Lattitude Blog

Sorry for the lack of updates on here in while, it’s been a very busy time for Entabeni! In the last few weeks we’ve had some very intensive courses, including an all-boys school from Joberg, with 80 grade 11 (17-18 yrs old). Their entire course was based around their life sciences project. So we had to teach them about human impact on the earth, and about current conservation projects in SA. It was different to anything I’ve ever really done, but it was brilliant!! Great kids, great teachers, and I learnt in the process as well!

As well as courses coming in I have also been busy try to start the President’s Award (equivalent of DoE) here at Entabeni, it’s something that we’ve heard of here at the centre but we have never been part of it. So I’ve been put in charge of trying to get it started here at Entabeni! It’s hard work as there’s lots of phone calls and emails trying to organize meetings ect, but it’s a huge responsibility and a great opportunity. But its looks to be paying off, as were almost there!

And of course there’s plenty planned for the future! Between the 8-12^th of April we are travaling up to St Lucia which is up in the East coast of SA for a little staff vacation/training! Up there they have a big 5 game reserve with a bush camp that we will be staying in, a Wetlands nature reserve (so will hope to see some more wild Blue Cranes!), and amazing beaches!! Not bad for staff training ayy ahaha. The end of April is also going to be a good one!! We have some very special guests coming to visit, followed by the biggest cycle race in SA (Joberg2c) coming to our doorstep, so will be manning a hydration tent which should be good fun!!

Also on Monday it was decided that the crane sanctuary here at the centre will in charge of Wattle Crane AI (artificial insemination), which means we are going to be swapping most of our Grey Crowned, and Blue Cranes for Wattles. It may not sound like a big thing, but there are only 249 Wattles left in South Africa, and quite a lot of them a human imprinted, meaning that they will not mate with other Wattles. So if we can perform it successfully we will be making a big difference!!

Exciting times!!!!!

Till Next Time…

Simply travelling the world just isn’t good enough for some people. Perhaps if you’re on your gap year then it’s not advised to try and beat these records, but you can marvel at them nonetheless.

Oldest Backpacker

The oldest backpacker in the world is John Waite, 89. Since his wife’s death in 1982, John has been backpacking around the world, with only one change of clothes in his rucksack.

Youngest Traveller

Some people never manage to see more than two or three continents in a lifetime, but Vaidehi Thirrupathy begs to differ. At a mere 205 days old (that’s just over six months!) she is the youngest person ever to see all seven continents.

Travellers club

In America, the Traveler’s Century Club is for people who have visited more than 100 countries. Since the 1950s, it has gained over 2,000 members, of whom 9 have travelled every country in the world.

Travel costs

How much would you spend to visit every country on earth? Extremely wealthy businessman Kashi Samaddar spent £350,000 to achieve this feat. He claims that the most difficult aspect of his challenge wasn’t with big countries (such as the USA, England or European countries) but rather smaller countries “who don’t know what they should be doing.” He says trying to get a visa for Moldova was most difficult to obtain, which took nearly three years. Overall it took him six years, ten months and seven days to complete.

Around the world with no planes

However this wasn’t good enough for filmmaker Graham Hughes, who achieved the same feat but without the use of aeroplanes. Eventually Graham completed his challenge in four years, but recently came across some difficulties when the Guinness Book of Records rejected his record.

According to Guinness World Records, “any person attempting the trip must take public transport such as scheduled flights, buses, trains and ferries to arrive in countries. The record-breaking authority also defines visiting a country as ‘setting foot within its border.” Graham officially entered Russia by wading through a river, but the situation has now been rectified and he is awaiting the result of his appeal.

Longest drive

Emil and Liliana Schmid hold the record for the longest distance driven. In total, they’ve driven the equivalent of 50 times around the world, or 413,000 miles. They originally set off in 1984 and are still driving, so who knows what they’ve got left to discover.

Most popular country…really?

France is the most visited country in the world, with 76.8 million people wanting to sample la vie française each year.

