South Africa
Often referred to as "The world in one country" South Africa is a land of extraordinary beauty, mystery and adventure.
Although this expression alludes to the varying climatic conditions, vegetation and the abundance of animals, it can also be used to describe the diversity of cultures, languages and religions, and the extremes of first world development next to third world difficulties. Since 1994, which marked the end of the Apartheid era, it has been possible to visit South Africa. Not only to visit, but also to become part of a nation once divided, now standing side by side. Working in South Africa gives the applicant first hand knowledge of a new nation that has learnt to overcome discrimination and that has moved towards progress and development, becoming the new economic power hub of Africa.
EIL's partner has created the opportunity for people from abroad to do voluntary community work while in South Africa. The programme runs all year round and includes a comprehensive 7-day orientation upon arrival and pre-placement for a 2-month period within a local community. Participants then have an additional three weeks to explore South Africa .
By volunteering your time, skills and love for people, you can make a difference in the lives of people and contribute to the welfare of society.
Projects
Environmental Education Projects
Many old nature reserves are being redeveloped and re-launched, saving important habitat. Educational facilities are being developed in many of these sites, with the goal of fostering environmental awareness and appreciation in young South Africans. 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. Volunteers are needed to work in the areas of biodiversity and education.
Sample conservation project: Rondevlei Nature Reserve - Zeekoevlei
Rondevlei is a large nature reserve with a vlei (lake) comrising a wetland refuge for birdlife. There are various flora and fauna in the reserve, including hippos. General duties for volunteers include maintaining the nursery, planting seedlings, general administrative duties, and assisting with environmental education programmes for school and youth groups visiting the reserve. Requirements include loving the outdoors and may involve getting your hands dirty!
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 some 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.
Example of pre-school project: Lieftespoort School - Philippi
The Lieftespoort School in Philippe caters for all ages of children, from pre-primary to primary ages, most of the scholars at the school are from poor farming communities and much help is needed at the pre-school to assist the children with activities, games and rest times. Volunteers that are interested in helping at Lieftespoort need to have a genuine interest in children, be patient, loving, kind and have loads of enthusiasm and patience. The crèche/pre primary school caters for around 75-100 children and is mostly from local communities from poorer backgrounds.
Example of primary school project: Sunnyside Primary School - Athlone
Sunnyside Primary School is situated within the local community of Athlone. and is a secure and safe school, which protects its scholars from the outside environment. These scholars are more settled in their families, and the families can afford good schools, food and clothes for their children. The sizes of these classes leave the teachers in the position where they can't give one on one attention to the children. This is where the volunteers will help, to interact with the children, teach them arts ad crafts; musical instruments, read stories and teach rhymes and songs and assist the classroom teacher with daily activity preparation.
The volunteers will have to be flexible and have a wish to work with young children. Volunteers should have some arts and crafts skills, child counselling, and child caring abilities. The school is fully and totally equipped with crayons and paints, etc. necessary to keep the children busy for the full day. Previous volunteers have set up a new library and new volunteers are needed to carry on caring for the library, helping with classification of books etc. If any volunteers have a love of reading, or library experience this will be an exciting and rewarding project for them.
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. Duties for volunteers will vary from feeding young children, to playing and assisting with homework for those struggling at school. At the homes for abused women, volunteers will assist with day to day activities and with skills development.
Sample social welfare project: Place of Hope - Crawford/Athlone
Place of Hope is a residential facility for abused women and their children. Volunteers will help in all aspects of the home, including cooking and meal planning, assisting in the creche on the premises, and helping to run the life skills workshops run by the home.
Programme details
Arrival & Orientation
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:
- Tuesday: Airport pick up from Cape Town Airport to accommodation
- Wednesday: 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.
- Sunday: Free day for rest and getting ready for projects.
- Monday: Winelands Tour full day tour
- Tuesday: Taken to project site.
Programme 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 visa is 3 months.
- Set arrival dates – usually two dates per month.
Costs for 2011
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| 5 weeks | US$ 2313 |
| 9 weeks | US$ 2670 |
| 13 weeks | US$ 3113 |
| 17 weeks | US$ 3642 |
| 25 weeks | US$ 4558 |
| 33 weeks | US$ 5301 |
A special 5 week programme for those aged 35 and above is available for US$ 2784.
A 6 week programme for all is available upon request.
Please note, due to fluctuations in the exchange rate prices are given in US$. A price will be quoted in £ sterling on application.
What is included in the cost of the programme
- Application processing, interview and pre-departure information.
- Pre-placement in a development project.
- A handbook and guide with more information about living in South Africa .
- Meals and accommodation for the duration of the placement.
- Transfer from the airport in Cape Town to the Lodge/Hostel.
- Transport to and from the project site.
- A comprehensive seven-day orientation on arrival in Cape Town .
- Daily pick ups from the hostel when on day tours
- A total of 5 different tours during the orientation week, with two free days.
- The full support of the hosting organisation.
- Applicants are free to use the host organisation’s telephone (for local calls) and computer for e-mail.
- Host organisation’s assistance and back-up support to all inbound students while in South Africa , with full onward travel advice.
What is not included in the cost of the programme
- Transportation to and from South Africa, passport and visa fees if any.
- Travel and Health Insurance.
- Meals during orientation week.
- Transport to and from the host community.
- Airport shuttle after programme completion.
- Some social activities.
- Extra costs associated with special dietary needs.
- Personal expenses including international phone calls.
