Give the community a gap
So you're finished with school. You passed matric and you are ready for your future... or not. For many school leavers this is a very daunting time. While their peers have set a course for their future, they are lounging at home, at a loss for a direction to steer their future in. So why not take a gap year? Gap years don't have to cost a fortune. In fact, they can be quite inexpensive especially if you take one locally and plough back into your community. Your options are almost limitless - but if you want to enjoy what you are doing and gain maximum experience, you have to aim for something you are passionate about. If you like animals more than people, or just as much, why not join one of the local animal welfare societies or rescue centers? They will never say no to any form of help and you can heap love on these neglected animals every day for the next year. Dogs, cats, horses, pigs, sheep - they all need your help. Many emergency rescue services like ambulance services, paramedics, firefighters or sea rescue organisations are also available to assist and train volunteers. More of a greenie or a botanist? There are scores of organisations who do regular outdoor clean-ups and educational outreaches. Have you ever thought of volunteering at your local botanical garden? If none of the above tickle your fancy, why not try out the arts and cultural side of life and volunteer at your local museum, library or arts theatre? A plethora of arts and cultural organisations await you. Some focus on language, others on fine arts and some on song, dance and drama. If the limelight is not for you and you prefer to work behind the scenes, why not look at organisations that take care of the frail and ill? There are many adults and children in hospitals or medical care centres fighting some form of terminal disease - you can be the one who brings a smile to their face and makes their situation a little more bearable. There's a myriad of nonprofit organisations across the country and each one needs help. Do some research and find the one that ignites your passion. For any of these options, having some medical or emergency training under your belt would be invaluable, for you, as well as the organisation you choose to work with. For short medical and emergency training courses in the Garden Route visit www.9-11. co.za.