Take Part in the Medical and HIV/AIDS Awareness Programs in South Africa

  South Africa

• Cape Town: 
Cape Town (Kaapstad)

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: 2-8 weeks

Description: The projects combine a number of community initiatives in the St Lucia region. Embrace the opportunity to work with local nurses in a small, but very busy, rural clinic and home care visits which support around 20,000 Zulu people living in the communities around St. Lucia, and join an AIDS awareness program educating and encouraging prevention, while supporting those affected.

The St. Lucia area is heavily affected by HIV/AIDS. It is believed that in some communities, up to 70 percent of people are infected with the virus. As a result, many children are orphaned. Most of these children live with their relatives, but they are often left by themselves during the day, as their caretakers are at work. To keep these children off the streets, and to make sure they are well looked after and educated, Day Care Centres and creches provide a valuable service . We are working alongside these orphanages and day care centres as well as contributing to the HIV awareness and education initiatives of the town.

The clinics are under-resourced and, therefore, the help we provide is much needed. The clinic is the first point of call for many people and is often very busy. The nurses struggle to consult all of the patients each day, therefore, help from volunteers is gratefully received. Volunteers will never be required to make decisions regarding patient treatments, but will be immeasurable in reducing the workload of the staff by doing basic medical tasks, and they will have the opportunity to learn from the nurses. This project gives you the chance to gain invaluable medical experience whilst making a difference to people who need help.

Highlights: Whether you are based in Cape Town, Port Albert or St Lucia, you are never far away from a stunning beach, a host of adventure or a cultural community of indigenous people. Our volunteer houses provide the opportunity to relax and unwind after a hard day's work and the weekends offer adrenaline sports, the opportunity to spot Africa's magnificent wildlife, the chance to take part in community sports games or just enjoy a typical South African Braii.

Kruger National Park

This is South Africa's largest game reserve and one of the oldest in Africa. The park is now part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, an area designated by the United Nations Education and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO) as an International Man and Biosphere Reserve. Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. The best time to go is during the dry season (May - September) when the plains are sparse and animals are easier to view.

Drakensburg Mountains

The Drakensberg mountains of South Africa, known as the barrier of spears, is a 200-kilometre-long mountainous world heritage site. There are a number of adventure activities that you can do including rock or ice- climbing, abseiling, white water rafting or take a helicopter ride to view the Drakenberg mountains from above.

Surfing in South Africa

South Africa is renowned around the world for its many surfing hotspots due to the mix of beautiful coastal scenery and high quality surf. There is a strong surfing culture and way of life that is very contagious due to the friendly people and their enthusiasm and passion for the sport. Whether you are a novice or more experienced you will love surfing in South Africa. In the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, about an hour's drive southwest of Port Elizabeth, Jeffreys Bay is one of the most famous surfing destinations in the world. Especially great during the winter months of June, July, and August, surfers come here for a great ride and for the renowned blue flag beaches.

Qualifications: Participants must possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the people. Additionally, a love of working in the community and interacting with people is essential.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the local residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.

Age Range: Must be more than 18 years old.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement: Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded: 2008