Description

Over the past half century South Africa has undergone many transformations physically and socially. It has developed into a fantastic country and the natural landscapes and wildlife are quite a sight. Despite all the forward steps the country has taken there are still many issues especially in the shanti towns surrounding Cape Town, which are well under resourced in terms of medical care and education.

We have two main project sites one in Cape Town and the other in St.Lucia. In Cape Town volunteering focuses on community programmes like our sports coaching project, teaching English in rural schools and the community medical volunteer programme. St. Lucia has two excellent and very much needed HIV/AIDS volunteer programs one focussing on HIV infected children living in orphanages and the other is our medical and HIV/AIDS awareness program. We also have a fantastic conservation, photography and community volunteer program, which is a dream project for photography enthusiasts as not only do you learn but you also help educate the St. Lucia children and give community support.

*Teaching and Community Project in Cape Town

Become a teaching volunteer in South Africa and provide teaching support in the community of Red Hill, on the outskirts of Cape Town. You will be based in a small pre-school which has now been running for 10 years and has 35 local children who attend. These kids range from 2 to 6yrs of age, and mostly come from a Xhosa background. The school has very limited resources. The children are given 2 meals a day, breakfast and lunch, which is partially sponsored. Sponsors were unable to fund wages for the teachers and, since 2008, the school was kept open by this program - with the wages paid for through fee's paid by volunteers.

*Equine Therapy for Disabled Children in Cape Town

This incredibly unique and highly sought after project, works to aid children with very little mobility by giving them the chance to experience freedom in their limbs through horseback riding. With the assistance of volunteers and trained instructors, disabled children can have access to free therapy sessions, helping them to develop their motor skills while increasing their confidence and strength.

*Wild Coast Schools Computer Literacy and Arts Project in South Africa

Volunteer in South Africa on the worlds first ever Fair Trade Certified Schools Project and work with rural communities on the outskirts of Chintsa, on the East capes beautiful Wild Coast. Since 2004, this project has focused on bringing computer literacy to the children of the poorest communities in the area. Through fundraising, grants, sponsorship by Microsoft, and volunteer support, we are now working with 6 schools, managing 4 computer labs with 150 computers teaching over 1000 learners from pre-school to high school. The project has equipped schools with networked labs, developed teaching aids and support structures for teachers and pupils, and has helped to teach basic computer skills in the classroom environment. Additionally, a new initiative in 2010 will see an ex-army land-rover adapted into a mobile computer lab to allow the project to reach even further with their work.
*For bookings made before April 15th, second person goes free. second person must arrive at the same time as main person and 100 pounds deposit applies to both applicants.

*Medical & HIV/Aids Awareness Programme in South Africa

Embrace the opportunity to work with local nurses in a small, but very busy, rural clinic and to go on home care visits which support around 20,000 Zulu people living in the communities around St. Lucia. Alongside this you will also join an AIDS awareness program educating and encouraging prevention, while supporting those affected.

*Sports Coaching and Community Work in Cape Town

Our sports project will enable you to volunteer in South Africa in the township of Masiphumelele, which has in excess of 35,000 residents. We work with a local primary, Xhosa speaking school with over 1300 pupils and only 30 teachers. PE lessons are held in the morning, but with class sizes that can be more than 50 pupils, the teachers find it hard to coach and keep control of the class, and provide extra help for those less naturally skilled or struggling with technique. Sports lessons at the school are between 08:30 - 12:30. Each class of 40-45 pupils has 30 minutes of PE during this period. With only one sports teacher to coordinate this, volunteer support is very much welcomed.

Highlights

Whether you are based in Cape Town, Port Albert or St Lucia, you are never far away from a stunning beach, a host of adventure or a cultural community of indigenous people. Our volunteer houses provide the opportunity to relax and unwind after a hard day's work and the weekends offer adrenaline sports, the opportunity to spot Africa's magnificent wildlife, the chance to take part in community sports games or just enjoy a typical South African Braii.

*Kruger National Park

This is South Africa's largest game reserve and one of the oldest in Africa. The park is now part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, an area designated by the United Nations Education and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO) as an International Man and Biosphere Reserve. Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. The best time to go is during the dry season (May - September) when the plains are sparse and animals are easier to view.

*Drakensburg Mountains

The Drakensberg mountains of South Africa, known as the barrier of spears is a 200-kilometre-long mountainous world heritage site. There are a number of adventure activities that you can do including rock or ice- climbing, abseiling, white water rafting or take a helicopter ride to view the Drakenberg mountains from above.

*Surfing in South Africa

South Africa is renowned around the world for it's many surfing hotspots due to the mix of beautiful coastal scenery and high quality surf. There is a strong surfing culture and way of life that is very contagious due to the friendly people and their enthusiasm and passion for the sport. Whether you are a novice or more experienced you will love surfing in South Africa. In the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, about an hour's drive southwest of Port Elizabeth, Jeffreys Bay is one of the most famous surfing destinations in the world. Especially great during the winter months of June, July, and August, surfers come here for a great ride and for the renowned blue flag beaches.

Qualifications

Participants must possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the people. Additionally, a love of working in the community and interacting with people is essential.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please vitit website for details.

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• International travel
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodation: Shared room in a volunteer house.
* Food: 3 meals per day - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
* Weekly laundry service
* Airport pick up and drop off
* Training: Pre-departure information pack, on-site Orientation and project induction provided including lessons in basic Zulu language
* Support: 24 hour support from on-site coordinator
* Activities: Staff help organise weekend activities. (Activity price may be extra)

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the local residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.

Age Range

Must be more than 18 years old.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement

Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded

2008