Volunteer in Maldives
Volunteer Programs in Maldives
Intro
Sitting in the Indian Ocean, The Maldives form an archipelago of 1,192 low-lying coral islands in 26 atolls; of these, only 200 are inhabited, with around half designated as private resorts. The capital Malé is crammed onto a tiny island and is a strictly Islamic city. Elsewhere, this is a tropical paradise of white sand beaches fringed by palms, surrounded by coral reefs and sheltered lagoons. The seas swarm with dolphins, whales, and turtles.
The laid-back lifestyle and array of watersports available, from kayaking to scuba diving, combined with the welcoming generosity of the local people, make this country a satisfying and worthwhile choice for volunteers. But a fragile ecosystem badly affected by global warming means that the future is not assured for the low-lying Maldives.
You’ll find many practical volunteering opportunities in The Maldives, from working with disadvantaged families to recording the life cycle of white sharks or introducing new hygiene systems in local hospitals.
Project Types
Many of the opportunities for volunteering in The Maldives center around the conservation of its fragile ecosystem, and you’re likely to find yourself immersed in the local communities on non-resort islands. There are also social projects available in Malé, the capital city, and on some of the larger islands.
Marine Conservation
Get the chance to swim alongside endangered white sharks for a month as you research their environment on a conservation project based on Dhigurah in Alif Dhaal Atoll, or help with the rehabilitation of sea turtles on Naifaru in Lhaviyani Atoll. Short volunteering options include two weeks aiding efforts at coral-reef conservation on Hoadedhdhoo in the southern Maldives atoll of Huvadhoo.
Community Projects
If you’re proud of your people skills, spend up to three months teaching local Maldivians to speak English or support disadvantaged youngsters in developing marketable skills to improve their job prospects. If you’re sports mad, work with communities to improve their fitness through sporting programs, and if you’re chasing a medical career back home, volunteer in a local hospital to help improve healthcare standards and hygiene.
Community Development
If you’re exercise mad, keep fit as you work alongside communities to improve their fitness through sporting programs. And if you’re chasing a medical career back home, volunteer in a local hospital to help raise local standards of healthcare and hygiene.
Working with Youth
Disaffection among Maldivian youth is increasing as unemployment becomes an issue across the islands. Why not support the community at grassroots level by helping disadvantaged youngsters to develop marketable skills and improve their job prospects?
Volunteer Teaching
If you want to hone your people skills, spend up to three months teaching local Maldivians to speak English. You’ll find that your local language skills were quickly rocket skywards and you’ll also get satisfaction from knowing you’re helping people to increase their job prospects.
Where
Volunteering in The Maldives usually means being immersed in nature on beautiful coral islands but these can be remote and spartan in their facilities. However, you’ll have the chance to meet, work, and socialize with the local communities, known for their generosity and open hospitality.
If island life is not for you, head to pocket-sized Malé, the world’s most densely populated capital city, where you’ll find opportunities to volunteer in education, housing development, or community support.
How
Your passport (valid for more than six months), a 30-day visa, and a return ticket are required when entering The Maldives. Forms are provided on your flights and the visas are issued on arrival at the airport.
Visas
US citizens with valid passports can spend 30 days in The Maldives. If you’re staying for longer, you’ll need to enter the country on a business visa, confirming that you’re a volunteer and which program you are working on. After that, you have the option to extend your visas to 90 days at the immigration department in Malé. The price is US$46. Chances are your program provider will provide the necessary visa, but if you’re going it alone, required paperwork includes a letter confirming your program, a medical report, a valid passport and copies of passport-sized photos, health insurance, and a completed application form.
There’s a departure tax of US$25 per person payable at the airport when you leave The Maldives.
Costs
Housing & Accommodation
As a volunteer in The Maldives, your accommodation may be part of the package on your program. Homestays offer you the chance to live with a local family for a full immersion in the country’s famously laid-back culture. While many people speak English, you’ll also find that you pick up the local language, Dhivehi.
You may prefer to house share with other volunteers or pay for private accommodation. Either way, don’t expect too much in the way of luxury; your home is likely to be basic.
