We follow strict criteria when setting up our community development projects.

Positive Impact of tourist visits on local community, environment, organization etc. Positive impacts can include financial & professional service donations, support of local economy and learning opportunities for both hosts & visitors.

Transparency in dealings & relationships with partner communities, organizations and client’s financial donations.

Quality of Experience for clients provides exceptional opportunities to participate in activities that excite, educate and expand horizons.

Market Driven to ensure projects are sustainable in the long run.

 Leadership within the community/organization must desire the participation of volunteers and willing to make efforts to make the partnership successful. Without this, resources will be wasted that can be better employed elsewhere.

 Participatory decision making by the community members, through meetings, discussions and workshops, is essential to determine the project. Decisions can not be made for or on behalf of the community. Participation must build on gender equality and include youth and the elderly.

 Experienced community facilitator must be available to guide the community to organize and take action to overcome poverty and become more self reliant. This person may be from the company, NGO or the community itself. Regardless, the person will possess skills and desires for community work and willing to learn through the development process.

Financial assistance is provided by volunteers after a participatory needs analysis / decision making process identifies best possible project to support community/organization’s self reliance and increased capacity. This is not ‘freely given’ charity which makes communities dependent upon aid.

Community provides a proportion of the resources (this varies) needed for a project (ie labour, management, local materials, land). This may be difficult and time consuming to determine and negotiate but if they do not contribute to the project they will never feel ownership. A community can only become stronger by struggling, and facing adversity. An empowering project facilitates this as participants to take control and accept responsibility for the actions which will lead to their increased strength.

Our code of ethics and community project  criteria ensure our clients take part in responsible travel that creates win / win / win. For more information on how you can take part in this process please contact  us.