Description

If you have any maintenance / handyman / DIY skills, this volunteer project in South Africa would love to have you! You'll assist an Animal Rehabilitation Centre that desperately needs any help it can get and you'll be benefiting the animals at the same time! And, of course, the location is very unusual. And finally, conservationists are lovely people to work with! On this placement you'll use lots of energy and your own initiative to improve and expand the facilities in the Sanctuary. You'll leave with a great sense of achievement and satisfaction. Situated in the beautiful subtropical city of Durban, it's an experience that you'll never, ever forget.

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

This project is located in an Animal Rehabilitation Centre which does wonderful work with abandoned and abused animals. Where animals can be rehabilitated, they're released back into the wild, but where they are too vulnerable owing to injuries or other factors, they're given a home in the sanctuary for the rest of their lives. They also operate as an education centre for local children and others, to inform them of the need for conservation. The Centre does unbelievably good work.

The Centre has been very fortunate in receiving a grant from the National Lottery. This means that they are now able to embark on a schedule of much-needed improvements and expansion for the entire Sanctuary. This includes:

-> A total remake of the Education Centre,
-> Repairing, paving and improving the pathways to make them wheelchair-friendly,
-> Improving the reception area,
-> Building a tea garden facility (which will help to bring in income which can be used to house and rehabilitate more needy animals),
-> Building two staff houses
-> Upgrading the ablution facilities.
-> Two new offices need to be built
-> Repairs to the roofs of the Education Centre and staff houses (which really need it!)
-> A lot of fencing is also needed.
-> Upgrading the Clinic
-> Extending and electrifying the baboon enclosure
-> Extending the baby bird room.
-> Clearing of alien vegetation and creating a boundary around the electric fence which gets set off by overgrown vegetation.
-> Upgrading the Vervet monkey enclosure
-> Upgrading the aviaries and goose pans
-> Building two new volunteer cabins
-> Plumbing water to the new antelope enclosure and putting up a shelter

The Centre needs electricians, plumbers, builders, carpenters, welders, painters and general handymen/women who would like to get their hands dirty. This work is all in the pipeline for this year and will be available at various stages, but as their Director said, "You can send someone tomorrow and I can keep them busy!

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

-> An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa and the many diverse cultures in South Africa
-> New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
-> An entry on your CV or resume that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
-> And best of all.. an unforgettable experience!

In a world of competition where an army of graduates are lining up for the top jobs, what would set you apart from the crowd and make employees look twice? Having had work experience in a foreign culture is an excellent entry on your CV or resume and can make the difference to whether you get the job your want or not. Education establishments and employers are looking for that little bit extra today. Nothing shows as much motivation, initiative and passion as arranging your own cultural experience abroad and gaining real life work experience.

At this Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, every hand is a hand that directly or indirectly helps feed the tiny abandoned baby animals or injured wildlife and helps them on a road to recovery so that they may be released back into their natural environment.

ABOUT THE CENTRE:

The centre for rehabilitation of wildlife is situated KwaZulu-Natal. It is a wildlife hospital that cares for the injured and orphaned wild animals and birds and the only centre of its kind in the Province.

VISION: To be an independent, pioneering force in the protection and rehabilitation of orphaned and injured wildlife, while promoting the preservation of their natural habitat.

MISSION STATEMENT: The centre is committed to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of orphaned and injured wildlife, and believes in action and education with regard to the protection of all natural resources.

The centre has a few depots in and around the Province and is considered to be one of the leading rehabilitation Centres in South Africa. The centre is committed to conservation and strives to return all rescued and rehabilitated wildlife to their natural habitat. Any wild animal, (not domestic or agricultural), that has been injured, rescued or abandoned, is admitted free of charge. Almost 90% of animals admitted to the centre, have sustained injuries due to human negligence. These animals are tended to by staff and volunteers whose love, care and dedication is unconditional, around the clock.

It takes time and dedication; and a lot of donor funding, to rehabilitate these animals and to prepare them to be re-introduced in their natural environment. Some animals' injuries are so severe that they cannot be rehabilitated and therefore become permanent residents at the centre.

As the Centre is a non-profit organisation with no financial aid from the government or any large concern, they are solely reliant on our fundraising initiatives and the generosity and goodwill of the public. As the running costs are approximately GBP11 000 or more a month, there is very little funding that can be applied to appointing full time staff. The active volunteer programme is the lifeblood of this organisation, especially during the spring and summer months when lots of orphan baby animals are brought to the centre for care.

Highlights

ACCOMMODATION AND LIVING:

There is a fully furnished volunteer house that accommodates up to 8 volunteers at a time. It's surrounded by garden and lots of greenery. There are four bedrooms and two bathrooms and volunteers share rooms. The house is within the security of the Rehabilitation Centre and surrounded by an electric fence.

Your food and accommodation are included on this project. Sufficient food is purchased for the house on a weekly basis to provide 3 meals per day. We will ascertain whether you have any special dietary requirements, such as if you are a vegetarian, and these will be met by the volunteer coordinator within reason.

Volunteers cook their own meals out of the food provided. In addition to the stove in the house, there is also a braai (barbeque) area to cook outdoor meals. There is a Spar (general grocer) within 10 minutes walk of the house. The shopping complex also has a post office and internet cafe.

The house is serviced once a week by a cleaner but you will be expected to keep your accommodation clean and tidy during the course of their your stay. A washing machine is available and you can do your laundry on the premises.

A safe is available at the main office should you wish to lock away your passport, money or any valuables. Mobile phones do operate with full reception on-site and it is a requirement that you bring one with you.

* Additional Activities you can do while on this Project:

Add to your travel experience in Africa by doing some additional exciting activities, such as:

-> A 5- or 7-day Safari from Cape Town up the renowned Garden Route, taking in Dolphin and Whale Spotting, visits to many tourist attractions, such as a visit to a brewery(!), the Bloukrantz Bungy Jump (reportedly the highest in the world), and a guided tour of the Cango Caves
-> Surfing Courses: In the buzz city of Durban.
-> Paragliding Course: Soar over the impressively beautiful Drakensburg Mountain. You'll get a licenee at the end of the course which qualifies you to do solo paragliding around the world.
-> 5-Day Bush Survival Course: This is a fantastic experience and opportunity to see lots of wild animals in their native habitats in Game Reserves. You'll learn a lot and you'll really enjoy learning some bush skills in the great outdoors!

Travellers' placements are very flexible and you can combine this project with any other Travellers project, either in the same country or in different countries.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you'd like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, well liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

Its as easy as that.

Travel Types

• Volunteering

Qualifications

You should have some maintenance, or handyman, or DIY skills and the enthusiasm and confidence to use your own initiative.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Costs vary depending on the length of your project. They start at 1,270 for 2 weeks.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required

yes

You should have some maintenance, or handyman, or DIY skills and the enthusiasm and confidence to use your own initiative. No official qualifications required.

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of South African culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of children! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range

All ages from 17 -70+

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Group living
• Home-stays
• Independent living
• Other

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of varies

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is

within 5 working days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement

Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded

1995