ec cape town’s volunteer programme! · volunteering and learning english another major benefit of...

EC CAPE TOWN’S VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME!

Volunteering is an incredible way to develop and grow as a person, while at the same time contributing in meaningful, lasting ways to various communities and the broader environment. Anyone can volunteer, and as long as you follow your passion by doing what excites and motivates you, you will be able to find a cause or project that suits you and where you will be able to do the most good.

ANIMAL-BASED PROJECTS

Generally include the rehabilitation, care and upkeep of wild or domestic animals. This includes big-game animals like elephants, cheetahs or lions, various species of antelope, birds of prey and marine creatures (e.g. sharks, whales and seals). Other animal projects might include working with penguins, or rescued dogs and cats.

COMMUNITY-BASED PROJECTS

Comprise working with younger children from previously disadvantaged communities in South Africa, either at a school or creche. This involves helping children with their education and promoting their well-being. Some projects also work with the broader area around these places of education, so there is also the opportunity to interact with the adults in those communities.

Welcome to EC Cape Town’s Volunteer Programme!

EC Cape Town partners directly with several organisations in South Africa. Some of these are based in Cape Town, while others are based elsewhere in South Africa.

There are two broad categories of volunteering opportunities: Animal-based and Community-based.

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The benefits of volunteering

Besides the clear benefits an extra pair of willing hands contribute to every project, there is a wealth of direct personal benefits also to be gained by being part of a volunteering experience.

Volunteering connects you to others• It’s a great way to meet new

people, make new friends and contacts, and increase your social and relationship skills. Whether you work with animals or children, there will always be contact time with like-minded people at the projects who share the same vision and purposes as you do.

Volunteering is good for your mind and body• By developing meaningful

connections with other people and the environment, volunteering helps to counteract the effects of stress, anger, anxiety and even depression.

• Helping others (or animals in need) brings us immense pleasure and joy. The more we give the happier we feel!

• Your self-confidence increases, and you find new purpose, meaning and direction in your life.

Volunteering can advance your career• You learn valuable

skills that can help you in the workplace, and you have the chance to gain experience in an organisation that could help you in future career decisions and opportunities.

Volunteering brings fun and fulfilment to your life• Being away from your

normal day-to-day life, in a new, different environment, is incredibly exciting and energizing.

• You have the opportunity to completely be yourself, with renewed creativity, motivation and vision, which could be life-changing for you both personally and professionally. *

Volunteering and learning English

Another major benefit of participating in EC Cape Town’s Volunteer Programme is that your English will improve while you are living and volunteering in South Africa.

Of course, this will happen naturally as you work at the volunteer project, but you are also able to combine your volunteering experience with an English language course.

Since most of the programmes require at least an Intermediate (B1 or B2) Level of English, we recommend that you enroll for a short English course (around 2 weeks, or longer) with EC Cape Town before you begin volunteering.

* Adapted from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm/

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PROJECT SUMMARIES

African Elephant EncounterThis African Elephant project gets up close and personal with the largest land animals on the planet. Situated about a 6 hours’ drive outside of Cape Town, you will live on-site with other volunteers. You will have the opportunity to monitor elephant behaviour and record their social interactions. You will observe the interactions between elephants and tourists and be involved with the visitors to the park. You will have the opportunity to get involved in many more different activities during your stay, including the chance to visit and/or work with the other elephant facilities in the region, depending on the length of your stay.

Click here for more details

African Marine EncounterLocated along the coast just over 2 hours’ drive away from Cape Town, this project is perfect for anyone who has any interest in our oceans and the amazing creatures we encounter in them. This project works with a variety of marine animals and birds, including sharks, whales, penguins and seals. While the main focus of the project is around marine research, there is also a strong emphasis on tourism, and ecotourism in particular. You are also very likely to come across dolphins and killer whales while you are out on the boats. If you are the queasy type, remember to bring your sea-sickness tablets for this one! The project offers on-site self-catering accommodation for its volunteers.


African Wildlife EncounterSituated close to one the surfing meccas of the world, Jeffrey’s Bay (7 ½ hours from Cape Town), this project works with a wide variety of wild animals, mainly from Africa, but also from other places around the world. You will work directly with the animals, and also with the tourists who visit the facility. Most of the long-term resident animals are friendly and you are encouraged to have as much hands-on contact with them as possible. The project also includes a 1000-hectare game farm which is home to zebra, giraffe, kudu, nyala, bushbuck, and many more animal species. The park is changing regularly, and so new enclosures often have to be constructed and existing ones adapted to meet the needs of new inhabitants. The accommodation is on-site.


