Yaara Justin

For me, the Race Against Extinction Project was the chance to make a difference.

In every activity that you do from painting gates, cleaning the enclosures and grooming the cheetah's, you know that you are doing something important for these animals. It's the spirit at RAE.

Unlike others projects in Africa, the main goal is to keep the animals as wild as you can, continue research, continue learning. It's not about becoming friends with them and taming them. For me it was the most important thing.

RAE is a really big place, with many animals, and it's amazing to see them after knowing how close they were to extinction. This is also why I felt that my contribution to this place is important - so they can continue with doing their sacred work. It's in every single little thing that I did, and with this feeling I came to work every morning, even if it was cleaning day or having a day without touch an animal.

As being the first volunteer there, I can't wait to see the baby become a child, and the pieces gather to the puzzle. and it's amazing how everyone can take a part in the process.

Moreover, the conditions in the project are great, the time in the backpackers gives you the opportunity to see the environment, to take the weekends in the beautiful area and there is a lot to do and see. For me, it was also a chance to meet people from different places and cultures, and become friends, and knowing that everyone shares the important goal of being there is making the relationship even stronger.

I will recommend the experience to everyone. Without matters like age, culture and occupation doesn't mean anything- you can still make difference.

And I feel now that the place and the people gave me so much in return. Thank you.