as we see these activities as of real value. Check out the induction pack for activities and our eco-tourism website- www.whalesanddolphinsoftenerife.org
When can I volunteer?
Any time of the year. Tenerife is a veritable paradise with all year round sunshine… and the whales live off the SW coast of Tenerife!!
How long has the programme been running?
As the AWF, the volunteering programme has been running some twenty years. Previously the project operated under the auspices of Spanish environmental association Proyecto Ambiental Tenerife. This was a rural development programme based in the Guimar Valley. The AWF was formed to develop work on the whale watching boats following a request from the WDCS.
What is the food like?
Wholesome! We would like it to be Canarian but experience has informed us to keep the food simple. The house manager, ’mama’ Teresa, prepares the food and on-site volunteers each day help her. The meals are wholesome- potato/ pasta/ rice with plenty of vegetables and fruit and meat most days. ALL diets are catered for in a flexible way including Halal, vegetarian and allergies- just talk with Teresa.
We do not do processed food!! Although you can order in pizza, Chinese etc. if you so wish, at your cost.
Is there a safe facility?
As a general rule, you should not bring valuables with you but if you do then you can make use of one of our personal security lockers. These are free but you will need to put a €10 deposit on the lock and key.
Do I have to help with the cleaning?
We do not employ local girls to clean up after our volunteers. This is the responsibility of each and every volunteer. On site volunteers clean the site each day between 9.00 and 10.00am . This includes all communal areas and bedrooms. Dishes have to be washed after use, communally after dinner!! It is a constant battle! We give lessons to new arrivals on such essentials as how to identify and use a sweeping brush! and the difference between disinfectant, washing up liquid and olive oil.
What Difference does the project make?
Our goal is to raise awareness of threats facing cetaceans- and inspire individuals to ‘do something’ about what is happening to the world. If each volunteer gets through to one tourist a day then that is, collectively, 8,000 people each year going back to somewhere in Europe inspired by seeing the whales in Tenerife- this is what the project is about, this is real conservation.
Equally, helping to develop volunteers in their own self confidence and feeling of empowerment is a critical goal. A great many of our volunteers have gone on to do things in their lives inspired by their experience with us- in education, conservation, research and in their lives in general
Educational resources generated by our volunteers on the TES website, the largest on-line teacher resource in the world have been downloaded over 300,000 times!! The AWF is a preferred partner of the TES.
Each year we distribute free of charge thousands of conservation posters to tourists raising awareness of conservation issues and, hopefully, inspiring them to action.
The Atlantic Ocean Cetacean Network (AOCN) is a new concept. It aims to bring together cetacean projects, be they of a research, education or conservation nature, including whale watching, together in one network which the AWF can raise awareness of and facilitate support for. Through this network individual tourists and our volunteers can identify projects that they can help with and then ‘do something’!!
Genesis and TrueFair are two programmes developed through AWF volunteers and now being spun off into a sister charity, The TrueFair Foundation. These programmes work with poor but incredibly talented village communities around the world helping them access the global market place and reinvesting profit through them into education, conservation and enterprise initiatives of their choosing.
What is the research data used for?
Many thousands of volunteers have used the data collected for their academic work, from ‘A’ level project to PhD thesis.
The datasets cover:
Our underwater film work with pilot whales is ground breaking and we have developed whole methodologies to deploy in further research.
Our methodologies specifically collect data on boat impact. The data shows categorically the real benefit to pilot whales in particular of the whale watching laws that came into force several years ago. The data also shows the deteriorating situation over the last few years with the lack of enforcement and growing numbers of illegal boat operators.
Perhaps most important of all, our research data is continuously used in developing educational materials as teaching tools, on and off the whale watching boats, helping to bring the value of nature fully to the consciousness of tourists and volunteers alike.
Will it possible to provide a Research Supervisor?
Yes, to take advantage of this facility it is necessary to link in with your academic supervisor to agree on a research proposal acceptable to the university and of value and feasible to the AWF. Email ed@whalenation.org for further information.
Are there opportunities to work with the AWF?
We have just launched a funded co-ordinator programme and are actively looking for individuals on a rolling basis for our operating base in Tenerife. Areas of interest- Research, Tourism, Creative, Social media, Fundraising, and Education. We also have a current need for a specialist co-ordinator with GIS experience.
The AWF provides flights, all accommodation and food and complimentary diving. The head co-ordinator gets an allowance and we can negotiate with others on stipends where family backgrounds and/ or savings make participation without some income support simply impossible. We want to encourage and facilitate people giving more of themselves to the common good.
