Make a Difference: Wild Coast Schools and Conservation Initiatives

  South Africa

Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: Based on the Wild Coast, Volunteer Africa 32 degrees south us a truly rewarding volunteering experience in partnership with local rural schools and Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve. We not only provide volunteers with a life changing experience, but delivers real outcomes for learners in participating schools and truly adds value.

Wild Coast Rural Schools Programme

Work hand in hand with learners to achieve measurable and sustainable growth in education in rural schools. VA32 Degrees South provides participants with an outcomes based programme designed in partnership with teachers to support the growth of computer literacy, basic English and sport skills.

* VA32 Degrees South's progress is monitored and assessed against the programme goals. Volunteers are provided with tangible and realistic goals and are expected to achieve measurable results within the programme.
* Volunteers work in a classroom environment and are a vital part of developing a structured programme around computer literacy skills.
* Classes are integrated into the school lesson timetable and opportunities to work with teachers' computer literacy are also encouraged.
* The sports' skills programme is in addition to the computer based programme and is less formal. Individual volunteers drive the initiative and continue the input from previous volunteers (time dependent).
* Environmental input in gardens and/or aesthetic upliftment of the school facilities.
* Volunteers work with VA32 Degrees South staff to maximize the possibilities and return to the school.

Conservation Programme at Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve

The VA32 Degrees South programme is based at Inkwenkwezi, where volunteers live and work for the duration of their stay. The project offers volunteers an opportunity to go "behind the scenes" of a commercial game reserve.

Volunteers will partake in a range of activities that will include:

* Fence patrols for snares and other threats to wildlife
* Alien vegetation and soil erosion control
* Game counts and wildlife monitoring
* Environmental lectures and wildlife management skills
* African night out under the stars

Various other activities that may be experienced include:

* Boma building for animal release
* Game capture and release
* Animal rehabilitation work when necessary
* Game relocation

Highlights:
Wild Coast Rural Schools Programme
Create real opportunities for disadvantaged children through education, commitment and compassion. Live in a lovely cottage in the beautiful coastal village of Chintsa East, with the beach on your doorstep. Enjoy diverse travel opportunities throughout South Africa over weekends or other free time.

Conservation Programme at Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve
Daily interaction on a Big 5 Reserve - elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and the infamous Cape buffalo! Sleep out under the African sky and enjoy the sounds of Mother Earth. Other highlights include abseiling, canoeing, Indian Ocean whale and dolphin watching trip and mountain biking.

Qualifications:
Wild Coast Rural Schools Programme - basic English and basic computer literacy
Conservation Programme - medium fitness levels and below 40 years of age

Cost in US$: School: 1000 and Conservation: 1330

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Vibrant, enthusiastic and a good team player

Age Range: 18 - 40

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

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 6 - 10

Application Process Involves:

• Other

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