Discover LIFE

The inaugural Discover LIFE program in Madagascar was a resounding success! LIFE stands for LVDI International Field Expeditions, a volunteer abroad program that uses an integrated approach to achieve measurable outcomes in wildlife protection, social good and a sustainable future. Guided by our experts, volunteers from diverse backgrounds lent their considerable talents to LVDI’s ongoing research, education and community empowerment efforts in eastern Madagascar. From teaching basic English and Biology to primary schoolchildren, to helping women gain economic independence, to collecting invaluable conservation data, their participation directly enriched their own lives, and more importantly directly improved the lives of the many Malagasy people with whom they interacted. LIFE volunteers had many firsts and each was truly an experience of a lifetime!

 

First exploration into the rainforest (photo © A. Delclos/LVDI International)

 

First encounter with a wild lemur – a Critically Endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur (top photo © R.M. Randrianarison/LVDI International; bottom photo © A. Delclos/LVDI International)

 

First sighting of a chameleon (photo © H. Alford/LVDI International)

 

First scientific meeting with LVDI International’s experts (photo © A. Delclos/ LVDI International)

 

First training in international diplomacy and cooperation (photo © LVDI International)

 

First team taught Biology and Art lessons to foster appreciation for nature in schoolchildren (photos © LVDI International)

 

First encouragement to inspire young minds to take flight (photos © LVDI International)

 

First community event to empower women in the GEM program to attain economic security (photo © LVDI International)

 

And first Malagasy dance to promote cross-cultural understanding (photo © LVDI International

 

Veloma vetivety! See you soon! (photo © H. Alford/LVDI International)