Tyler Hofmann, 22, and his partner Gemma Turner, 20, were selected to participate in  the International Student Volutneer   Abroad (ISV) program to participate in a number of activities to better the country.

Mr Hofmann said they applied for the program after hearing good things from a friend who also participated around two years ago.

“We wanted to go to South Africa because Gemma is studying law and in particular international relations and I am passionate about biodiversity, so once the opportunity arose we decided to apply,” he said.

Although the two don’t have an official itinerary, there were a number of projects participants could chose, so they decided to focus on community development.

 “We chose the community development mainly because it struggles to get as much volunteer support as the animal conservation. We also figure that once the community is more developed it will be able to look after and control its own conservation,” he said.

Miss Turner studies fulltime and Mr Hofmann studies whilst working, so they have reached out to the community for help.

“For both of us to participate it is going to cost $12,000 so any help from the local community would be appreciated, even the smallest of donations. We’re going to be selling showbags at the next markets and we’ll be at the main street Christmas carnival for those who would like to help,” Mr Hofmann said.

“All the money goes towards paying for our trip over. We’ll be travelling around in a small group of about 30 going to schools and educating people on HIV and AIDS,” he said.

When asked about any worries he or Miss Turner may have had going to South Africa, his response was reassuring.

“All of our friends and family have been a little worried with ebola and that.. But it hasn’t reached that part of South Africa and we’re not worried at all,” he said.

Mr Hofmann said the opportunity would be more than likely an eye-opener.

“It’s such a beautiful country and the people there are always kind and appreciative it’s such a shame it’s in a bad state… But hopefully by doing this program we can help make some difference,” he said. For more information, or if you have a question for Mr Hofmann email him at tylerjoel.hofmann@gmail.com