Description

Your work on this project combines many aspects that all help to provide a caring environment where guidance and assessment is offered to children living on the streets and children at risk. You'll work at a Youth Centre, helping out with anything from basic schooling such as reading or writing, to community projects and life skills lessons. The whole purpose of this is to get them ready to be taken back into the mainstream schooling and domestic home life again.

"WE HAVE HOPE!" This project is based in a township on the outskirts of Knysna, in the Cape Province. Knysna lies on the Indian Ocean coast known as the Garden Route - as beautiful a place as you'll ever see. "I'm absolutely loving South Africa. Knysna is much bigger and much more lively than I ever imagined ... I couldn't have asked for more support or a more beautiful place to live in." Gill Taylor.

The Xhosa name of the Centre means We have hope. This project was set up to provide hope and help to troubled young people and their families, through building caring relationships and providing development opportunities. The centre is run as a day & drop-in centre. The attending children are collected at and returned to designated pick-up and drop-off points.

The Centre mainly targets young people at risk with particular emphasis on the needs of that person. Through fulltime and volunteer staff who seek to develop caring relationships, the Centre strives towards creating physical fitness, social competence, mental stability and spiritual maturity in young lives.

The "balanced life" concept not only develops qualities of leadership, morality and citizenship, but also enables young people to effectively communicate in word and action. At the Centre, the basic needs of the children are met. They are washed, fed and clothed daily and the children participate in a variety of activities to give each child the opportunity to develop his/her own individual talents. These activities motivate the children to feel more positive about themselves and to be a constructive part of their community.

WORK CONTENT:
You will be working closely with the children at the centre helping out with anything from basic schooling such as helping them to read or write, to community projects and life skills lessons etc. The whole purpose of this is to get them ready to be taken back into the mainstream schooling and domestic home life again.

The programmes are all presented in a fun, experimental manner with an outcome based learning environment. The major focus is on Arithmetic, reading and writing. There are also hand craft and art programmes which are part of the weekly schedule, as well as sport coaching in soccer and cricket.

The best way to describe this project is to let one of our previous volunteers tell you about it in her own words. Joanne Pogorelsky volunteered at this Centre in Knysna, and this is how she describes a typical day on her project (but please note that this is one volunteer's experience and your experience may vary according to current circumstances.

Well the day for me started with a 7:10 pickup and drive in the Travellers bus to Percy Mdala where I waited for the Centre to open. I walked over the centre at about 8am. I used this time to get updated from staff on anything that may have happened after I left the day before or prepare and plan an appropriate activity for the day or week.

The kids would arrive by foot or be collected in the centre van by the driver. Theoretically the day has a plan and overall structure but in true African style this was flexible and at times overlooked.

In theory the day would look something like: Arrive, wash/shower, devotion, eat, activity (skills based), free time, activity, eat, free time, sport or cooking/cleaning. The activities included beadwork, card making, adult education classes around numeracy and literacy, sports, gardening, cooking, religious teachings etc.

My favorite time was devotion where seemingly unruly, non-cooperative difficult to engage children became respectful, took their hats or head coverings off (which usually would never happen) closed their eyes and pronounced every word in Xhosa, Afrikaans or English. Often they would sing, naturally harmonize, dance and or play the drums during this time and you could feel the energy of these children as if it were tangible. My fondest memories are of the pure devotion sessions where the children appeared to lose there attitude and bravado and enjoy themselves.

I would leave at 2:00 being picked up by the bus again but the centre went on for another couple of hours. Then of course its home to bed, its an early start in the morning if you want to get in the shower before school&...."

I saw my role as to assist, educate and empower the staff to care for the children and thus empower the young people to want to improve their situation and future, and it was extremely satisfying to be an integral part of this.

Highlights

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
* The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them.
* 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!

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 youd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us, tell us what type of project you're looking for, and we'll liaise with you and start making your travel adventure happen. Its as easy as that!

Qualifications

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! 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. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

From 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

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• Street Kids
• Teaching

Typical Volunteer

This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different 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

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
• Dormitory
• Group living
• Guest House
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Resume
• Written Application

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