Dreaming of being in South Africa during
the 2010 football World Cup? Dreams can come true with Volunteer
South Africa’s NEW project! Click
here for more information.
Population
47,556,900
Capital City Governmental
power in South Africa is divided among three capitals: Pretoria
(administrative, with a population of 1.5 million), Bloemfontein
(judicial) and Cape Town (legislative).
Currency Rand
Languages Afrikaans, English,
Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and
Zulu - all (official)
National Day 27 April; Freedom
Day
Religions Christian (68%),
Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and traditional religions.
Climate Climate
varies considerably across South Africa; generally temperatures
are hot in summer and mild in winter; the Cape peninsula has
a Mediterranean climate with four well-defined seasons.
Highlights Table
Mountain, Robben Island, The Garden Route, Wine Country, Kruger
National Park
South Africa is a land of extremes, boasting dramatically
diverse cultures, religions, languages, climate, geography and
wildlife. Its pristine beaches, majestic mountains and friendly
people make it an obvious tourist destination. IEP offers two
programs for Australians interested in spending time in South
Africa: Work South Africa and Volunteer South Africa.
VOLUNTEER
SOUTH AFRICA
1 MONTH PLACEMENT $2800
2 MONTH PLACEMENT $3100
3 MONTH PLACEMENT $3375
IEP’s Volunteer South Africa
program allows you a rare insight into the tremendous diversity
and resilience of a country moving beyond massive obstacles toward
a new and vibrant future. You will develop invaluable skills and
improve your self confidence while making a difference in the
lives of others.
IEP’s volunteers in South
Africa have access to the full support services of SASTS for the
duration of their placement. Packages include placement before
leaving Australia, orientation and comprehensive tours on arrival,
meals and accommodation for the duration of the placement, emergency assistance, internet
access and mail holding.
Eligibility:
aged 18 - 35 - applicants older than this age bracket are
encouraged to contact IEP to discuss your options.
VISA: No work permits required - 3 month tourist visa.
Applications should be lodged
at least 10 weeks prior to departure.
Must arrive on a Sunday as this is when orientations begin. Departures in December are discouraged as placements often close down over the Christmas/New Year period.
INCLUSIONS
IEP’s Volunteer South Africa
program consists of a one-week orientation followed by an eight-week
placement and three weeks afterwards to travel. Participants
are placed in positions in a range of fields including,
community development, education, tourism and social work.
Before you go:
• Placement in a development project suited to your skills,
experience and preferences (4 or 8 weeks, including accommodation
and meals)
• Personal support and advice from experienced IEP staff
to help organise your trip (including interview to determine suitability)
• One or two months comprehensive travel insurance, extendable
up to two years
• Phone card with $5 credit
• Lonely Planet Guide to South Africa
• Brochures and maps to familiarise yourself with
South Africa
• Vital Info South Africa Handbook
While you’re there:
• 1, 2 or 3 months membership of SASTS (1 week orientation,
4, 8 or 12 weeks placement), including full support by SASTS staff
throughout your stay
• Transfer from the airport in Cape
Town to accommodation
• Six nights accommodation during orientation at a beautiful
lodge/hostel in Cape Town, including breakfasts
• Volunteer South Africa Handbook containing loads of information
about living and working in South Africa
• A comprehensive seven-day orientation on arrival in Cape
Town, which includes, tours and work and safety orientation
• Daily pickup from the hostel for day tours
• 3-day Western Cape Tour from Cape Town to Stellenbosch
to explore the Cape Peninsula's spectacular coastline; then to
Hermanus via wine estates and scenic mountain passes before returning
to Cape Town.
• Access to internet and email from 9 to 5 Monday to Friday
• Mail-holding facilities and message-taking service
• Notice boards and staff to deal with queries
• ISIC card
• Airtime Voucher worth R55
• Meals and accommodation at homestay for the duration of
the placement
• Transport to and from the project site
• Accommodation for one night in Cape Town at the end of
the project
• Travel advice and information on post work travel
Below
is a selection of the types of projects that are available through
the Volunteer South Africa program. Participants are
placed at a project based on their own skills, experiences, and
needs - however please be aware that some projects have end of
year closing dates. For a full list of projects available, please
contact IEP.