Hout Bay KidsThis Cape Town-based project is located in a part of Hout Bay (a suburb of Cape Town), known as Imizamo Yethu township. It is a daycare facility for the people of this area, where young children are cared for in a loving environment. They are taught Christian values and simple life skills and are prepared for formal schooling. The project employs people from the community and empowers them to become excellent career educators. You will be involved in the day-to-day lives of the children who attend there and in the running of the facility. The project does not provide accommodation, but EC Cape Town will help you to find a suitable place to stay or you can find something on your own if you prefer.


J-Bay KidsThe J-Bay Kids projects are located in a township called Ocean View in Jeffrey’s Bay (7 ½ hours from Cape Town). The projects are two crèches for children and babies up to the age of 6 years. There are 2 adults in each kindergarten caring for up to 70 children, thus the need for extra help is obvious and volunteers are able to assist in a meaningful, hands-on way. You will be directly involved with the children by playing with them daily, assisting them with basic educational activities and keeping them occupied during the time they are there. Communal/shared accommodation is provided, which includes meals and daily transport to and from the projects.


Kids Literacy for LifeThis project is based in Cape Town and works with three inner-city schools which cater for primary school children from poorer communities on the outskirts of the city. These children usually accompany a parent who works in or near the city centre, or they travel a long distance by public transport to get to their schools. The literacy programme provides individualised English reading, writing and speaking skills support to children between the ages of 6 and 10. The programme has significant benefits for the whole school, not just for those children who attend the programme. The project does not provide accommodation, but EC Cape Town will help you to find a suitable place to stay or you can find something on your own if you prefer.


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African Primate EncounterBased along South Africa’s famous Garden Route, the project involves working with primates (apes and monkeys) in a protected and stable environment. This sanctuary is a place where primates are rehabilitated both physically and emotionally. The project also tries to achieve an effective balance between environmental conservation and tourists who visit the sanctuary. It has captured the hearts of visitors in its efforts to rehabilitate and liberate previously-caged primates. The sanctuary is exceptional as it caters for several species of primates, which are free to roam naturally around the indigenous forest.


African Big Cats EncounterThe project is home to the “big cats” such as lions, cheetahs, tigers, leopards, jaguars, pumas, caracal, serval cats and other wildlife species such as zebra, wild dog, springbok, honey badgers and raccoons. The focus is on conservation education and specifically the plight of large predators in captivity, not only in South Africa but all over the world. The sanctuary provides these predatory cats and wild animals that live there with a stable, safe environment and it also protects them from the hunting or the petting trade. You will be involved with the rehabilitation of these amazing creatures. The project is based about 6 hours from Cape Town. Full board and lodging accommodation is offered, as well as a shuttle to and from the project.


Kranshoek Kids These community-based projects have been active since 2009. There is one main purpose: to help the poorest children from the Kranshoek community by giving them one meal every day. Kranshoek is mostly a Griqua (a unique people group in South Africa) settlement of Plettenberg Bay, populated by white, coloured and black people, who are very poor, and have very limited job opportunities. Donations received by the projects are used exclusively for the benefit of all the children they are assisting. In addition, the project offers professional opportunities to some of the youth from the community and have started a new training project called FUTURE, which provides vocational training for young people in areas such as cooking, waitressing, motor mechanics, building and carpentry.


Coastal Birds EncounterThis conservation project was established in 1968. It is a non-profit organisation whose primary objective is to reverse the decline of seabird populations. This is done through the rescue, rehabilitation and release of ill, injured, abandoned and oiled seabirds – especially endangered seabirds, such as the African penguin. In the course of more than over 50 years, the project has treated more than 95 000 seabirds. The project is situated on the banks of a natural wetland reserve in a residential neighbourhood that is approximately 20km from Cape Town. The project does not provide accommodation, but EC Cape Town will help you to find a suitable place to stay or you can find something on your own if you prefer.


Plettenberg Bay KidsThe project has been active for over 13 years and is home to 23 children who are there for a variety of reasons, ranging from having no home of their own, having parents who cannot afford to look after them, or having been abused. These children were potential, or actual, street children but with a lot of love and care they now all go to school daily. The children receive clothing, three meals a day, homework supervision and counselling. They also have the amazing opportunity to participate in camps, art lessons, sports activities and outings. For those children who do have a family to go back to, they receive help from social workers who work on rehabilitating the children and then re-uniting them with their respective families.


