It started
with a fascination for what lie between the pages of National Geographic
magazine from a pre-school age.
Fire-blazon sunsets and equally impressive sunrises, pulse-racing photos
of prehistoric mammals, graphic predator kill scenes and tribal warriors with
painted masks and terrifying spears.
These were the
images that lay the foundation for dreams I would inevitably chase in
adulthood.
The dream
wasn't one I easily captured; it would take a major career change and life
altering circumstances to make the decision that volunteering was perhaps an
important life choice, just as, if not more important than any other. It was
necessary.
I found a
reputable company and signed up for a Big Five volunteer experience in South
Africa, dang, just writing that still gives me chills.
I left behind all the creature comforts of
home (that I would soon learn were unimportant) and traded in my private office
for a pair of butter-yellow leather, work gloves and a canvas tent. Best
decision ever.
I was lulled
to sleep every night by the roar of lions and awoken at dawn by the screech of
the Hadeeda bird overhead. My neighbors were elephants, cheetah, rhinoceros, and
wildebeest - just to name a few. Every day I had a purpose to fulfill, my work
had meaning - meaning that went beyond the bottom line. I wasn't being paid yet
I had never felt wealthier.
Meals were
simple yet nourishing, the rangers gracious and eager to share knowledge and
ensure I had a life enriching experience. It wasn't long before I realized I
was no longer living life vicariously through the pages of National Geographic
magazine, I was writing the words myself, from my daily adventures. A lifetime
of nearly forgotten dreams was now a reality and I was the one behind the
camera lens, and the one holding the pen.
"Give, and it will be given to you. Good
measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your
lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." - Luke 6:38
Perhaps the
greatest gift of all that came from volunteering was learning the magic of
giving itself. Every day I gave sweat, tears and everything I had of myself -
yet the more I gave, the more I received. I tried desperately to even out the
balance sheet but I couldn't, I felt indebted for all I was receiving. I
received clarity, knowledge, a deep and profound sense of meaning, important life
lessons, and answers to questions that before seemed unanswerable.
Maybe it's the idea of awakening to the sound of elephant
trumpets or falling asleep to the roar of lions that is calling you to South
Africa. Or perhaps it's the genuine smile of a disadvantaged child when you
share your compassion and knowledge that has you researching volunteer
opportunities. Whatever your insatiable passion is: teaching, healthcare,
conservation or community service, you'll find a way to quench it in South
Africa.
President Nelson Mandela coined this great country as the
'Rainbow Nation' because it's diverse and colorful in every way. From white
sand beaches with awesome surf to grass plains and tabletop mountains, South
Africa has something for everyone. The volunteer organizations allow and even
encourage volunteers to take free time to experience it all.
Embrace the power of giving and live your very own South
African volunteering adventure of a lifetime with one of these highly
recommended and reputable organizations.
This article first appeared on the website Volunteer Forever, an organization that helps volunteers with the infrastructure to raise funds to volunteer overseas.
Program Name: A
Broader View
★★★★★ Volunteer
Review by JenniferCR
This was the best experience of my life. The ABV team
was really helpful both in the USA and in-country. I was very prepared for the
trip. It was really easy to get settled and used to the new surroundings. There
was never a time that I felt uncomfortable or unclear on travel instructions or
anything. Definitely going to go back some day!
Types of programs offered:
A broader
view offers programs in countries around the world. In South Africa programs
are offered in Port Elizabeth on the world famous Garden Route. Programs
offered include:
· Orphanage (Creche) Program
o
Volunteers
add support to the local staff with individual attention to the kids, supervise
playtime, support lunch services, reinforce English speaking with lessons and
reading/games and help with homework.
o
Afternoon
homework guidance and after school project support.
o
Most
facilities operate day care, drop-in and food centers for (OVC), nutrition
unit, community gardens and clothing warehouse project. Volunteers need
to be pro-active, and enthusiastic, and show flexibility towards tasks and
activities.
· Community and Development Programs: flexible
and diverse programs design to enhance the community and children's needs and
volunteer's personal interest. Examples include:
o
Dance
lessons
o
Homework
assistance
o
Cooking
meals
o
School
projects
o
Classroom
assistants
o
Sports
activities
o
Computer/Internet
teaching
Where they work:
Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Other countries include; Belize, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa
Rica, Ecuador, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Kenya, Nepal, Nicaragua,
Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, Zambia.