Below is a summary table of what is involved in each type of placement. Scroll below for more detailed information about each of these and examples of the projects available.
EDUCATION
CHILDCARE
Working as a teacher's assistant in a pre-school, primary or secondary school helping to teach English and other subjects.
Organising activities from arts and crafts, sports, dance and music to extra curricular activities.
Supervising in schools, day-care centres and orphanages.
Helping with meal times and play time.
Assisting with basic education and the day-to-day running of a centre.
HIV/AIDS AWARENESS
ENVIRONMENTAL/AGRICULTURAL
Educating local communities on the risks of HIV infection; assitsing with local workshops, awareness programmes and HIV/AIDS support sessions.
Helping with the general administration and promotion of a project in the community.
Assisting in an urban farming co-operative or nature reserve.
Environmental awareness initiatives directed at school groups and visitors to the parks.
Clearing trails and monitoring flora and fauna.
HEALTHCARE/CARE WORK
TOURISM
Assisting in clinics and care homes for people with physical, emotional or mental disabilities (suitably qualified or experienced applicants only).
Assisting with the general running and promotion of a tourism project in a rural village or local community.
Educational (Creche/Pre
school, primary, secondary) Varying
largely, these may be very-well organised or more basic and home-based.
Some of the other challenges that they
are faced with is de-motivated staff, and the fact that facilities
are often very limited. You will be involved in duties
such as assisting with teaching classes, feeding, playing, helping
to prepare meals, making educational toys and learning aids. Some
activities may involve assisting with cooking and helping out
with tidying up. Help is needed specifically with teaching in
Maths, English, Science and Life Skills. Volunteers need to be
flexible and willing to help wherever help is needed. It
is also important that they understand the local community situations
and the local challenges associated with these types of placements.
A love for children and lots of patience are very important. A
willingness to help in other areas of the project would also add
value e.g. upgrades to the facility, basic administration, and finding
creative ways to make learning aids/material.
SIYAKHULA CRECHE
Location
Kayamandi Township
Structure
and facilities
Fairly organized,
little resources
Number
of learners
15
Age groups
Infants –
3 yrs
Socio-economic
status of community
Kayamandi is
a black informal settlement. People in this township
are underprivileged and from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
Children attending this school are from the local area.
Duties
General assistance
with routine of school, such as meal, sleep and play time.
Assisting with care and stimulation of these young children
and infants.
Skill
requirements
Patience, creativity,
initiative. A love for babies.
LOTUS RIVER PRIMARY SCHOOL
Location
Lotus River
Structure
and facilities
Primary school
with classes from Grade1 – Grade 7. There are 2 classes
per grade.
Number
of learners
450 children
in the school with average of 20-30 per class.
Age groups
6 – 13
yrs
Socio-economic
status of community
Lotus River is
a coloured area in the Cape Flats. People living in this
area are not very financially secure. Children attending
this school are from the surrounding area.
Duties
General teachers’
assistance with creative task and daily routine.
KAYAMANDI HIGH SCHOOL
Location
Kayamandi Township
Structure
and facilities
High School with
limited material resources and structure. Classes are divided
from grade 8 -12.
There are about 45 classes.
Number
of learners
+1300
learners
Age groups
14 – 18
yrs
Socio-economic
status of community
Kayamandi is
a black informal settlement. People in this township
are underprivileged and from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
Children attending this school are from the area. The children
attending this crèche/pre-school are of the more
unfortunate families
Duties
Assisting teachers
in the classroom. Volunteer could also do extra mural activities
if he/she has a special skill.
Skill
requirements
Patience, creativity,
initiative.
Please email
us for more information about these placement, or for information
about others that are available.
Social Welfare The structure
and facilities of these placements vary depending on the location,
resources available and level of trained staff at the project. Most of these projects are government funded or subsidised.
Orphanages
Safe houses for women & kids
Homes for physically and mentally challenged
children
Duties of volunteers will vary from feeding, clothing
younger kids, to playing, and assisting with homework and kids
struggling at school. The kids mostly need an ear to listen,
a helping hand and warm hugs and affection.