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2020 PRICELIST (All prices include placement fees)

African Elephant Encounter

1 week € 790.00

3 weeks € 1,680.00

4 weeks € 2,160.00

6 weeks € 2,370.00

8 weeks € 3,080.00

Extra week € 315.00

African Marine Encounter*

1 week € 880.00

2 weeks € 1,415.00

4 weeks € 2,250.00

8 weeks € 3,980.00


African Wildlife Encounter

2 weeks € 650.00

4 weeks € 1,070.00

6 weeks € 1,910.00


Hout Bay Kids

One-off feeMinimum 4 weeks

€ 400.00

J-Bay Kids

2 weeks € 940.00

4 weeks € 2,270.00

6 weeks € 2,130.00

8 weeks € 2,770.00


Kids Literacy for Life

One-off feeMinimum 6 weeks

€ 400.00

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* Longer than 1 week is preferable** Self-catering options are available for these projects. Deduct 90 euros per week for this option.

African Primate Encounter**

4 weeks € 2,300.00

6 weeks € 3,300.00

8 weeks € 4,300.00


African Big Cats Encounter**

4 weeks € 2,300.00

6 weeks € 3,300.00

8 weeks € 4,300.00


Kranshoek Kids**

4 weeks € 2,300.00

6 weeks € 3,300.00

8 weeks € 4,300.00


Coastal Birds Encounter

6 weeks € 500.00


Plettenberg Bay Kids**

4 weeks € 2,300.00

6 weeks € 3,300.00

8 weeks € 4,300.00


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African Elephant Encounter

ABOUTIn 2009, it was found that there was a serious lack of research done on captive elephants in South Africa, particularly with respect to their welfare and breeding, within their own unique environments. With this in mind, the project established the first elephant research unit dedicated to captive elephants - The African Elephant Research Unit, also known as AERU.

This research unit is a non-profit trust, with the following objectives:

• To conduct and facilitate research studies of the elephants based at the Knysna Elephant

• To work with parks and other captive elephant operations in South Africa

• To promote ethical and non-harmful research of captive elephants in South Africa

• To guide management of captive elephant operations through science

• To provide information relevant to wild elephants to improve their protection and conservation

• To carry out our mission, which is: conservation through education

WHAT WILL YOU DO?The elephant herd you will be working closely with comprises of five females (aged 7 – 25), two adult males (aged 22 and 14) and two young males (aged 8).

Usually volunteers work a 5-day week with weekends off. Occasionally you may be asked to help over the weekend and some evenings.

In conjunction with the other activities, volunteers are asked to assist Dr. Debbie Young (Director of AERU) collect research data from the elephants at including the following:

• Monitoring of behaviour - following and observing elephants in the field, recording behaviours such as grazing, drinking, playing, dusting and walking

• Recording social interactions between elephants - how they relate to, and communicate with each other using their trunks and bodies

• Night-time observations of elephant behaviour

• Observing and recording interactions between elephants and tourists

• Studies of feeding behaviour and plants eaten by the elephants

• Collection of dung for physiological analysis

• You will have the opportunity to get involved in many more different activities during your stay.

• We also work closely with five other elephant facilities. Depending on the length of your stay, you may have the opportunity to visit and/or work at some of them.

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WHAT TO WEAR?You will be supplied with two Elephant Park t-shirts that you must wear during your working hours and you must be presentable at all times. AERU will supply you with a branded jacket for use during your stay. These can be purchased or must be returned on departure. You will need to supply your own trousers/shorts. These need to be hard-wearing and neutral colours (khaki, browns and greens). Dark blue jeans are also suitable. Shorts must be no shorter than mid-thigh. Open toed shoes are not appropriate when out in the field with the elephants. Hiking boots/trainers are most appropriate for while you are working.

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS• Volunteers live in the AERU bunkhouse. There are five rooms, each with their own shower and toilet. The rooms have two to

three beds, so you may or may not have to share, depending on the number of volunteers at the time.

• AERU has also added additional accommodation facilities. This is an annex at the owner’s house and is a short walk away from the bunkhouse. There are 4 rooms with 2 to 3 beds each and with their own shower and toilet. The annex also has its own kitchen and living area.

• Bedding is provided.

• The AERU offices and library are in the bunkhouse. The library has a small lounge with a TV and DVD player for volunteers to enjoy on their off days. The offices open onto a wooden deck and braai area which overlooks the dam and park.

• Volunteers who stay four weeks or longer get to spend a night in our luxury ‘Elephant Lodge’ located above the elephant boma. This five-star accommodation where you get to ‘sleep with the elephants’ is the only place in the world that offers you this type of experience!

• Meals are not included. There is a fully equipped kitchen area (stove, fridge, freezer, kettle, microwave & toaster) and you are responsible for buying and cooking your own food. Weekly shopping trips are organised for you to buy supplies. There is a restaurant at the park, which is open between 08:30 and 17:00 every day.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWThis is an animal-based project working with elephants in Knysna.