How long: A Broader View offers 1 to 4 week programs always starting on a
Monday. Note that schools in SA are closed for three weeks in June/July and one
week in early October.
Who can join: 18+ for solo travellers, 12-17 for travellers
accompanied by an adult.
Know before you go:
A tourist visa is required to travel to South Africa. Hep A and
Typhoid vaccines are also required.
A representative will meet you at Port Elizabeth airport. Workdays are
Monday - Friday, 8am - 3pm with a lunch break. Weekends are free for sight
seeing, etc.
ABV arranges for a Host Family to provide
living accommodations and meals during the Project Period. In terms of accommodations
and meals, ABV guarantees safe, clean accommodations based on local standards
(not always US standards).
A Broader View Volunteers is a 501(c)(3) based non-profit
organization based in Pennsylvania. Since A Broader View Volunteers is a
501(c)(3) charitable organization, US tax payers' program fees and related
travel expenses are tax deductible.
Program Name: Projects Abroad
★★★★★ Volunteer
Review by Nicole Biz
I had a wonderful time volunteering in South Africa with
Projects Abroad, and I actually plan to go back to South African next year. I
took a career break to work on a business project in a Cape Town township to
help an educare centre (an early childhood school) with its business planning.
The opportunity was simply amazing! We worked during the day from Monday to
Friday and had ample opportunities to travel and site-see around town and the
country.
Types of programs offered:
Projects Abroad has a variety of volunteer
projects in Cape Town, South Africa. Programs offered include:
· Conservation and Environment
o
Live and work in a game reserve helping to
conserve African animals and plant life.
· Child Care
o
work with children aged 3 - 6 in orphanages.
· Teaching
o
Volunteer as a teaching assistant or teach IT and literacy in the Cape
Flats area.
· Medicine and
Healthcare
o
Volunteer at a health clinic and help vulnerable children affected by
HIV/AIDS.
· Law and Human
Rights
o
A typical day includes meeting with clients, research and reviewing
cases.
· Teach physical
education at Cape Town schools
· Surfing
o
Help teach surfing, swimming and general life skills to at-risk
children.
· Journalism
o
Work alongside journalists in Cape town in every phase of magazine
production from concept to finished product.
· Building
o
Help construct better quality homes and classrooms.
· International
Development
o
Work alongside NGOs in Cape Town tackling the country's big issues:
unemployment, crime, domestic abuse and alcoholism.
· Business
Placements across a number of industries.
· Veterinary
Medicine and Animal Care
· Creative and
Performing Arts Teaching Opportunities
· Community
Township Project
o
Help build a community center in Lavender Hill.
· High School
programs for teens wishing to volunteer in South Africa
o
Care and Community
o
Conservation and Environment
o
Building Projects
o
Law and Human Rights
· Volunteer
projects for individuals aged 50+
· Volunteer
projects for Professionals
Where they work:
Cape Town, South Africa. Other
countries include; Argentina, Bolivia, Botswana, Cambodia, China, Costa Rica,
Ecuador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Ghana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, Mongolia,
Morocco, Nepal, Peru, Philippines, Romania/Moldova, Samoa, Senegal, Sri Lanka,
Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Vietnam.
How long:
Most projects are four weeks in length.
Projects run year round (check local holidays) and volunteers can generally
start any day of the week.
Who can join:
Volunteers aged 16 years or older for high
school programs, 18 years or older for individual programs.
Know before you go:
A tourist visa is required to travel to South Africa. Some vaccines
may be required - check with your doctor.
Workdays are generally Monday - Friday, weekends are free for sight
seeing, etc.
Projects Abroad arranges for a local Host
Family to provide living accommodations and meals during the Project Period
(included in program cost). Program fees also include medical insurance.
Program Name: VESA
★★★★★ Volunteer
Review by James McDowell
I went on the first Africa Unearthed program ever held
just a few days after I graduated from university. My experiences as a
volunteer and as a tour leader of the African program really opened my eyes and
gave me a much better perspective of the world. I really feel that I’ve made an
impact in KZN (South Africa)
Types of programs offered:
The VESA South Africa program operates in
St. Lucia and Swaziland. The St Lucia area is a world heritage status wetland region
surrounded by local communities. The multi-faceted volunteer programs include:
· Conservation and Environment
o
Working in the wetlands region; the capture and release of
crocodiles, the counting of crocodile eggs as well as feeding and cleaning the
enclosures of the smaller crocs and alligators.
o
Cheetahs and Leopards rehabilitation, breeding and release
program; preparing the food, feeding the cats and constructing new enclosures
for the breeding pairs.