Some activities may involve assisting with cooking and helping
out with tidying up, helping with awareness programmes and skills
development. Volunteers need to be flexible and willing to help
wherever help is needed. It is also important that they
understand the local community situations and the local challenges
associated with these types of placements. Volunteers must be
able to take initiative and think creatively. A love for children
and lots of patience are very important. A willingness to
help in other areas of the project would also add value e.g. upgrades
to the facility, finding creative ways to make facility neat and
tidy.
'ADOPT-A-CHILD'
Location
Parkwood
Structure
and facilities
The Adopt-a-child
project is based at the Parkwood Primary school in which
volunteers will assist in adding and alleviating the social
problems of children from deprived backgrounds. The project
aims to assist with slow learners and children with domestic
problems.
Number
of learners
Varying
Age groups
Primary school
ages : 6-13 yrs
Socio-economic
status of community
The children
are all from the underprivileged, suburb of Parkwood and
surrounding areas. These children are problematic domestic
backgrounds resulting in the need for extra attention. The
children focused on by this project are predominantly slow
learners.
Duties
Assisting in
various aspects, such as reading programmes and support
system for slow learners
Skill
requirements
Patience, initiative
and creativity. Remedial educator background would be of
great assistance.
Please email
us for more information about this placement, or for information
about others that are available.
Community Development The structure and facilities vary depending
on the location, resources available and level of trained staff
at the project. Some projects are very well structured and
well managed others you will find are less structured and more
patience is required as work loads vary from day-to-day. These
are mostly funded by fundraising initiatives, donations and membership
fees.
Tourism
Women empowerment
Job creation initiatives
Most volunteer duties involve development of people at various levels
e.g. skills development, learnership programmes, awareness programmes
and community outreaches. Volunteers must be willing to
help wherever help is needed. It is also important that
they understand the local community situations and the local challenges
associated with these types of placements. Volunteers must be
able to take initiative and think creatively. Administration
work will also form part of the duties of the volunteer. A willingness
to help in other areas of the project would also add value e.g.
upgrades to the facility, finding creative ways to make facility
neat and tidy and programmes offered at the facility.
Environmental (Kindly note that these projects do not involve working with animals - please check out the wildlife volunteer projects below if you are interested in this)
The structure and facilities vary depending on the
location, resources available. Some projects are very well structured
and well managed. Most of these projects are government funded
or subsidised through donations and some funding from government.
Some projects charge a minimal fee for entrance or for use of
facilities.
Environmental Awareness Programmes
Environmental Awareness Programmes
South African National Parks
Environmental Parks & Recreational Facilities
Duties of volunteers will include visitors management,
outdoor environmental work e.g. clearing paths, removing alien
vegetation, bird counting, and facilitating awareness programmes
for people of different ages.A love for the
outdoors and a willingness to get your hands dirty and working
in sometimes unpleasant weather conditions are required. For awareness
camps and programmes you must love working with children and be
able to work in a team.
RONDERVLEI NATURE RESERVE
Location
Zeekoevlei
Structure
and facilities
Nature reserve
with a large vlei (lake) comprising of a very important
wetland for birdlife. There are various flora and fauna
in the nature reserve. Hippos are residence of this nature
reserve and extensive array of birdlife.
Duties
General duties
at the reserve. Maintaining the nursery, planting seedlings,
general administration, helping to assist with environment
educational programmes for school groups and youth groups
visiting the reserve.
Skill
requirements
Out door, nature
lovers. Volunteers that don’t mind getting hands dirty
and spending time outdoors.
Please email
us for more information about this placement, or for information
about others that are available.
Sports Development Structure and facilities vary depending on the location,
resources available and level of trained staff at the project.
Some projects are very well structured and well managed and others
you will find lack infrastructure and resources. Most of
these projects are funded through subsidies, donations and grants.
In some instances fees participants contribute towards general
overheads, transportation and facilities.
Sports coaching at local schools
Soccer camps
Volunteers conduct basic sports coaching and fitness
training. In some instances coaching involves informing about
healthy lifestyle awareness programmes and teambuilding programmes.
A love for sports and people is needed, as is a willingness to
help and to adapt to various programmes offered.
