Wild Coast Schools - Computer Literacy and Sports Program

  South Africa

Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Available throughout the year

Description: Special Offer! 20% Discount on all start dates in February & March 2009!

For volunteers with an interest in making a real difference to the lives of some very special South African children, the Wild Coast Schools Project will see you playing a vital role in the introduction of Computer Literacy Skills and a Sports Program to a growing number of rural schools on the Wild Coast, the land of Nelson Mandela's birth.

As a volunteer you will enjoy an exciting and varied program, which includes a comprehensive orientation week and a wide range of adventurous and cultural activities for your spare time. All meals and accommodation are included in a beautiful setting on the shores of the warm Indian Ocean amongst lagoon dune forest.

Interactive Sports Development
The project, Sports Initiative, is an exciting drive to introduce and develop on-going growth and appreciation in the sporting arena in socio-economically challenged areas of the Wild Coast. For the most part, schools lack the resources and the capacity to provide effective sports opportunities for their learners.

Computer Literacy Skills Development
Computer Literacy, considered in today's developed societies as a basic human right, is only in its infancy in the Wild Coast region. In the few schools that have electricity, very few have computers, and those that have computers have been left to develop in a vacuum with inappropriate and non-existent support structures.

Qualifications: No previous experience is required, although basic computer literacy skills and/or an interest in sports would be useful!

Cost in US$: $1,560 for first 4 weeks, $190 per week thereafter

* Cape Town Airport collection and drop-off.
* A Welcome Pack complete with many useful items that will help you settle in, and an opportunity to let your family or friends know you have arrived safely.
* An embroidered AVIVA Fleece.
* Accommodation at one of our AVIVA Houses in Cape Town before and after your project, with self-service breakfasts.
* Return flights between Cape Town and the Eastern Cape to join your project.
* A comprehensive welcome brief from a member of the on-site team.
* Accommodation in a cottage close to a lagoon bordering the Indian Ocean.
* All your meals during your project.
* Project orientation activities.
* Transfers to and from the rural schools.
* Advice and support from our experienced team during your stay.
* Our booking service for all attractions and events.
* An attractive certificate recognising your contribution to the Wild Coast Schools project.

If you are adding the optional Cape Town Week, the following will also be included:

* An extra 7-night accommodation at one of our AVIVA Houses in Cape Town with self-service breakfasts.
* A full-day Peninsula tour which includes lunch, visits to Hout Bay, Chapman's Peak Drive, Cape Point, Simon's Town, Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and much more. An incredible day rich with history and some of the world'smost beautiful scenery.
* A half-day Cultural tour, a fascinating introduction to South Africa's recent political history before and after Apartheid, includes highlights of Khayelitsha, South Africa's second largest township after Soweto.
* A full-day tour to the Cape Winelands including the Paarl, Franschoek and Stellenbosch regions. Wine tastings and lunch included.
* If required, extra nights can be added to your stay to meet your flight dates for only R120 per night. This may help you to take advantage of any cheaper flights that arrive in Cape Town before your planned arrival date.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A typical volunteer... ...is open to experiencing new cultures and meeting people from around the world. ...is tolerant and respectful of others, no matter what their beliefs or background. ...looks forward to broadening their horizons and exploring new lands. ...is flexible and adapts well to new situations and environments. ...is self-disciplined with a sense of independance. ...sees that volunteering provides them with a rewarding way in which to develop their own personal qualities and character while giving something back to the planet. ...is pro-active and looks for opportunities to experience their new surroundings. ...acknowledges that South Africa in many ways is still a developing country and thus will provide them with a wide range of new experiences.

Age Range: 18-40 yrs old

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 3-5

Application Process Involves:

• Other

AVIVA - Volunteering in South Africa's Mission Statement: AVIVA is committed to supporting sustainable community, wildlife and conservation projects while providing you with a positive, life changing experience in South Africa. We believe that volunteering promotes self-growth, cultural understanding, and provides you with a unique opportunity to really experience a country first hand. We work with grass roots projects that have evolved to meet real needs - so you can be sure that you will be contributing your time to a worthwhile and rewarding cause. From 16 year old students to 70 year old retirees, we have hosted volunteers from a wide range of nationalities and backgrounds, and our dedicated support team (the largest in Africa!) are here to ensure that your volunteering experience not only matches, but exceeds your expectations. Like many previous volunteers, you can open your eyes to new adventures, new friends, and an experience that will capture your heart and mind... Come and join us, we would love to see you in South Africa soon!

Year Founded: 2002