2 - 12 Weeks | Swaziland | Volunteer/Educational/Culture/Community
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DESTINATION(S): |
Swaziland |
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DURATION: |
2 - 12 Weeks |
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INCLUDES: |
Airport transfers, accommodation, meals, orientation and support from local staff |
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START DATES: |
1st Monday of the Month (every month except December) |
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PERFECT FOR: |
Adventurers, students, gap year projects |
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RATES (FROM): |
Please contact us for a quote |
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Build a Future Project aims to assist vulnerable children through building basic shelters, gardens, water systems and other physical structures needed at households and care points.
At the same time you will be transferring skills, providing basic accommodation and helping give communities’ encouragement and motivation to improve the quality of life. The project uses locally sourced building materials where possible and local methods.
We construct mud bricks using a locally made compressor and use other local materials wherever possible. This project caters to volunteers wanting to make a difference but also to groups who want to be involved in larger scale building projects.
Project Background
The Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) has the world’s highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates, with approximately 31% of the population being infected.
In 2010 it was estimated that there were close to 200,000 orphaned children in the Kingdom due to HIV/AIDS. Many more children are now without a parent and live with an extended family that already has stretched resources.
Unemployment is high, approximately 39% of Swazi’s are without a job, which rises considerably to 53% among youth. About 66% of the population is unable to meet basic food needs, while 43% live in chronic poverty.
Children are particularly vulnerable and often are in desperate need of help and support.
This project involves working with a number of small care centers, called Neighbourhood Care Points (NCP’s) and other non-profit organizations in Eswatini who are assisting orphans and vulnerable children.
The specific aims of these centers vary but in general, they provide orphaned and vulnerable children with food, care, pre-school education, and a safe environment.
Project Start Dates
The start date for this project is the first Monday of the month throughout the year, with the exception of December when the project is closed.
YOUR ROLE
As a volunteer, on the build a future program you will be in the communities, building classrooms and structures for the Orphaned and Vulnerable children and maintaining existing infrastructures, with the aim of giving a good shelter for these children and a suitable schooling environment.
You may also assist with the development and maintenance of gardens which provide a source of nutritious food to the children.
You will use local techniques of making mud bricks, then lay foundations, complete plastering, flooring, windows, doors and roofing under the supervision and direction of a local builder. Then decorate the structure!
You will have the opportunity to meet local community members and provide support to needy families and children while working on the building.
Some of the activities you will get involved in may include:
- Making clay bricks
- Clearing and preparing land for structures to be built
- Digging of foundations upon which to build
- Fencing & developing gardens to provide nutritious food for the children
- Painting structures
- Upkeep swings and other play equipment
Please note that the activities listed above are based on availability and may vary by season. These are samples of activities that are volunteers are likely to participate in.
IMPORTANT NOTE: When you work with children, you will be in the rural areas where modesty will be an important factor. Please make sure you dress appropriately- failure to do so may result in you missing a day of volunteering. More information about the dress code will follow in the pre-flight guide.
DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOLUNTEER
07:00
Wake up to see the sunshine, jump in a hot shower and get yourself started for the day with breakfast!
07:30
Travel to your placement and get ready to begin your day.
08:00
Participate in your chosen project assisting with teaching activities.
12:00
Time to eat the packed lunch you made that morning!
12:30
Begin your afternoon’s work with a full stomach and enthusiasm
15:00
Return back to your accommodation and share your day’s adventures with other volunteers, maybe even a quick swim in the pool!
18:30
Enjoy a delicious evening meal and relax...
Itinerary for your experience
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3 - 5
Day 29
Sadly all great adventures must come to an end and on your final day you will leave the backpacker lodge in Eswatini and transfer by road to Johannesburg to catch your flight.
Airport transfer is included and facilitated by All Out Africa if on the designated departure day.
Day 29 Onwards
Continue with your volunteer project as described on days 3-5, giving you more time to contribute to your project and experience.
