SOUTH AFRICA Africa

Projects in South Africa

Volunteers may choose to work in Environmental, Educational, Social, Health and Tourism Development projects. While volunteering, participants stay within the local community in host family accommodation and experience 'real life' in this ever-changing country.

Environmental Development Projects - Many old nature reserves are being redeveloped and re-launched. Archaeological excavation sites are being displayed to study evolution and the cradle of mankind. Alien vegetation is being cleared to make way for the rich diversity of indigenous plant species to grow and flourish.

Tourism - Another important area of development is that of tourism. Tourism is the great source for local economic development in certain parts of the country, for without it, there would be no funds for the construction of necessary schools, hospitals and homes. Help build up tourism by lending a hand in the building of museums or by helping with the restoration of old churches and town halls in historic little towns. There are also projects bringing tourism to rural villages and local communities.

Education - There are several schools in and around Cape Town where volunteers are desperately needed to ‘roll up their sleeves' and interact with the children, assist in teaching basic English, coaching sports or even help to create and maintain school gardens. Schools, such as the Ikaya and Liefdespoorrt are one of many projects struggling to provide better education for township children. The world-renowned American opera singer Simon Estes founded the Simon Estes School of Music in Lansdowne, especially to accommodate musically talented students from underprivileged backgrounds.

Social Welfare - There are various social projects where a lot of help is needed, these include non-profit organisations that seek to readdress the damages of Apartheid and support the budding South African democracy. These organisations train community members to assume leadership roles, and volunteers are now being placed within these projects. Many hospitals and clinics are also desperate for the help of volunteers in centres around Cape Town.

Arrival & Orientation in Cape Town - Applicants will arrive into Cape Town International airport, and will call the Ashanti Lodge for a pick up at the airport and a transfer to the accommodation. The volunteer will be based here for the seven days during the comprehensive orientation before starting their volunteer projects.

The purpose of the orientation is to provide an understanding of the people, culture, languages and political climate of South Africa. It will also give the volunteer the necessary travel-safety and medical advice and how to prepare for the upcoming work or project. This will all take place while experiencing some of the beautiful areas that the Cape has to offer.

At the end of this orientation period, the participant will be taken to their proposed project sites, to meet with the project coordinator, as well as with their host families or move into their accommodation and embark on an exciting project.

Example Orientation Schedule – set for Tuesday arrivals:

• Tues: Airport pick up from Cape Town Airport to accommodation
• Wed: Walking tour of Cape Town : a tour offering an overview of the city
• Thursday: Cape Point full day tour
• Friday: Robben Island tour
• Saturday: Township half-day tour.
• Sun: Free day for rest and getting ready for projects.
• Monday: Winelands Tour full day tour
• Tuesday: Taken to project site.

Education - There are several schools in and around Cape Town where volunteers are desperately needed to ‘roll up their sleeves' and interact with the children, assist in teaching basic English, coaching sports or even help to create and maintain school gardens. Schools, such as the Ikaya and Liefdespoorrt are one of many projects struggling to provide better education for township children. The world-renowned American opera singer Simon Estes founded the Simon Estes School of Music in Lansdowne, especially to accommodate musically talented students from underprivileged backgrounds.

• Information on cultural differences and social norms
• Introduction to the Thai language
• Discussions and information on voluntary work projects
• Specialist lectures on various topics of interest to volunteers, related to the projects.
• Tours of the locality, trips in the area

On completion of the project, the volunteer is taken back to Cape Town, where accommodation is arranged for one night before either flying back home or leave to do an independent tour through the rest of South Africa.

Program Conditions

Eligibilty:

• 18 years plus, though more mature participants are welcome to apply. Admission will depend upon the availability of suitable project(s) and the willingness of the applicant to accept all program conditions.
• Individuals are preferred on this program as it is often difficult to place couples
• Tertiary training would be an advantage
• Flexible, talented and skilled individuals, willing to work hard.
• It is important for applicants to be able to speak, read and write English quite well.
• An ability to live and work in rural communities where conditions may be less comfortable

Duration & Visa requirements

• Program runs all year round, there is no fixed period of application.
• The length of the visitor's/tourist visa is 3 months.
• Set arrival dates – usually two dates per month.

2007:

• September 11th and 24th, October 16th and 30th, November 6th and 20th.