Description

On the Wild Coast Schools Teaching Project we place volunteers in the center of rural and peri-urban/low economic communities where we currently support six rural schools. At four of these we have developed networked computer labs and provide computer classes to learners from grade R to grade 7, with intermittent support to two high schools based on the schools needs. It is vital for the young learners of these schools to gain a basic computer skill set which can lead them to a broader range of educational and employment opportunities after school.

Our volunteers team teach in their assigned school, where their own individual skills are utilized and they are given all the support that they need to provide the children with a consistently high level of education as well as the opportunity to learn about and work within rural South African culture. Volunteers also drive community initiatives such as sports, adult computer literacy classes, "Project Clean-up" and "Conscious Cinema". These additional projects extend the work that VA32 does within the community, to help to "instil a pride of place and space through positive change" along with the residents of the community.

To be a part of the Wild Coast Schools project all you need is enthusiasm and energy to share with the children and communities that we work alongside. We ask volunteers to commit to a minimum period of 4 weeks on the schools project to allow a sense of security for the learners and facilitate the building of productive relationships. There is no maximum time: the longer you stay, the stronger you become.

Highlights

Project orientation includes an introduction of the culture & traditions of the amaXhosa people  an overnight stay in a rural Xhosa village, an introduction to the socio-political & historical developments of South Africa and an adventure tour including a kloofing (cliff jumping) experience.

Qualifications

The computer literacy placements will require appropriate computer skills. It would be of benefit for the volunteer to have a background in education or teaching to allow the maximum impact to the project objectives although more importantly, they must have a lot of energy and enthusiasm to put into teaching in Africa. Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum placement of 4 weeks on the schools project to allow a sense of security for the learners and facilitate the building of productive relationships. A minimum age of 18 applies for all VA32 placements, there is no maximum time: the longer you stay, the stronger you become.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1,999

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

Orientation- Topics and activities covered in orientation & on tour:
- Socio-political & historical developments of South Africa
- Culture & traditions of the amaXhosa people overnight in a rural Xhosa village
- Fauna & flora of the Wild Coast
- Coastal dynamics of the Wild Coast
- Estuarine systems explored
- Adventure tour includes a "kloofing" (cliff jumping) experience

Project specific orientation:
- Project overview by facilitating team
- Teaching methodology explained
- Lesson preparation and delivery unraveled
- Visit to the schools for practical introduction to the labs and systems followed by - -- VA32

PLUS:
- Accommodation whilst on project
- 3 meals per day
- Airport transfers
- Transport to and from project daily
- Support from in house staff & coordinators 24/7

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Enthusiastic, energetic, open-minded and willing to be a part of our daily programs.

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of dependant on volunteer numbers

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week to confirmation

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Volunteer Africa 32 degrees south's Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide proactive support to rural education and conservation initiatives on the Wild Coast of South Africa, while working in partnership with existing organizations, private sector and government.

Year Founded

2005