Longest & shortest flight

The longest direct flight in the world is New York to Singapore – that’s a whopping 18 hours and 50 minutes! At the other end of the spectrum, the islands of Papa Westray and Westray are only 14km apart which takes two minutes on a flight. We’ll take the latter…

Another mode of transport

If you’d prefer another mode of transport however, why not copy Rob Thomson and skate your way there? His 8,000 mile trip from Leysin, Switzerland to Shanghai, China, only took one year and three months…

Think you could beat that?

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It’s often a challenge for those who are trying to be both keen travellers and eco-friendly citizens, what with budget airlines flying to all corners of the earth, producing tonnes of carbon emissions every single minute of every day. To be completely honest, there’s not much that one person alone can do to prevent thousands of flights from taking off every day, but there are still some ways that allow you to see the world and not be too harmful to the environment.

A lot of the things you do at home to prevent damage to the environment can be applied to your travelling, so there’s no need to take drastic measures. Buying local produce when you’re abroad reduces thousands of potential air miles and most importantly, the number of planes needed to transport food, whilst also benefitting local industries.

A major factor of being eco-friendly lies with transportation. “Even though there are far more automobiles on the road than aeroplanes in the sky,” writes Greg Roza, “air travel as a whole produces nearly twice as much greenhouse gases per mile per passenger than other forms of intercity travel.” So for the extremely eco-friendly traveller, it might be worth searching for alternatives to flights. Electric trains, biodiesel coach journeys and even boats will inevitably take longer and may hurt your purse strings a little more, but they are ultimately kinder to the environment. For long-haul journeys, flying seems to be the most convenient mode of transport even if they incur huge carbon footprints. So to alleviate your damage, you can always resort to more eco-friendly ways of getting around once you’ve reached your destination, which should be researched thoroughly in advance.

An obvious point is to be respectful of your surroundings and to clean up after yourself and recycle as much as you can in order to reduce the amount of landfill. National Geographic also recommend that “if dispersed camping is permitted, use pre-existing camps whenever possible to lessen erosion” and preserve as much of the natural landscape as you can.

If you want to have as eco-friendly a holiday as possible, then it’s essential that you do your research in advance. Guide books such as Lonely Planet and the Rough Guide series have specialist knowledge on cutting down your carbon footprint and include comprehensive hotel, airline and attraction recommendations in their pages. Internet forums also include a wealth of tips from travellers which you can implement into your own agenda.

Admittedly, it’s very difficult in this day and age to keep your carbon footprint to a minimum, as cost often outweighs your good intentions. Keeping eco-friendly travel cheap is quite a challenge, but if you book your journey far enough in advance and research it thoroughly enough, then you may well succeed in not only achieving an inexpensive challenge, but also an environmentally friendly experience.

Volunteering is good for the heart

If you volunteer for a hundred hours a year – that works out at two hours a week - will help reduce the risk of heart diseases, according to a new study at Guelph University in Canada. Psychologically, volunteering is known to give you the feel good factor, releasing chemicals which are produced from the feeling of doing good work. But now it’s been proven that volunteering is also beneficial to your physical health as well as your psychology.

This particular study was undertaken to examine the effects of volunteering on people aged 55 years or older over a period of two years, and the comparisons showed that the volunteers’ body mass, heart rate and blood glucose levels were notably lower than their non-volunteering counterparts. They also felt considerably more satisfied with their general well-being and felt like they had a sense of purpose when they did their charitable work.

Interestingly, the study also noted the healing properties of volunteering amongst those who have had heart attacks and other serious illnesses. “The volunteering both gives them a sense of purpose of meaning and contributes to the maintenance of their health following this event that’s occurred to them,” said Dr. Benjamin Gottlieb, who led the study. The mental boost is also linked to giving heart attack sufferers a reduced mortality rate, which is undoubtedly great news. The NHS even recommends volunteering as a great way to maintain your health, stating that it improves life expectancy and can even reduce and/or eliminate certain addictions. One study even showed that university students who volunteered drank far less than those who didn’t, and gives the volunteer a generally more positive outlook on life. Therefore it’s unsurprising that it’s a great way to combat depression too – one of the key symptoms of depression is isolating yourself, and as usually you’re involved in some kind of team when you volunteer, the group work significantly reduces your potential to fall into depression.