Also, we recruit co-ordinators to help develop programmes around the world. These people are drawn exclusively from our volunteer ranks- people we know and trust.
From £150/ €150 per week, minimum stay one week. Long stays are expected to help run the programme! It is not a cheap holiday!
What does this cover?
Accommodation (multi bedded and simple- think backpacker hostel rather than hotel); half board-breakfast and evening meals are provided. Lunches are free on the (most) boats and there are cooking facilities in the Visitor Centre for snacks etc. A ham and cheese sandwich for lunch would cost €1-2 depending where you are; transfers to and from the boats; all training. You can get by on very little (£10pw is the record) or you can spend a lot- depends on the depth of your pocket.
Activities such as diving are organised at a big discount and if you are interested in learning to dive, or similar, let us know so we can help you plan your monies.
Why is it so cheap?
The AWdF exists to give young people without wealthy parents the opportunity to get involved, to do something amazing. The idea is to inspire them to do more with their lives. The AWdF operates on a shoestring, employs no administrative staff and pays no wages (although it has started to pay stipends to co-ordinators in the field in the knowledge that for many young people from not so wealthy backgrounds this is the only way they could contemplate giving over more of their time to this kind of work.) The AWdF is a UK registered charity and operates at hopefully not too much of a loss each year. Costs are kept at a minimum in this way.
What can I expect?
You must read the induction pack. It is important that you understand what you can expect from us and, equally, what we expect of you. We exist to give young people a chance to ‘do something’, a platform from which they can ‘make a difference’. We are not a tour operator providing a cheap holiday and, equally, we are not a kindergarten- we expect volunteers to take responsibility for themselves and be proactive in their actions.
What is expected of volunteers?
A lot!! Great attitude, adaptability, a desire to want to make a difference, a willingness to have a go, teamwork, fun sense of humour, sprinkled with lots of idealism and the sense that humanity is not a lost cause.
We are not interested in cynics, the lazy and indifferent, shirkers, demanders, whiners and complainers, people who expect others to do things for them and feel they are entitled to things. If you read the above and recognise the qualities we are not interested in in other people, if you know what we are getting at then you are for us!
If you don’t understand what we are getting at then you should probably join another project or go on a package holiday.
How do I get from the airport?
The induction pack details bus transfers which are inexpensive and relatively straight forward (if not too late at night). Alternatively, we can arrange a low cost taxi transfer at €20 which can be shared with others if you are travelling as a small group. Transfers are from the south airport only. The north airport is quite a distance away and should be avoided if possible.
Are there facilities for hair dryers?
Yes, but get a life – check out www.thomsonholidays.com
What would a typical day consist of?
Up at 8.00am, if rotated on the whale watching boats or at the Visitor Centre, breakfast, transferred to the whale watching ports. The port co-ordinator will get you onto the whale watching boats and co-ordinate all volunteer activity during the day- talks, education workshops, interaction with tourists, films etc.
On the boats volunteers ‘research guide’- photographing the dorsal fin of cetaceans seen, collecting a range of data and talking to the tourists. The guiding element is designed to improve the tourist experience, ensuring that they learn about cetaceans as a result of their visit and that they are made aware of the various conservation threats facing cetaceans and what they, as individuals, can do about the situation.
Apart from working, volunteer time is split between learning about the island and individual or small group projects. There are daily ‘fam’ trips throughout the Summer months through which up to eight individuals daily (this is organised on a rota basis so that everyone gets at least two days out each week on these trips) get to ‘see’ an aspect of this amazing island : Santa Cruz, the colonial capital; El Teide and Las Canadas- UNESCO World Heritage Site; Guimar valley- cathedral and Black Madonna in Candelaria, picnic areas in the pine forests above Arafo; Puerto de la Cruz and the wine growing areas of La Oratava including wine tasting at the fabulous wine museum in El Sauzal; black sand beaches of Taganana; Laurel Forests of Anaga etc. These ‘fam’ trips also take in magnificent walks- Masca (quite possibly the most beautiful walk in the world, El Teide overnight, Roque del Conde, Imoque, Pilgrims walk….. also activities- snorkelling with turtles and exotic fish, go-ape in the pine forests, trekking etc. Each evening fam trippers show films and talk about their experiences to the rest of the group and in this way all our volunteers get to learn about this amazing island and, as importantly, are able to wax lyrical about it to tourists.
