Whenever we travel, we always want the days we spend in the destination we choose to have a special meaning, to rip our hearts out, and to leave us memories for the rest of our lives. For those who travel to volunteer, the meaning, the purpose, and the result of traveling has an even greater importance and the power to transform their lives.
Those who decide to volunteer abroad want to help others, but also to discover the true culture of the country, the people in their day to day life, the customs, and what is not usually shown to ordinary tourists. Their expectations are different, and therefore, they require unique and unforgettable experiences beyond what tourism can offer.
Why & how to volunteer in Portugal
In Portugal, that little country at the tip of Europe bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, with beautiful monuments and magnificent landscapes, there are plenty of unforgettable experiences to be had as a volunteer. If you’re ready to consider a destination that doesn’t frequent top 10 lists, then read on to learn more about four unique ways to volunteer in Portugal.
1. Marine Conservation
Do you like the contact with nature, the beach, the sea? This is the right way to volunteer in Portugal for you!
Portugal volunteers in marine conservation programs will have the opportunity to join a variety of conservation efforts focused on the protection of the marine ecosystem in the South Coast of Portugal. Volunteers work is often in collaboration with diving schools that emphasize local environmental protection. During each dive, in addition to seeing the wonders of the Atlantic Ocean, volunteers help collect trash that has accumulated at the bottom of the sea, helping to preserve the Atlantic Ocean’s marine fauna and flora.
Marine conservation volunteers are always supervised by an experienced diver instructor and receive comprehensive training on marine conservation and ecology, so previous experience isn’t necessarily a must. Anyone is welcome to become a marine conservation volunteer in Portugal, from beginners (who can start with Open Water Dive Certification) to more experienced divers (who can pursue Advanced Open Water Dive Certification).
No matter what level of diving experience, volunteers will get the chance to observe fish of all colors, touch all kinds of seaweeds, explore underwater caves, and discover boat wrecks left behind. Marine conservation volunteers will find wonders hidden underwater, Portuguese treasures unknown to many, but loved by those who are brave enough to take a dive.
Marine conservation volunteering in Portugal is the opportunity to discover a new underwater world and contribute to clean up of the Atlantic Ocean.
[Join a Eco-Diving Volunteer Program in Portugal]
2. Wolf Conservation
Are you passionate about nature, wildlife and animals? Do you prefer the quiet of the forest instead of the crowded big cities? Becoming a wolf conservation volunteer in Portugal may just give you the chance to combine all these ingredients and help the Iberian Wolf, which is an endangered species.
Wolf conservation volunteers can participate in a wide range of day-to-day activities at natural park centers, including assisting with animal feeding, checking water, maintenance of the center’s infrastructure, fire prevention, forest cleaning, and observing wolves to check on their health, among other tasks. Volunteers always have local staff to guide them through their program and ensure they are safe.
The daily tasks of wolf conservation volunteers in Portugal are both helpful and fun, and give volunteers the chance to meet people with the same passions. The setting also provides volunteers with a unique opportunity to connect with nature, and the wolves, making this the perfect way for nature lovers to volunteer in Portugal.
[Connect With Nature Through Wolf Conservation Volunteering]
3. Building Futures
Who wouldn’t want to be part of building happiness in others’ lives? The place where we live is also the mirror of our soul and happiness. Having a home where we feel comfortable and where we have good memories and dignity is essential to being happy.
In Portugal, over two million people are in danger of living in poverty, including 500 thousand children and their families. Choosing to become a building volunteer in Portugal will directly help families by giving them a decent home and a healthier, happier place to live.
Building volunteers will have the opportunity to be integrated in a team that have a common mission, to rebuild houses and consequently rebuild lives, smiles, and families. Construction volunteer work may involve painting doors and walls, fixing bathrooms, or putting in floors, all while having a great time meeting new people as you work.
What’s the best part? You don’t have to be an expert in construction to volunteer in Portugal, as there will always be a supervisor explaining how to perform the tasks and making sure everything you do is correct on your building project.
Construction volunteer in Portugal will be an amazing experience amidst different people with different lives, and help you build different skills you never thought you had.
[Give More Families a Home in Portugal]
4. Fighting Food Waste
Interested in helping fewer people go hungry? Who isn’t? Every day there are hundreds of hungry families, and every day there are thousands of kilos of food in perfect conditions, thrown in the trash. Hunger, malnutrition, or poor diet are problems that also occur in large cities and first world countries too.
Nutrition focused volunteer programs in Portugal often aim to help local institutions that combat food waste to collect, organize, and distribute food excess from restaurants, cafés, and supermarkets to fight food waste. These types of programs give volunteers the feeling that they are actively contributing to fighting food waste and hunger in a structured system, by sometimes feeding over 3000 people every day!
Volunteers can work to support centers across Lisbon, with daily tasks such as collecting food from local providers, assisting with packaging, sorting, and storing leftover food, and distributing food to families.
Fighting food waste might be a lot of work, but you will have the time of your life working with locals and your fellow volunteers.
[Here's a Great Way to Volunteer in Portugal]
Don’t miss out! Grab any opportunity to volunteer in Portugal
The above opportunities are just four of the most amazing ways to volunteer in Portugal, in which, besides helping, you will have a great time, meet new and wonderful people, and give a real meaning to your holidays. But, there are plenty more ways to volunteer in Portugal that we haven’t even begun to explain.
Find More Opportunities to Volunteer in Portugal
This article was contributed by ImpacTrip, an organization dedicated to providing impactful volunteer experiences in Portugal.
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