For the past 6 months, I have been on the road with The EXPEDITION Project, an NGO that has embarked on a 365 day journey 'in search of a nation's stories, dreams and heartbeat'. 200 towns in 365 days. Now that is a mean feat. While the goals of this project are endless, the primary focuses are:- To encourage tourism into the smaller towns of South Africa
- To inspire sustainable change
- To highlight some of the social and environmental initiatives and projects that are currently active in South Africa
Each day with TEP is different. Each day is new and exciting. One day we may be visiting a local school, orphanage or drop-in centre and the following day we will be joining rangers on a game drive and being educated on sustainable tourism and game park management. What is so special about TEP is that it is not a once-off, 'feel good' campaign -this year is the first of a series of expeditions to go around the country and with each year that passes, progress will be made.
Roger Wynne-Dyke (founder of TEP) is one of the most driven and dedicated individuals I have ever met; he is extremely proud of his country and is devoting his life to better it in any way he can. With minimal financial support behind him, he is doing this out of the goodness of his own heart and is determined to complete this year even if it means ending up broke.
I feel incredibly lucky to have been selected to join him on this inspiring journey and am relishing in every opportunity that arises. I don't take a moment for granted and have learnt so much in this relatively short period of time. I know The EXPEDITION Project is going to be successful because with so much 'drive' and commitment behind a project, I mean...how can it not succeed in the end?
Maddy Savitt: The EXPEDITION Project Volunteer 2012
