As part of our ‘Meet The Team’ series, we’re catching up with Alistair, our Partnerships Co-ordinator, to find out more about his role and what he gets up to outside of African Adventures.
What does your role involve?
As a Partnerships Coordinator, my job is to build relationships with new and existing clients. This may range from initial meetings about what types of trips we run to how African Adventures can tailor a bespoke trip to a group so that all volunteers are getting the most out of their experience. My role also involves delivering presentations to all volunteers prior to their trip by talking more about the trip they will be going on, answering their questions using my own personal experiences of travelling to Africa and how I can support them with their fundraising journey.
What’s the best bit about your role?
I think the best part about my job is getting to go to all our different groups who are launching trips and inviting volunteers who are thinking about going. Everyone in the room at these events want to go and make a difference volunteering with one of our amazing partner schools which is amazing! It’s great I get to answer their queries and reassure them that they will have the most unforgettable experience whilst settling any nerves or giving them advice about fundraising.
Why did you choose to join the African Adventures team?
I started at African Adventures in November 2024 after making the difficult decision to leave my role at a football club charity. Ultimately the reason I wanted to join the team here was since I was a customer I have loved everything about the company! I believe the experiences that trips provide are so valuable to individuals’ personal development, both as a person and in their chose career, but also how passionate and dedicated all staff are to wanting to change the lives of people in Ghana, Kenya and Zanzibar.
Have you visited any of our partner schools or host destinations?
Yes! I was a customer with African Adventures when I used to work for a football club charity. I helped set up their very first trip to Zanzibar where we volunteered at Fuoni School. I’m looking forward to later this year though as in November I will be heading to Ghana so I can’t wait to get volunteering once again!!
What’s been the proudest moment of your job?
Working with my old college to set up their very first trip has been something I’ve been proud of! The college I went to helped me so much to get to where I am today so its nice to be able to add to the amazing opportunities they provide at the college for students.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Away from work I love being active and keep myself busy playing football, going to the gym, running and paddle boarding. I’ve also got a three-and-a-half-year-old cocker spaniel so she comes running with me or we’ll go on some long walks.
Tell us something interesting about yourself
I love a challenge! In the space of five months this year I completed my first half marathon, marathon and ultra marathon – all of which I’ve fundraised to donate money to important organisations. For the ultra-marathon me and Will, African Adventures Partnerships Manager, raised over £2000 for African Adventures Foundation. The money went towards the construction of a library at Ubago School in Zanzibar . I’m looking at booking more events for the future now to try and better my existing times of each and raise more money for important causes hopefully!