· Orphanage
volunteer
o
Teaching English, basic sanitation, hygiene and nutrition.
o
Renovate and revitalize facilities.
· Farming and
Entrepreneurship
o
Build and install sustainable farming units for families
and single mothers to manage as a microbusiness.
Where they work:
St. Lucia, South Africa and
Swaziland. Other regions include; South America, Fiji, South East Asia.
How long:
Two weeks.
Who can join:
Volunteers aged 18 years or older.
Know before you go:
A tourist visa is required to travel to South Africa. Some vaccines
may be required - check with your doctor.
Workdays are generally Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm. All
meals are included except on the final day transfer to Johannesburg. Travel medical insurance is required and the
responsibility of participant. Accommodation is included in a secure dorm-style
setting separated male/female, internet is available in lobby. Arrive to Durban
airport and be met by VESA staff, departure from Johannesburg airport. All
in-country transportation is provided. All activities are included except
optional extras. Activities include sightseeing, river tour, and village tours.
★★★★★ Volunteer
Review by Tanya
I had a wonderfully positive experience with ISV, right
from the start by keeping me up to date on deadlines, providing me with
resources and ideas for fundraising and always being accessible through email
on telephone. Once I went to Africa, it continued to be a positive,
educational, safe and enjoyable experience. Ever since I have been back I have
been thinking of ways to get back there and participate in a wonderful
adventure with this organization again and its a good thing they have resources
to help me earn another trip because I will put in the effort for such a great
cause and experience.
Types of programs offered:
ISV offers volunteer/adventure programs in
South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique. ISV is unique in that they offer
two-week volunteer programs with the option of adding on a two-week adventure
tour. Types of volunteer programs offered:
· Environmental Management
o
Employ environmental management techniques
to protect the country's natural and vulnerable areas.
· Conservation
o
Wildlife care and rehabilitation programs
o
Education
· Children's
programs
o
Assisting children in need
· Community
Development
Where they work:
South Africa, Swaziland and
Mozambique. Other countries include; Australia, Botswana, Costa Rica, Dominican
Republic, Fiji, Mozambique, New Zealand, South Africa, Swaziland, Thailand,
Vietnam, Zambia.
How long:
Two-week volunteer project with the option
of adding a two-week adventure tour.
Who can join:
Volunteers aged 18 years or older, however
there is also a special program for volunteers aged 15 - 18.
Know before you go:
A tourist visa is required to travel to South Africa. Some vaccines
may be required - check with your doctor. Travel and medical insurance is
required and the responsibility of participant. Accommodation is included, all
meals are included during the volunteer program and about half the meals are
included during the optional adventure program.
ISV has been in business since 2002 and has had more than 30,000
volunteers on hundreds of projects. More than 310 universities grant academic
credit for participation in ISV programs, check with your local university. You
will be travelling with a group of 25-50 other volunteers.
★★★★★ Volunteer
Review by bgdsend
I headed out to South Africa as a Cape Town Teaching
volunteer. It really was amazing. The sun, the sea, the communities and
projects, the backdrop, Cape Town is an incredible place. The first day got me
so excited for the trip a comprehensive tour of the areas I'd be working in. I
made friend with people of all ages from all over the world, and because of the
friendly atmosphere created by the project managers, everyone got on well and
it was a good laugh too. I ended up staying for 3 months - all the people I met
there that booked for 2,3 or 4 weeks were gutted they didn't book for longer.
You get looked after so well at the house too - laundry, meals, accommodation,
all top-notch. Met some amazing people and loved working at the schools and
community projects. Booking the trip was maybe the best decision I've ever
made. DO. IT.
Types of programs offered:
African Impact offers a range of volunteer programs in South Africa.
Projects include:
· Conservation
Projects
o
Wildlife refuges
o
Marine conservation
o
Lion rehabilitation
o
Photography
o
Veterinary and wildlife research
· Community
Volunteering
o
Building and development
o
Healthcare and medical
o
HIV/Aids support
o
Sports and coaching
o
Teaching and education
o
Orphanage and vulnerable children
· Internships
Where they work:
South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia,
Malawi, Madagascar, Uganda, Seychelles.
