Description

For volunteers with an interest in making a real difference to the lives of some very special South African children, the Wild Coast Schools Project will see you playing a vital role in the introduction of Computer Literacy Skills and a Sports Program to a growing number of rural schools on the Wild Coast, the land of Nelson Mandela's birth.

All meals and accommodation are included in a beautiful setting on the shores of the warm Indian Ocean amongst lagoon dune forest.

Interactive Sports Development
The projects sports initiative is an exciting drive to introduce and develop on-going growth and appreciation in the sporting arena in socio-economically challenged areas of the Wild Coast. For the most part, schools lack the resources and the capacity to provide effective sports opportunities for their learners.

Computer Literacy Skills Development
Computer Literacy, considered in today's developed societies as a basic human right, is only in its infancy in the Wild Coast region. In the few schools that have electricity, very few have computers, and those that have computers have been left to develop in a vacuum with inappropriate and non-existent support structures.

Highlights

Volunteer Testimonial:

Zoe Durnford - 21 from the UK
"Volunteering with the Wild Coast Schools project was amazing. The project itself is incredibly rewarding, you really do know that you are making a difference to not just the children's lives, but also the entire community. You get to experience an array of different types of schools, development and children. The teachers are very accepting and willing to help you out.

The small community you're based in is so friendly and you really get a feel of South Africa. The whole village seems to be involved in the project and there is a real sense of community and making a difference. I made so many friends, not just with the other volunteers but the children, teachers, project leaders and locals! Definitely worth a visit! I've wanted to be back ever since I got home!"

Qualifications

No previous experience is required, although basic computer literacy skills and/or an interest in sports would be useful!

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

From USD 470 per week

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Registration fees

Program Fees Include:

Your Wild Coast Schools Project includes:

* East London Airport collection and drop-off.
* A comprehensive welcome brief from a member of the on-site team.
* Accommodation in a cottage close to a lagoon bordering the Indian Ocean.
* All your meals during your project.
* Transfers to and from the rural schools.
* Advice and support from our experienced team during your stay.
* Our booking service for all attractions and events.
* An attractive certificate recognizing your contribution to the Wild Coast Schools project.

If you would like to spend some time with us in Cape Town, you have the option of adding a special Cape Town Week to your stay. Everything below is included with the Cape Town Week:

* Cape Town Airport collection and drop-off.
* Accommodation at AVIVA House in Cape Town before and after your project, with self-service breakfasts.
* Return flights between Cape Town and the Eastern Cape to join your project.
* 7 nights accommodation at AVIVA House in Cape Town with self-service breakfasts.
* A full-day Peninsula tour which includes lunch, visits to Hout Bay, Chapmans Peak Drive, Cape Point, Simon's Town, Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and much more. An incredible day rich with history and some of the world's most beautiful scenery.
* A half-day Cultural tour, a fascinating introduction to South Africa's recent political history before and after Apartheid, includes highlights of Khayelitsha, South Africa's second largest township after Soweto.
* A full-day tour to the beautiful mountains of the Cape Winelands including the Paarl, Franschoek and Stellenbosch regions. Chocolate, Cheese & Wine tastings and lunch are included.
* If required, extra nights can be added to your stay to meet your flight dates for only R130 per night. This may help you to take advantage of any cheaper flights that arrive in South Africa before your planned arrival date.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Volunteering is for everyone - Although more than 70% of our volunteers are females aged between 16-25 years old, we have hosted volunteers of all ages (16 - 72 years), backgrounds and nationalities. These include students, career gappers, retirees, doctors, nurses, policewomen, teachers, social workers, vets, pilots, lawyers and just about any career or profession you can imagine.

Age Range

18-45 yrs old

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 3-5

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 working day

AVIVA - Volunteering in South Africa's Mission Statement

AVIVA offers international volunteers the chance to make a vital contribution to underprivileged children and endangered wildlife while having a hands-on, life changing experience in South Africa.

Year Founded

2002