PAW Volunteers - Where are they now? 
Adam Polgrean volunteered for PAW in Malawi and was the first to complete the conservation training programme.
Why you chose PAW?
I was offered the opportunity to train and the chance to work on a wildlife conservation project in Africa and had been looking for some time for such a project when I stumbled across the volunteering programme at Mwabvi.
Briefly what kind of work you did whilst volunteering at PAW?
I oversaw the workforce in various development projects within the reserve, including the construction of the lodge, building new roads and repairing the old ones,
What did you most enjoy about volunteering?
Being out in the reserve, especially when I was surveying the route for new roads as these were untouched areas of wilderness where few, if any, people had been before me. Also, coordinating the visit of three school groups, educating the kids about the reserve and PAW’s presence there.
What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about volunteering?
Understand that it is hard work and can be quite an isolating experience, nearly as much as it is a rewarding one and to be prepared for that. It is however, worth it.
Where are you based now?
Cheltenham
Did you go onto do any more volunteering, fundraising or conservation work? Please explain briefly.
I’ve only been back a month and am still getting settled. Though am going to try and get involved with either the National Trust or English Nature as a volunteer.
What are you doing now?
I’m applying for a PGCE.
Lucy Millard was a volunteer for PAW during her time at university. We've caught up with her to find out what she's doing now.
Why you chose to volunteer with PAW?
I was interested in looking at the environment, as well as the community, and helping people realise the links between the two. It's a novel idea of how the charity runs both in Manchester and in Malawi and has really dedicated people.
Briefly what kind of work you did whilst volunteering at PAW?
I developed educational guides for children in both countries.
What did you most enjoy about volunteering?
The feeling of making a real difference and learning so much from the people who had gone out there - a very inspiring team. Also, it was my first real experience of the environmental sector, which made me realise that it is what I wanted to do with my life.
What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about volunteering?
Don’t think about it, do it!
Where are you based now?
Manchester.
Did you go onto do any more volunteering, fundraising or conservation work? Please explain briefly
I help out in the local community where I can, but it is also part of my job as I encourage students to get involved with sustainability related volunteering.
What are you doing now?
I am the Environmental and Sustainability Officer at the University of Manchester. Mainly working on carbon reduction, student and staff engagement, policy writing and implementation, sustainable travel and poverty aware procurement.
Catching up with past PAW volunteer Emma Tett.
Why you chose PAW?
Project African Wilderness is an incredible charity with fantastic plans for the future. I really wanted an opportunity to be involved with some of their exciting projects. Most of all I really like how PAW’s campaigns in Malawi work to ensure the best possible results not only for the animals but the local community too.
Briefly what kind of work you did whilst volunteering at PAW?
Whilst volunteering with PAW I was given the opportunity to try out all kinds of work. I set up the Facebook page, met with the advertising agency and tracked down local artists to help out with the new campaign. PAW offers such a wide range of activities that there is always something interesting going on.
What did you most enjoy about volunteering?
Working with PAW was an amazing opportunity. It was my first experience working in a Not for Profit organisation and it got me hooked. The team was great fun to work with, they were all really inviting and so willing to help out and teach me.
What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about volunteering?
Volunteering is great way to spend your free time. My advice would be to pick a cause that you really care about, that way it doesn’t feel like work. During my time with PAW I had the chance to learn about issues which are really important to me such as conservation and international animal protection
Where are you based now?
After volunteering with PAW I went to study in America on the East Coast for a year. Whilst abroad I became really interested in international conservation and development charities. I also joined the College’s Green Society and worked on introducing fair-trade around the campus. Right now I am finishing up my final year at Manchester University. After graduating I hope to continue working in not for profit organisations and maybe one day soon visit Malawi to see PAW’s work on the ground.
PAW: Promoting environmental conservation and development in Malawi