In terms of social benefits, the findings are just as astounding. Volunteering has been known to improve your family relationships, social lives (as you’re meeting many people from different backgrounds), and this’ll inevitably help you improve and develop your own communication with others, depending on the situations and the people who are involved in your volunteering placement. And then there’s the added bonus of volunteering looking appealing to employers – your versatility in social situations can be easily demonstrated through your volunteering as you’re really getting into the heart of a community.

Of course, the job benefits are obvious, and it’s a well-known fact that employers really treasure individuals with a passion for helping others – and now you can treasure the health benefits for yourself.

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Night out with teachers!

me with a persons cap on

Kuranda group picture

Kuranda sign

Barron falls

Call me Tarzan!

Call me Tarzan!

Making a splash!

Group picture!

Group picture!

Scenic picture

On our drive!

Paranomic Scenic Picture

It’s been like 2 weeks now since I last up-dated my blog and what a mad couple of weeks it’s been!

The first week started off quite rocky here at Djarragun, which lead to us volunteers temporary being took off doing ‘Club & Culture’, to much disappointment by us all So it left us with just doing our usual Day shifts and then just Boarding as well, which made the day quite long, especially for those who had boarding the most. We can’t really discuss the reasons behind why we was took off ‘Club & Culture’ temporary, due to confidentiality. But it did have quite a big impact on the week and made it quite slow and a bit boring at times, but we pulled through it

The end of the week was the first weekend we finally had a car! So this meant; no more having to get the bus into Cairns to do our shopping and having to catch the bus back with out shopping *HURRAY!*, we didn’t have to get the last bus back at 9pm *HURRAY AGAIN!* AND MOST OF ALL *drum roll please!* WE COULD VISIT PLACES AND NOT HAVE TO STAY IN *HURRAYYYY*. Sorry got a bit carried away there, but we were all really excited about this So Saturday consisted of us meeting a few of the teachers from the school were volunteering at and watching a live band (who should have a record deal!) Some people went home at about 10:30pm, whilst me and Sarah stayed out with some of the teachers (mainly Michael as the rest started going home one by one) until 5:30pm! We met so many people out during the night and it was so great how friendly everyone was here in Australia, like their was no violence or nothing We made so many friends for the night who looked after us (something you wouldn’t get back in England), some even let me try their Caps on for half hour or so, which was pretty cool!

Having a really good time here in Australia

Enjoying a well deserved drink with some teachers from Djarragun!

Sunday came and I used the day to chill out and catch up on some sleep and to catch up with family and friends back home! It was great speaking to friends and family about my time here so far and also to see what they’ve been up to

Then the week of work started again! Monday I was supposed to be on Admin, however, they didn’t have anything for me to do there, so I ended up spending the day in Middle School and Primary School, helping out where needed. I spent the first bit of time in Middle School, assisting with a teacher to make sure the students were paying attention and doing their work properly. Then came along our usual time in PRIMARY SCHOOL! My favorite part of the day, I really feel that I’m starting to get the students and each of their personalities in Primary and I think I nearly know all of their names (well the Prep and Year 1′s). We also found out the good news that we were now allowed to do CLUB & CULTURE again *WOO*

Tuesday came and was my turn for Club and Culture and Boarding In club and culture, i went to help out with cooking, which turned into the students looking for recipes that they wanted to cook the following day, and me helping out the Hospitality teacher (Peggy) mark some student’s work. Peggy is great, she really enjoys having us volunteers here Then came Boarding, which was pretty good, the first half hour or so, we spent just watching TV with a few students (surprisingly a Christmas film at this time of year! CRAZY!) … We then had to set up the Boarders bed sheets for them to make their beds, before dishing their ‘Supper’ out, which consisted of Milk and Biscuits, which they always fight over, trying to get more, but it’s quite a laugh Then came cleaning up the cups, any spilt milk and changing the bins, before hitting home.