FUTURE FACTORY
Location
Various schools
Structure
and facilities
Future factory
is a sports development project that works with a number
of disadvantaged school in the southern suburbs of Cape
Town.
Number
of learners
Varies, usually
about 15-30.
Age groups
6 – 14
yrs.
Socio-economic
status of community
The schools are
all in coloured or black areas. These school do not have
very structured sports development programmes and Future
factory come in to fill this gap.
Duties
Assisting in
sports coaching.
Skill
requirements
Keen interest
in sport and love for children.
Please email
us for more information about this placement, or for information
about others that are available.
Health Most of the medical
projects are understaffed and there is a lack of resources. This
can be a very stressful and challenging environment to work in.
Local clinics
Public hospitals
Homes for the mentally and physically challenged
Hospice centres for terminally ill HIV/AIDS
patients
HIV/AIDS awareness programmes
Duties of volunteers will vary from day-to-day.
Exposure to various specific tasks are very limited due to government
regulations for volunteers in these types of placements. It is
important that volunteers understand the local South African Health
situation and the challenges that it is faced with. These
placements should not be seen or regarded as internship positions
or an opportunity to gain experience or practical training in
the medical field for the intention of intended further medical
studies. Volunteers need to be extremely open-minded
and flexible in their approach to this type of placement.
They must be willing to give any basic help needed. Initially
it will take a while for them to get to know the staff and understand
the limitations. The staff will assess the volunteers and they
will be given more to do once they find their way around basic
activities. Medical related experience or studies in this field
are beneficial, as will a love for people with health related
problems. Patience and flexibility are very important.
ELSIES RIVER CLINIC
Location
Elsies River
Structure
and facilities
The day hospital
is a medical centre for the local people in the community.
Day hospitals offer medical services free of charge for
the underprivileged and emergency cases.
Socio-economic
status of community
The community
of Elsies River consists of a variety of social classes
ranging from informal settlements to lower and middle class
communities. All these residences make use of the facilities
of the day hospital. HIV/AIDS awareness is offered.
Various training and life skill programmes have also been
initiated.
Duties
Assisting the
nursing sisters with day patients. Jobs may vary from day
to day and also depending on volunteers experience and qualifications.
Skill
requirements
Preferably students
with medical background or a very keen interest in furthering
studies in the medical field.
Please email
us for more information about this placement, or for information
about others that are available.
Wildlife Volunteer Programme
Based 10 hours drive by bus from Cape
Town, the Kwantu Game Reserve is situated in the Eastern Cape
Region about 1 hours drive from Port Elizabeth. Volunteers
work and live on the game reserve. Volunteers are placed in staff
housing accommodation. There are two fully furnished staff
houses (one for male staff members and male volunteers and the
other for female staff members and female volunteers). Recreational
activities are limited on the reserve. Kwantu will however
arrange for weekend get-aways to the city every alternative weekend.
Duties of volunteers will mostly be outdoors and will sometimes
be under unpleasant weather conditions. Duties will include:
tracking animals, removing alien vegetation, mending fences, animal
counts, animal feeding, general visitor management, accompanying
guides on game drives and clearing paths. You will need a love
for wildlife and the outdoors, a willingness to get your hands
dirty and working in sometimes unpleasant weather conditions,
and flexibility and willingness to learn and help where help is
needed.
Please email
us for more information about this placement, or for information
about others that are available.
Population
47,556,900 
Varying
largely, these may be very-well organised or more basic and home-based.
Some of the other challenges that they
are faced with is de-motivated staff, and the fact that facilities
are often very limited. You will be involved in duties
such as assisting with teaching classes, feeding, playing, helping
to prepare meals, making educational toys and learning aids. Some
activities may involve assisting with cooking and helping out
with tidying up. Help is needed specifically with teaching in
Maths, English, Science and Life Skills. Volunteers need to be
flexible and willing to help wherever help is needed. It
is also important that they understand the local community situations
and the local challenges associated with these types of placements.
A love for children and lots of patience are very important. A
willingness to help in other areas of the project would also add
value e.g. upgrades to the facility, basic administration, and finding
creative ways to make learning aids/material.