The third part of the week is spent on individual or small team projects: conservation, education, research, working either in the research station or at the Visitor Centre developing an aspect of the project of academic or career or general interest to them. This could be anything from a piece of research, developing educational workshops, making a conservation film, designing posters, campaigning on social media…
Evening meetings are an important part of the day. The projects are run on an experiential learning framework and daily group reflection on how the day has gone, how thing can be changed or developed for the better, planning for the next day are critical for the success of the programme. The Sunday evening meeting is particularly important as it sets the programme for the coming week.
Is there spare time and what activities can be done?
Weekends are free from Friday evening! There are a fantastic range of activities that can be arranged at hugely discounted prices- diving, sailing, trekking, surf boarding, horse riding, kayaking. Or enjoy the beach or explore the island. The choice is yours. If you want to visit the island of La Gomera of take a diving course then we are OK with you eating into the working week as we see these activities as of real value. Check out the induction pack for activities and our eco-tourism website- www.whalesanddolphinsoftenerife.org
When can I volunteer?
Any time of the year. Tenerife is a veritable paradise with all year round sunshine… and the whales live off the SW coast of Tenerife!!
How long has the programme been running?
As the AWF, the volunteering programme has been running some twenty years. Previously the project operated under the auspices of Spanish environmental association Proyecto Ambiental Tenerife. This was a rural development programme based in the Guimar Valley. The AWF was formed to develop work on the whale watching boats following a request from the WDCS.
What is the food like?
Wholesome! We would like it to be Canarian but experience has informed us to keep the food simple. The house manager, ’mama’ Teresa, prepares the food and on-site volunteers each day help her. The meals are wholesome- potato/ pasta/ rice with plenty of vegetables and fruit and meat most days. ALL diets are catered for in a flexible way including Halal, vegetarian and allergies- just talk with Teresa.
We do not do processed food!! Although you can order in pizza, Chinese etc. if you so wish, at your cost.
Is there a safe facility?
As a general rule, you should not bring valuables with you but if you do then you can make use of one of our personal security lockers. These are free but you will need to put a €10 deposit on the lock and key.
Do I have to help with the cleaning?
We do not employ local girls to clean up after our volunteers. This is the responsibility of each and every volunteer. On site volunteers clean the site each day between 9.00 and 10.00am . This includes all communal areas and bedrooms. Dishes have to be washed after use, communally after dinner!! It is a constant battle! We give lessons to new arrivals on such essentials as how to identify and use a sweeping brush! and the difference between disinfectant, washing up liquid and olive oil.
What Difference does the project make?
Our goal is to raise awareness of threats facing cetaceans- and inspire individuals to ‘do something’ about what is happening to the world. If each volunteer gets through to one tourist a day then that is, collectively, 8,000 people each year going back to somewhere in Europe inspired by seeing the whales in Tenerife- this is what the project is about, this is real conservation.
Equally, helping to develop volunteers in their own self confidence and feeling of empowerment is a critical goal. A great many of our volunteers have gone on to do things in their lives inspired by their experience with us- in education, conservation, research and in their lives in general
Educational resources generated by our volunteers on the TES website, the largest on-line teacher resource in the world have been downloaded over 300,000 times!! The AWF is a preferred partner of the TES.
Each year we distribute free of charge thousands of conservation posters to tourists raising awareness of conservation issues and, hopefully, inspiring them to action.
The Atlantic Ocean Cetacean Network (AOCN) is a new concept. It aims to bring together cetacean projects, be they of a research, education or conservation nature, including whale watching, together in one network which the AWF can raise awareness of and facilitate support for. Through this network individual tourists and our volunteers can identify projects that they can help with and then ‘do something’!!
Genesis and TrueFair are two programmes developed through AWF volunteers and now being spun off into a sister charity, The TrueFair Foundation. These programmes work with poor but incredibly talented village communities around the world helping them access the global market place and reinvesting profit through them into education, conservation and enterprise initiatives of their choosing.
What is the research data used for?
Many thousands of volunteers have used the data collected for their academic work, from ‘A’ level project to PhD thesis.
The datasets cover:
- Bottlenose dolphin community off of the SW coast of Tenerife- some 31 plus animals that we have been tracking for some twenty years- a unique resource;
- Pilot whale community living between Tenerife and La Gomera- some 1000 animals of which we have identified some 600 individuals and can track ten family groups;
- Migrating species some 14 of the 24 known species to pass through Canarian waters have been spotted over the years enabling us to build up an invaluable insight into migratory trends. For example, we know that fin whale sightings are falling year on year and no one knows why, that Risso dolphins left the waters the day the fast ferries starting operating to La Gomera, that sightings of rare beaked whales stopped after the mass strandings on Lanzarote linked to US Navy sonic warfare testing and much more. We aim that this data informs further research to understand what is happening to our nature.