Wednesday I was on day shift, which mean me spending the day with the Prep and Year 1 students, helping with groups who were doing independent work. Then came the afternoon, with them going to the library and us reading books to them of their choice, which is great! You end up with several different kids trying to push different books in your face to read. Then after they moved onto music, where they sing a couple of songs the same each week, play music related games and gain some music based knowledge. They always seem really hyper in music, just wanting to jump/ dance all over the place, which is quite fun trying to keep them focused. The day ended with us couple of volunteers helping take the students to their buses.

Thursday and again I was on day shift, where I spent the day working with the Prep and Year 1 students (as you can tell I really enjoy working with these Years the most, as you can make a fool out of yourself, but still get them to listen at the same time and they always seem to enjoy themselves). In the afternoon came time for ART with these years, watching them paint some pictures can be quite fun, but some of them are pretty artistic already! They focus on a famous artist each week and have to use each artists work to inspire their own

Friday, yet again I was on day shift and again I spent it working with the Prep and Year 1 students, making sure they were focused on their work. I mainly worked with one particular student ‘Aquila’, who’s finding it hard settling into the school currently. Trying to get him to focus on the work, to sit properly and to join in with everyone else was a slight struggle at first and you’d have to tell him a couple of times initially before he’d listen. However, because I’d be firm with him, but yet slightly have a laugh with him he listened when I told him to sit properly or to do his work and he actually completed all his work However, I can’t take all the credit for how well behaved he was as another volunteer (Sarah) was also working with him at times too. His teachers were shocked at how well he had behaved for us two volunteers, which was great! They also had ‘Values’ in the afternoon, where they have a different value each week to learn about, this weeks was ‘Reliability’. I think its great teaching these young children about such values as when they really know what they mean, they can hopefully implement these to the rest of their lives, making them become good citizens within society and also good students.

The weekend was here and Saturday saw us going off to Kuranda, a nearby Rain-forest area with a few shops and also a walkway viewing area. This gave us a great opportunity to snap up some great pictures! The little market area we visited was mainly for tourists/ visitors, as they markets were mainly selling items for those type of people. The rain-forest walk was great, it consisted of lots of wooden twisted walkways going through part of an area, with information signs along the way, giving you information about the are, which was quite interesting. We then at the end of the walkway was able to see the great view of Baron Gorge/ Falls! The sights you can see along the walkway were amazing, you can write all about them, but only when you’ve really been there can you actually appreciate the area and be captivated by what there is to see/ hear. Some might think ‘oh it’s just tree’s', but when your there, you really can admire that they aren’t just tree’s.

The great view of Barron Falls, just before it started to rain!

Our trip to Kuranda!

Sunday started with a trip to the local fruit and vegetable market, which is a lot lot cheaper than buying these from the local supermarkets! We were over and done with after about half an hour, so we soon made our way back home. Then a few of us decided to go out for a couple of hours, where we visited a local river called ‘Little Mulgrave River’ and some of us went for a little swim in the river which was quite fun! You couldn’t really swim in the water though as it was pretty shallow and the current just takes you, but luckily as it’s shallow you can easily touch the floor and remain safe! I then found a little rope string and thought of the great idea of trying to swing on it above the water, which was quite entertaining for the other volunteers watching haha!

Picture of us Volunteers who went to the Little Mulgrave River!

Making a splash in the Little Mulgrave River

Swinging on rope in the Little Mulgrave River!

After the Mulgrave River, we decided to try and find some nearby Waterfalls or other little Creeks (which didn’t have any crocs in) … but it didn’t quite work out as planned and we ended up driving around a hillside with sparsely spaced out self built houses with some great little views. We ended up going up and down streets, finding out at the end some of them were dead ends haha!

On top of a hill, in an empty space!

Driving to find some random but cool places!

Another paradise that Lattitude offers its volunteers is Fiji, home to just under a million people and often the holiday of choice for many celebrities due to its lush landscapes, tropical climate and clear blue water.

