About the Maldives Volunteer Project
The volunteer project is based on Naifaru, an Island in the Northern part of the Maldives. With a population of just over 6,000, Naifaru is the fifth most populated island in the Maldives. Naifaru is a bustling little community but is not without problems, and this programme aims to bring together various community and environmental projects, to improve life for the local inhabitants and wildlife.
We are offering 4 different types of programmes:
- Marine Conservation Volunteering
- Coral Reef Restoration Diving
- Medical Volunteering
- Vet Student Programme
- Family Sea Turtle Programme
Marine Conservation Volunteering Programme
Help to protect and rehabilitate endangered sea turtle populations, conserve and repair local coral reefs, conduct marine life surveys & support community awareness programmes. Volunteer with Sea Turtles and work on the projects that conserve these wonderful creatures.
For further information on the Marine Conservation programme, please click here.
Coral Reef Restoration Diving
For those joining the Marine Conservation Programme, we are also offering add on scuba diving courses and coral reef restoration dives. Please email us at info@workingabroad.com for information on what kind of diving courses and qualifications are on offer and pricing.
If you would like to do a diving course during your stay then they will receive 4 coral restoration dives for free on top of the dive course. If you are already dive certified, can pay $20 per coral restoration dive. We will be completing 2 coral restoration dives per week to monitor and add to our coral nursery.
Medical Volunteering Programme
Work in a local hospital alongside expert staff, treating patients and contributing to healthcare on the island. Improve and develop your own healthcare skills and experience. This project is ideal for those pursuing a career in medicine or healthcare.
For further information on the Medical programme, please click here.
Vet Student Programme
Work alongside the resident vet on the island and developing surgical skills in the spray and neuter clinic, monitoring anaesthesia, getting involved in sea turtle rehabilitation with wound care and assisting with surgical procedures, and being part of new programmes such as the development of prosthetic flippers, faecal analysis and more. This project is ideal for 4th or 5th year Vet students, but earlier years may be considered depending on experience.
For further information on the Vet student programme, please email victoria.mcneil@workingabroad.com
Family Sea Turtle Programme
We are offering two special sea turtle volunteer programme for families. Our first one is our family sea turtle programme – children should be aged 10 yrs and older to take part in sea turtle programme activities in the turtle rehabilitation centre helping the marine biologists along with snorkelling, coral reef restoration activities and visiting uninhabited islands. We also offer another programme which includes more tourist based activities combined with 2 days of volunteering at the sea turtle centre. This is suitable for families with younger children who want to come on holiday with some volunteering and uninhabited island exploration and snorkelling activities. Lodging is either in the volunteer house or in a lovely family run guest house for family privacy. Opportunities available year round for 7 night periods. If you and your family are interested, please email victoria.mcneil@workingabroad.com for detailed itineraries and costs.
“For over 20 years, we have worked with the local people here in the Maldives to promote community development and marine conservation. No other volunteer placement in the Maldives has such close involvement with the local community. We aim to show volunteers the beauty of this country and its incredible oceans, as well as the warmth and hospitality of the Maldivian people, and in return volunteers help us to protect the beautiful creatures found here.” – Quote from the Project Coordinator