Our underwater film work with pilot whales is ground breaking and we have developed whole methodologies to deploy in further research.
Our methodologies specifically collect data on boat impact. The data shows categorically the real benefit to pilot whales in particular of the whale watching laws that came into force several years ago. The data also shows the deteriorating situation over the last few years with the lack of enforcement and growing numbers of illegal boat operators.
Perhaps most important of all, our research data is continuously used in developing educational materials as teaching tools, on and off the whale watching boats, helping to bring the value of nature fully to the consciousness of tourists and volunteers alike.
Will it possible to provide a Research Supervisor?
Yes, to take advantage of this facility it is necessary to link in with your academic supervisor to agree on a research proposal acceptable to the university and of value and feasible to the AWF. Email ed@whalenation.org for further information.
Are there opportunities to work with the AWF?
We have just launched a funded co-ordinator programme and are actively looking for individuals on a rolling basis for our operating base in Tenerife. Areas of interest- Research, Tourism, Creative, Social media, Fundraising, and Education. We also have a current need for a specialist co-ordinator with GIS experience.
The AWF provides flights, all accommodation and food and complimentary diving. The head co-ordinator gets an allowance and we can negotiate with others on stipends where family backgrounds and/ or savings make participation without some income support simply impossible. We want to encourage and facilitate people giving more of themselves to the common good.
Also, we recruit co-ordinators to help develop programmes around the world. These people are drawn exclusively from our volunteer ranks- people we know and trust.
Complaints
Over the last twenty year we have had some 10,000 young volunteers go through our programmes. The vast majority have had a truly great experience and for many it has been nothing short of life changing. We have seen the very best of human nature and it has been a privilege.
If you have a complaint then you should air it at the evening meetings designed, in part, to address such things. If we can do something that makes sense then we will, if not we will explain why we cannot. We go to great pains to explain how we operate - accommodation, meals, cleaning, the work that we do and volunteers must take responsibility to read through these materials.
We work very hard to provide low cost programmes for young people to enjoy what for most is a truly fabulous opportunity, and we do so without any income. Constructive criticism is a vital part of the programme and is encouraged. Whinging is something different and will be frowned upon - there are other projects in town for such people.
Free Volunteering
Absolutely. Check out the Volunteer Credits programme.
Why should I volunteer?
Giving of oneself for the common good is as it should be. It not only creates a better world, it also helps develop the individual. Cynics please join other programmes- we only want idealistic individuals who want to make a difference and who believe in people and the possibility of change.
Can I get further involved?
Our programmes around the world are developed with and through our volunteers many of whom continue to work through the network. We have a particularly strong network in Asia- Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam and will soon be reopening our project in Sierra Leone.
As we build the AOCN, (Atlantic Ocean Cetacean Network), we will be identifying, facilitating and promoting volunteer possibilities with cetacean projects across the Atlantic Oceans.
Over the last twenty year we have had some 10,000 young volunteers go through our programmes. The vast majority have had a truly great experience and for many it has been nothing short of life changing. We have seen the very best of human nature and it has been a privilege.
If you have a complaint then you should air it at the evening meetings designed, in part, to address such things. If we can do something that makes sense then we will, if not we will explain why we cannot. We go to great pains to explain how we operate - accommodation, meals, cleaning, the work that we do and volunteers must take responsibility to read through these materials.
We work very hard to provide low cost programmes for young people to enjoy what for most is a truly fabulous opportunity, and we do so without any income. Constructive criticism is a vital part of the programme and is encouraged. Whinging is something different and will be frowned upon - there are other projects in town for such people.
Free Volunteering
Absolutely. Check out the Volunteer Credits programme.
Why should I volunteer?
Giving of oneself for the common good is as it should be. It not only creates a better world, it also helps develop the individual. Cynics please join other programmes- we only want idealistic individuals who want to make a difference and who believe in people and the possibility of change.
Can I get further involved?
Our programmes around the world are developed with and through our volunteers many of whom continue to work through the network. We have a particularly strong network in Asia- Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam and will soon be reopening our project in Sierra Leone.
As we build the AOCN, (Atlantic Ocean Cetacean Network), we will be identifying, facilitating and promoting volunteer possibilities with cetacean projects across the Atlantic Oceans.