How long:
Most programs run for 2 - 12 weeks. Custom options are also available.
Who can join:
Volunteers aged 18+.
Know before you go:
A traveller's visa is required for South Africa. Some
vaccinations also may be required, check with your doctor. Fees include all meals during project work
times (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and accommodation as well as transfer
to/from project site. Volunteer accommodation usually takes the form of a
free-standing house, chalet, or in some cases, a backpackers lodge. Volunteers
usually stay in rooms with 2-6 beds (bunks) with clean duvets and bedding.
There are separate rooms for males and females. The volunteer accommodation
often has access to a swimming pool, lounge and entertainment area as well as a
resource room where they can plan for the next day’s projects or learn about
other African Impact projects and initiatives. Evenings
and weekends are free time for local excursions. Excursions are an additional
cost. Travel medical insurance is required for all volunteers.
Volunteers who successfully fundraised via the Volunteer Forever
website for African Impact projects:
Lori Heisler, USA. Raised $5555 to volunteer on a Community
Development Project in Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa.
Serena Roffo, USA. Raised $5515 to teach orphaned children in
Zimbabwe.
Brooke, USA. Raised $2065 to volunteer at a children's program in
Kenya.
Program Name: Wildlife ACT
★★★★★ Volunteer
Review by Dominique
I would like to thank all the Wildlife ACT team for the
amazing time I had in Africa.
I can truly say that the experience changed my life
forever. Before the trip I had no idea what I wanted to do and didn’t know what
good could come from my university course, which is Advertising. And now,
Wildlife ACT inspired me to used it for a good cause. I have been trying to get
involved in Brazilian conservation organizations and have been more interested
in my country’s wildlife which is huge!
At both Tembe Elephant
Park and Hluhluwe I
met the most amazing people and I know I made friends for life. The work you
guys are doing is incredible and I would like to help in anyway I could. Please
let me know if you guys ever need anything! I’m planning on coming back in July
of next year. I cannot wait.
Types of programs offered:
Conservation projects on game reserves. Specific projects include:
· Endangered
Species Conservation.
o
Tracking and monitoring animals such as Cheetah, African Wild Dog,
Rhino, Lion, Elephant and Leopard.
· Leopard
Conservation Census
o
Wildlife ACT will conduct a number of exciting, short-term
Leopard Population Surveys using remote camera trapping survey methods. The
survey is the largest on leopards of its kind in the world.
· Filmmaking and
photography specialist volunteer programs
Where they work:
Zululand, South Africa.
How long:
Most programs are 2 - 16 weeks in length. Extended stay options
available.
Who can join:
Volunteers 18+ years of age.
Know before you go:
Vaccinations may be required, check with your doctor. Travel medical
insurance is required and the responsibility of the volunteer. Participants
must be in reasonable physical condition. Housing is provided in a ranger's
station with bathroom and kitchen facilities. Meals are included but prepared
by the volunteers. A maximum of five volunteers are accepted at a time. Wildlife
ACT is supported by, and works with high profile conservation organizations
including WWF, Endangered Wildlife Trust and Panthera.
Program Name: Global Vision International
★★★★1/2 Volunteer
Review by Amy Smith
This really was a trip of a life time. My 6 week stay in
South Africa was the first time I had done anything like this and certainly the
first time I had been abroad on my own. I had a great time and experienced so
much whilst out in the bush. The sights and sounds of the Africa bush are
something you can never forget, nearly 3 years on and the memories are so vivid
its like i was there last week. The staff both in the UK and in the field were
excellent- very supportive, enthusiastic and clearly loved their jobs. In fact
I have never met such passionate people and they really made me determined to
finish my degree and follow in their footsteps. Overall it was an amazing trip,
worth every penny, and I would 100% do it all over again!
Types of programs offered:
· Wildlife
conservation
· Working with
children
· Teaching sports
and surfing
· Marine
Conservation
· Healthcare
· Construction
Where they work:
South Africa. Other countries include: Australia,
Costa Rica, Fiji, Greece, India, Kenya, Laos, Mexico, Nepal, Seychelles,
Thailand, United States.
