Ruby Jones, a third-year digital marketing student from the University of Chester, spent a month in South Africa as part of a study abroad volunteering placement with Edge of Africa during her second year.
She has now been invited to return to Cape Town as project co-ordinator, where she will mentor a new group of Chester students and support projects in education, infrastructure, and biodiversity.
Miss Jones said: “When I departed Manchester Airport, I was very emotional and nervous for my first time away from home with a group of people I had only just met, but I was just as sad to leave the experience after growing so much as a person and missing the experience.
“Our unforgettable trip began with three days in Cape Town exploring all it had to offer; from Table Mountain to the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive, Boulders Beach, a tour of Robben Island from a former inmate, walked the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap, dining at traditional South African restaurants as well as having some downtime to explore Cape Town’s nightlife.”
The journey continued east to Knysna, where the group volunteered with community projects throughout the week.
Miss Jones said: “The weeks that followed were full of fun, education, and life-changing memories.
“During the week we would volunteer in various community supporting projects in the Knysna township, and at the weekends we had activities including feeding elephants at a local sanctuary, skydiving, bungee jumping off the world’s tallest bridge bungee, going on a boat trip to the Knysna heads and visiting local craft markets.”
She is now preparing to return as project co-ordinator for the university’s 2026 volunteer group.
Miss Jones said: “I am extremely excited I have been offered the opportunity to return this year as a project co-ordinator for the 2026 University of Chester volunteer group.”
Candida Darling, overseas learning and study abroad lead at the university’s Centre for Student Exchange and Language Development, praised Ruby’s work and the value of the programme.
Ms Darling said: “After demonstrating exceptional dedication and cultural empathy during her initial placement, Ruby will now oversee the logistics and mentorship of a new group of students.
“Her role involves bridging the gap between our volunteers and the needs of the local communities in the South African townships.
“Edge of Africa and the University of Chester have been working together for nearly 20 years and we are incredibly grateful to the organisation for the opportunities they offer Chester students.”