RATES
Pricing Details
What's Included
- Comprehensive 24 hours, 7 days a week support from All Out Africa
- Volunteer projects specifically designed to enable you to make an active contribution during your stay
- All food and accommodation throughout your stay
What's Included
- Support of volunteer project coordinators who are experts in their fields which ensure the volunteer experience is valuable
- Comprehensive orientation to the country, its culture and your role As a volunteer, upon arrival
What's Excluded
- Flights
- Personal Expenses
- Travel Documents/Visas
- Personal Trips
- Daily Travel Costs to Your Project Placement
- Medical/Travel Insurance
DATES & AVAILABILITY
This project starts on the first Monday of every month, except December.
GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION
What To Bring
- Mobile phone with roaming OR “unlocked”(Buy local network SIM on arrival)
- Sunglasses/Sun hat/Bandanna/Sun cream
- Insect repellent
- Day pack/rucksack for everyday
- Small torch (a head torch is preferable)
- Toiletries/ Hand sanitizer & wet wipes(You can easily buy toiletries on arrival in Swaziland & Cape Town)
- Personal first aid kit/ Painkillers
- Boots &/or sturdy trainers
- Flip flops/Sandals/Swimwear
- Fun &/or casual wear for the weekend!
- Light waterproof jacket
Accommodation
- Lidwala Lodge in Ezulwini Valley
- Hot showers
- Clean toilets.
- Three meals a day will also be provided, some on a self-serve basis and others cooked for you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need experience to join this project?
How long is the work day?
This can vary but typically you will depart from your accommodation around 08:00am to arrive at your project and get started around 08:30. There is always a lunch break of at least one hour, and projects will resume in the afternoon with a finish time around 16:00. You'll have plenty of free time to relax and explore in the evenings and at weekends.
How many people will I be working alongside?
Each month we have a variety of volunteers join us from all over the world. In most cases you will be staying at a lodge with shared accommodation with perhaps 4-20+ other volunteers, however, these volunteers may be split amongst several different volunteer projects during the day. This is a great opportunity to meet and mix with volunteers who have different interests, but still get to have an intimate project experience!
What is the typical age of participants on the programme?
When/how should I book by flights?
Do I need any vaccinations?
Please check with your primary healthcare provider for the most current advice and let them know that you will be traveling to southern Africa. They may want to make sure all of your vaccinations are up to date and may have health recommendations for you. Essentially, it is up to you to seek current advice and decide whether you want to want to get vaccinated or take any malaria prophylaxis.
What about visas?
Visa requirements will depend on your nationality and it is your own responsibility to check whether or not you need a visa, so make sure you check on your local governments’ travel site for the most up to date information. However, many nationalities are able to obtain a 30-day tourist visa on entry at the border. If you are staying for longer periods our staff will help you with an extension in the country.
What about travel insurance?
It is your own responsibilty to obtain sufficient insurance cover for medical emergencies and other mishaps that could occur on your trip. It is strongly recommended that all volunteers have a valid travel insurance policy that will cover them for the duration of their stay.
Where does your project fees go?
By signing up with us you are donating your time and skills to work directly with communities in need through a structured project. There are many benefits of volunteering with an organization like ours. Sometimes it is hard to find projects to support in a foreign country that are safe, worthwhile and reputable. When you sign-up for one of our projects for 2 or 12-weeks, you become part of a bigger, sustainable plan that our team of qualified staff has carefully crafted. You will also receive travel and visa support, orientation, a safe place to stay, logistical support, in addition to clear expectations of the work you will do. This is why we charge a fee for volunteering or interning abroad.
Your project fee goes towards a company you can trust, an experience that is worthwhile and an opportunity that will make a positive and sustainable impact on the community you have chosen to serve.
BOOKING
Please complete our enquiry form and one of our team members will be in contact with you to start planning your African Adventure. Alternatively you can contact us directly via WhatsApp or Email with any questions you might have.
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Phone/WhatsApp:
+268 7865 4029 -
Email:
bookings@alloutafrica.com -
Office Details:
All Out Africa Projects, Lidwala Lodge,
Roki Centre, MR 103, Ezulwini, Eswatini -
Office Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8h00 - 17h00
Sat - Sun: CLOSED
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