How long:
Most programs are 2 - 24 weeks in length.
Who can join:
Volunteers 18+ years of age if travelling without a parent/guardian.
Family and student programs are also available.
Know before you go:
Vaccinations may be required, check with your doctor. Comprehensive
medical insurance is required and the responsibility of the volunteer.
Participants must be in reasonable physical condition. Meals and accommodation
are provided. Accommodation is basic and
shared with other volunteers. Meals are mainly vegetarian using locally sourced
ingredients. A meet and greet is provided at the airport for most programs. Volunteers will have free time to explore the
area and activities.
Program Name: International Volunteer HQ
★★★★★ Volunteer
Review by Sarah Rayner
How to begin! Finding IVHQ was the best thing I've ever
discovered. They're overall a great organization to deal with, have loads of
programs, even more countries to choose from and offer affordable prices
compared to other organization. A killer trio if you ask me. After the initial
stress of applying to a certain program IVHQ supports and follows you trough
your application process. All the pre departure information was very helpful
and prepared you in some what of way for your arrival (they can't prepare you
for everything!). And then its take off time!! As you arrive IVHQ and the local
organization you're working with are with you the whole way. From picking you
up from the airport, driving you to the local volunteer house, undergoing the
orientation day and to all the other details they're there the whole way. My
program was amazing and the people I met were even greater. This trip was
absolutely the best decision and the best trip I've ever done in my life! The experience
and the stories you bring back home will be with you for the rest of your life.
Living with local families is the way to become part of the community and to
adopt the local culture. I would recommend this organization to everyone that
wants to travel a little differently while making a sustainable change. And one
thing is for sure this is not my last trip with IVHQ! Love IVHQ. So what are
you waiting for....check IVHQ now!
Types of programs offered:
· Teaching
programs at public schools
o
Tutor struggling students and work alongside local
teachers or other volunteers.
o
Subjects include English, Mathematics, Life Skills, Social
Studies, Art and Physical studies however there is a heavy emphasis on English.
o
Volunteers may also be asked to help organize other
activities for the students, including sports.
o
Volunteers do not need to be qualified or experienced
teachers.
· Surf Outreach
o
Facilitate local children (9-15 years old) in learning how
to surf, after school, while teaching them valuable life skills.
o
Planning activities and teaching the children how to surf
or play beach games, cleaning wetsuits, cleaning the Surf Development Center,
preparing sandwiches for the students.
o
Three days per week surfing and one day per week teaching
beach games and one day per week in a local school to see how the students are
performing in an academic setting, as surfing outside of school hours is
treated as a privilege.
o
Volunteers have the opportunity to learn how to surf with
an instructor and have access to the surf equipment in the morning, while the
students are at school.
o
Volunteers do not need to know how to surf.
· Sport
Development
o
Work with children from Grade 1 to Grade 7 and are
responsible for the planning and delivery of creative and innovative Physical
Education lessons which link directly to the Learning Outcomes and Curriculum
set out by the Western Cape Education Department.
· Childcare
o
Volunteers are placed in day care centers attended by
children from poor backgrounds and broken homes.
o
In addition to teaching and caring for these children,
volunteers on this project are also involved in organizing games and
activities, and helping with general duties of the center, including cooking
and feeding the children.
· Computer
Training
o
Teach basic computer skills, providing local children with
access to the Internet and the opportunity to up-skill and improve their future
employment prospects.
Where they work:
Capricorn/Vrygrond community in Muizenberg (about 30
minutes from central Cape Town), South Africa. Other countries include: Argentina, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Colombia, Costa Rica,
Ecuador, Fiji, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Laos,
Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, Philippines, Romania/Moldova, South
Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe
How long:
Most programs are 1 - 24 weeks in length.
Who can join:
Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of
the volunteer program and must provide a criminal background check to IVHQ
partner staff on arrival in South Africa. Surf Outreach project volunteers must
be competent swimmers. Computer Teaching project volunteers must be computer
literate.
Know before you go:
Vaccinations may be required, check with your doctor. Travel medical
insurance is required and the responsibility of the volunteer. Participants
must be in reasonable physical condition. Meals and accommodation are provided.
Accommodations are dorm style in volunteer houses. Weekends are free for
sightseeing and activities. Long weekends/extra days can also be taken to
explore.
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