Jersey Overseas Aid, the Island’s official, publicly funded relief and development agency, has opened applications for its 2027 Volunteering Programme.
Launched at an event at The Royal Yacht Hotel on Wednesday 30 th September, Islanders are invited to submit applications to take part in their international volunteering programme in 2027. JOA is looking to recruit three teams of 8–12 Islanders to volunteer in Madagascar, Kenya and Nepal next year. These opportunities enable islanders to work alongside local communities, sharing skills and creating sustainable change.
During the event, details of the 2027 projects were shared, including an exciting new pilot project in Madagascar with Jersey- based charity, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. JOA has a long-standing partnership with Durrell, through its conservation livelihoods projects supporting nature dependent communities in Madagascar. This project will give Islanders the opportunity to work alongside local communities to carry out vital conservation work in Lake Alaotra, which is home to the Critically Endangered Alaotran gentle lemur and Endangered Meller’s duck, and also forms part of Madagascar’s most important rice producing region and inland fishery. Activities may include the removal of invasive plants, management of reforestation areas and working in tree nurseries.
Two further projects will take place in 2027. In Nepal, volunteers will work alongside Habitat for Humanity to help construct safe, climate-resilient housing for vulnerable families. In Kenya, volunteers will partner with Sand Dams Worldwide to support the construction of a sand dam, helping to secure reliable year-round access to clean water for local communities. Guided by the Global Volunteering Standard, JOA’s programme ensures volunteering is ethical, responsible and sustainable. Each project is developed in partnership with organisations that understand community priorities, ensuring volunteers contribute to locally identified needs and sustainable development outcomes. Working as part of diverse teams, participants will gain new skills, broaden their perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of global development and citizenship.
Deputy Carolyn Labey, Chair of JOA and Minister for International Development, said: “It was incredibly encouraging to see so many Islanders interested in giving their time, skills and experience to support communities overseas. Our Volunteer Programme is built on global solidarity and partnership, offering opportunities for Islanders to work alongside local communities, learn from one another and contribute to locally led development initiatives that create lasting change.”
Dan Craven, Volunteer Manager, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, said: “2026 marks 40 years of Durrell’s work in Madagascar and we’re delighted to be partnering with Jersey Overseas Aid on this exciting pilot volunteer project. Lake Alaotra is a globally important landscape, home to unique wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, while also supporting the livelihoods of thousands of people who depend on its natural resources. This project will give Islanders the opportunity to work alongside local communities, delivering hands on conservation activities such as habitat restoration, invasive species management and tree nursery development. This is a unique chance to support community-led conservation efforts and play a part in protecting this remarkable ecosystem for future generations.”