It’s made up of 333 islands, so it’s an ideal tourist destination – for those who can afford it, that is. Only 110 islands are actually inhabited, but the main island Viti Levu and the smaller communities of Ovalau and Moturiki are where our volunteers are placed, often as community teachers. And that comes with an experience that no price tag can afford!

Viti Levu is where the populous capital, Suva, is located. It’s referred to as the ‘mainland’ and where the cultural and financial hub of Fiji lies. There aren’t as many beaches as there are on other islands, but there is still a wealth of stunning scenery to keep you mesmerised, such as waterfalls, mountains and national parks, as well as the vibrant Fijian culture.

Ovalau is the sixth largest island in Fiji, located 60km north of the capital Suva. It boasts a volcanic crater complete with lagoon and mountains despite being just over six miles wide. As it’s located a bit of a way off, there’s an airport which can take you to the capital, as well as a ferry service to take you across the many islands.

Moturiki has a population of 2000 and is made up of 10 villages, about 25 miles away from Suva – but even though it’s near, it’s a far cry from the capital city. The oldest human remains (from about 10,000 BC) were found on this island so there’s a lot of history to be found as well as the usual volcanoes and waterfalls!

In terms of the actual country, it’s a former British colony (hence the St. George Cross on their flag) so unsurprisingly one of the island’s official languages is English, making it easy for potential volunteers to communicate in their work. They’re also very passionate about rugby, and boast one of the best teams on the planet, so come match day, you’ll probably notice a similar atmosphere to one at home even though it’s over 10,000 miles away!

If you were to volunteer here, then you’d be interacting with the local community on a daily basis. Being a community teacher is by no means a simple job – you might be placed in a rural kindergarten one week and the next in a primary school in the heart of the city. If English is your native language then you’re sure to do well in a job where communication is key, and if you’re willing to get stuck in then you will no doubt fit into the warm communities as if you’d lived there all your life.

Check out some photos from our volunteers that volunteered in Fiji.

See Debbie’s photos

See Richard’s photos

See Natalie’s photos

See Mark’s photos

A breakdown of gap year statistics!

Since its birth forty years ago, the gap year has gone from a rare occurrence to an everyday choice. These days gap years are extremely common, with an average of 7% of UCAS applicants choosing to defer entry in order to take a year out, and this number is expected to grow with £9,000 tuition fees now in effect.

• There’s no fixed number for the amount of students taking a gap year as no one chooses to do the same activity, but in 2012, it was estimated that there would be 2.5 million young people in the UK planning a gap year

• 20% of parents decide to help fund their child’s gap year, with the rest usually fundraising in order to raise money. On average, a gap year will cost parents £763 per child, though this will obviously differ if you choose to go through an organisation or on a volunteering placement

• Only 10% of gap years are fully-funded by the individual

• 30% of gap year students choose to travel alone – the Foreign Office calls these travellers ‘Invincibles’.

• The average gap year will cost between £3,000-£4,000 - meaning that 22% of young people cannot afford to take a year off

• British parents spend as much as £995 million a year in helping to fund their children’s gap years!
• Australians lead the highest number of gap year students; in 1974, only 4% of students opted for a gap year whereas it’s now about 11%. The UK remains at a steady 7%.

• Although they’ve been around for ages in the UK, the USA are only catching on to gap years – but only 5% of universities and colleges have a deferral policy for prospective students

• A study by the University of Western Australia discovered gap year students scored better than those who went to university straight from school – an average of 2.3 per cent higher in their first year results

• 66% of gap year students said that they took their academic work more seriously after having a gap year experience

• 60% of those who took a gap year said that their year out helped them decide what subject to concentrate on at university, and possibly what they wanted to do as a career

• 88% of people thought that their gap years had added to their employability

• 40% of gap year students do not apply to university before embarking on their gap year

• 80% work in Britain at some point during their gap year

• Gap year students are more likely to graduate with a First or Upper Second class honours degree than those who go straight to university

It’s very clear that the UK is leading the way for gap year students – and with gap years becoming more popular than ever, it’s more than likely that these statistics will be more impressive during the next academic year.