South Africa - volunteers needed!
Share your passion for sport and life with lively kids in South Africa.
We can arrange for you to volunteer at a highly-regarded sports foundation in Port Elizabeth. The foundation runs fantastic sporting programmes for disadvantaged kids, including football, cricket, rugby, tennis, hockey, netball, swimming and more. The kids love it - and their life skills get a real boost too.
If sport isn't your thing, you can get alongside the children at the local orphanage and primary schools. There's a warm welcome here for people who love kids and can come up with fun things to do.
What will the work involve?
Sports coaches: Every weekday your group will go to three schools where you'll coach your chosen sport. You can either team up with another volunteer or take a group on your own. You'll be well-supported by the full-time staff who will accompany the group to each session and provide guidance if you want it.
This isn't just about sport. The programme aims to give the kids positive values and improve their self-esteem so that they'll end up making better life choices. These kids have a lot of disadvantages in life and it's very rewarding to see them respond to some extra attention and encouragement. Read our blog for more information.
Care work and teaching : Nick and the staff will create a programme for you and the rest of your group aimed at making the most of your skills. A typical day will include playing games, reading to children, making a fool of yourself and providing much-needed friendship and attention. If you're a fun-loving person with a big heart, you'll be perfect for the job. The staff will be delighted to have you and the children will all want to be your best friend! Read our blog for more information.
Representative
Sport and childcare
Nick
Nick, who runs the sporting programme, is our local representive in Port Elizabeth. He'll meet you at the airport, get you settled in and will liaise with Oyster about your welfare and progress while you are there. You'll also be supported by colleagues Hannah and Kurt who live at your accommodation.
We’re right behind you
You start with a 3 day orientation where you'll be shown around and given plenty of tips on local life and working with the children. It is a good chance to get over the flight and get to know the others in your group.
After the orientation you'll be feeling pretty confident, but can still get plenty of support from Hannah and Kurt whom you'll see on a daily basis, as well as Nick.
Accommodation
You will live and work in Port Elizabeth, a friendly city on a beautiful stretch of coast. It's a popular tourist resort and host to some of the 2010 world cup matches. You live in a quiet friendly residential area about 10 minutes by taxi to the centre of town. It's well-equipped with life's comforts, including a TV room, internet access, swimming pool and table tennis.
You'll get three meals a day, including a packed lunch on workdays.
Cost and what is provided
The cost of a 5 week placement is £1235, excluding flights. Extra weeks are £140 and a 12 week placement (highly recommended) is £2215. Includes food, accommdation and support.
- Interview and informal briefing
- Help and advice from our UK office before departure and whilst in South Africa
- Advice on obtaining a visa (not required for EU citizens)
- Food ( three meals a day)
- Accommodation - dormitory style
- (Optional) flight with flexible return date (modest fee levied by airline for date changes). Approx £800 extra (2010 World Cup flight increase likely
- Induction course in-country to orientate you and brief you on local matters
- Met and greeted warmly at Port Elizabeth airport and transfer to accommodation.
- 24/7 country support and back up.
- Full orientation and induction to project before you begin
- All transport to and from project sites
- Several weekend, evening, adventure and social activities/trips
What do I need?
- All Flights (Oyster can book for you)
- A full passport valid for the duration of your stay
- Visas (where needed)
- Insurance (we can recommend a tailor made policy
- Vaccinations
- Independent travel costs and return to the airport
- Personal spending money – laundry, drinks, independent travel
- All UK travel costs (to the interview, the pre-departure course and the airport)
And one more thing...
The only street in the world to house two Nobel Peace Prize winners is in Soweto, South Africa. Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu both have houses in Vilakazi Street in Soweto.
