Description

Do you have an interest in design technology and the desire to share your knowledge and interest of this subject with others? Maybe you need to gain some practical experience as a teacher in order to boost your resume and complete a degree? Whatever the reason, this is the place to volunteer! It is an eye-opening country with poverty and struggle. In the classroom, you will be surprised by the creative minds of the students want to learn from you. Your knowledge and the time that you share with these intelligent and out-of-the-box thinkers will be a incredible experience for you and for them. Don't miss this once in a lifetime chance to share your interest of design technology with others!

PROJECT OVERVIEW
Design Technology has always been an important part of development and learning for children in the United Kingdom. It enables children to become free thinking, creative and helps them to actively use their imagination. Design Technology, in other aspects, also enables children to break away from the usual text book rituals which dominate so many classes in Africa.

Walk around the streets anywhere in Africa, but especially in the townships, and you'll be overwhelmed by the creative talent in the communities. From the Craftsmen who make cooking pots from discarded oil drums on the road side, to souvenirs. If you look at the shanty houses, you'll be impressed by the initiative used in putting them together.

Design Technology was introduced into the school curriculum in South Africa back in 2000. It has proven to be extremely popular amongst the children. The problem is that many of the poorer township schools know little about the subject and are in desperate need for people with design experience to come to their schools, bringing with them their own ideas and hopefully help to nurture a new generation of design thinkers in South Africa.

You will probably be based at two schools - Percy Mdala and Knysna High School. Knysna High has similar standards to those in Western countries and you will work alongside the teachers at the school.

Working here is a good opportunity to gain a feel for the subject and at the same time you will find the school extremely keen to learn as much as possible about Design Technology as it is in the UK or your home country.

This is an excellent placement for anyone studying or has good knowledge of Design Technology. By helping the children have a greater knowledge of the subject, you will find that the teachers will be extremely grateful for the support and knowledge as, for them, this is a subject the schools are still learning about.

ABOUT THE SCHOOLS:
The schools are mainly for the poorer African and Coloured children in the local community. General facilities at the schools are somewhat limited although two of the schools have computer facilities and one school in particular would appreciate the help of volunteers with computer experience!

Average class size is between 15 and 40. Standards are generally very high, but in most of the schools we work with, materials and resources may be scarce; however, working conditions are very good. The enthusiasm of the students and colleagues more than makes up for any hardships they may experience.

On your first day of teaching you will be taken to one of the schools that we help and introduced to the Principal, the teaching staff and pupils. You will be made very welcome by all!

Your key immediate contact will be the School Principal. S/he will have been fully briefed by our staff but will want to discuss your programme with you before any final decisions are made. Some principals may also wish to discuss with you the possibility of using any of your other interests or skills which may be fun or useful for the children, and here your degree subject might well be helpful and any interests, from hiking and wildlife to football, chess and Western music, may be of great interest.

The Principal and/or relevant teachers at the school will liaise with you about your teaching assignments. South Africans generally are very friendly, approachable and helpful and they will be delighted in your interest and your enthusiasm.

You will have weekends free and this will also allow some time for travelling and sight seeing.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:
** 5-DAY 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.
** 1 WEEK WHALES, SHARKS AND DOLPHINS Project: This is an extraordinary and exciting project in a beautiful location, surrounded by white beaches and blue ocean. And two hours from the world's third favourite city - Cape Town. What more could anyone want?
** SURFING COURSES: In the buzz city of Durban.
** PARAGLIDING COURSE: Soar over the impressively beautiful Drakensburg Mountain. You'll get a licence at the end of the course which qualifies you to do solo paragliding around the world.

MORE EXTRAS!
Various afternoon activities are available in Knysna enabling you to immerse yourself in the African culture & give a caring hand to the local community. Example activities below:
** The Children's Home - Make the afternoons fun and exciting for these lovely children by playing games, helping them with home work and just being there to give them the attention that they so crave.
** The Art Centre for children - The centre was set-up to unite children in understanding and fighting HIV and AIDS through art and education, so that they can increase children's knowledge of HIV & AIDS and create more open communication, as well as reduce risk-taking behaviour by increasing self-esteem. You can be a part of this extremely worthwhile programme and make a huge impact to their lives as well as helping them to express their creative side and enjoy an afternoon full of art and crafts. This is such an exciting opportunity for children that also helps to raise HIV awareness, which is very important.
** The Soup Kitchen - Soup kitchens have been set up to provide a meal for the poorer children in the community and often this will be the only decent meal a child has during the day - any support given is greatly appreciated by all.
** After-school drama or sports - Take some time out after school to set up after school sports or drama clubs, the children love it and it's a great way to get to know them better in a relaxed and fun environment
** Other community projects - previous projects included painting the crèche, putting together a jungle gym and so on.

You could be part of these excellent and worthwhile projects.. so why not volunteer in Knysna!

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!

Highlights

ACCOMMODATIONS AND LOCATION:
You will most likely live in one of our volunteer houses with other Travellers volunteers. These are comfortable houses with good facilities and most have a beautiful view of Knysna Lagoon. Your meals are all provided.

This teaching programme is located in the town of Knysna in the Cape Province, on the Indian Ocean coast and within easy reach of the beautiful capital city of Cape Town. The seaside resort of Plettenberg Bay is about 20-30 mins away from Knysna. Both places are extremely beautiful and are favourite holiday resorts for South Africans.

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, we'll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.
** It's 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.

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Varies depending on length. Starts 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

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

Everyone welcome from 17 years old up to 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

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• 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