Being a premier tourist destination, it is essential that volunteers are always neatly presented and can be identified as part of the team.

MINIMUM AGE 18

MINIMUM LEVEL OF ENGLISH REQUIRED INTERMEDIATE to UPPER INTERMEDIATE: a strong understanding of English at a conversational level is required

SKILLS/PERSONALITY TRAITS REQUIRED: Volunteers are required to be dedicated, hard-working, mature and motivated. You should be in good health and reasonably physically fit, as you will be out in the fields following the elephants. Specific wildlife experience is not a necessity. Veterinary students, biology students and animal lovers will benefit greatly from this project.

APPLICATIONComplete the application form

ARRIVAL

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ARRIVAL AT GEORGE AIRPORT ON INTAKE DATE

• Airport pickups are between 12pm and 3pm on intake dates - volunteers who arrive earlier will need to wait till 12pm.

• If volunteers arrive after 3pm or have missed their flight it is their responsibility to be in contact with AERU management in order for them to arrange alternative taxi transport.

• Volunteers will be responsible for the cost of the taxi transfer and will need to have the cash available to pay the driver on pick up.

DEPARTURE ON MONDAYS• Airport transfers for departures will be Mondays, leaving the park at 10h00, which means that all flights must be booked from

13h00 onwards, as check-in is 1 hour prior to departure and the airport is 95km from the park.

• If flight departure times are before 13h00 it is your responsibility to arrange alternative transport or ask AERU management for assistance. You will be responsible for the cost of the taxi transfer to the airport in this case.

STARTING/INTAKE DATES 2020:

3 weeks + 1 week13 Jan 03 Feb 24 Feb 16 Mar 06 April 27 April 06 Jan 26 Jan 06 Feb 08 Mar 29 Mar 19 April

18 May 08 June 29 June 20 July 10 Aug 31 Aug 10 May 31 May 21 June 12 July 02 Aug 23 Aug

21 Sept 12 Oct 02 Nov 23 Nov 14 Dec 13 Sep 04 Oct 25 Oct 15 Nov 06 Dec 27 Dec

WHICH TRANSFERS ARE INCLUDED? Arrival & departure transfer from George Airport

WHAT TO BRING? A waterproof jacket or poncho is always a good idea whatever time of year you are planning to visit the park, as the weather can be very unpredictable. It is a good idea to bring lots of extra socks, as you will be doing a lot of walking.

OTHER ITEMS YOU WILL NEED• Alarm clock

• South African plug adaptors

• Pens

• Towels

• Camera

• Torch / flashlight

• Good pair of walking boots/trainers

• Gumboots / rubber boots are recommended (especially in winter when it can be very cold and wet!)

• Clothes of neutral colours

• Warm tops / fleeces or jacket (waterproof trousers may come in handy in wet weather. Night temperatures can drop to 0°C)

• Clothing for layering is always good as it often warms up during the day.

• Small rucksack for out in the field

• Water bottle

• Insect repellent (during the summer months: November – March)

• Sun cream (SPF 30 or more)

• Sun hat / cap

• 1 pair of rubber gloves (for picking up dung samples)

• 1 pair of working gloves (the gardening ‘leather’ type - for cleaning out elephant pens and bringing branches in for the elephants)

• There is a token operated laundry facility which has washing machines and tumble dryers. Volunteers receive one free wash load per week, and additional tokens can be purchased at a cost of approximately €3.00 per wash and €4.00 per dry

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OTHER USEFUL ITEMS YOU MAY WISH TO BRING• Swimming costume (we have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world on our doorstep, which you can visit over the

weekends)

• Books, games, movies, music, etc. for the evenings

• Binoculars, personal first aid kit, laptop

You will be able to purchase AERU branded t-shirts, fleeces and beanies, which you can use as part of your uniform in the field. Then take them home with you and help spread the AERU message.

VACCINATIONSConsult your local doctor/travel clinic.

WHERE IS THE PROJECT BASED? • Country: South Africa,

• Region: Located between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay

WORKING?• Minimum duration: 2 weeks

• Maximum duration: 12 weeks

• Daily hours: working hours will be discussed but you will be busy for 5 days a week

• The project is open all year round

COSTS? 1 weeks € 790.00

3 weeks € 1,680.00

4 weeks € 2,160.00

6 weeks € 2,370.00

8 weeks € 3,080.00

extra week € 315.00

PROBATION?All volunteers are subject to a two-week probation period.

SICK DAYS?The project must be notified by 08:00 if you are going to be absent due to illness.

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WHAT IS INCLUDED?• Project placement and all correspondence with the project

• Arrival & departure transfer at the project (scheduled dates)

• Arrival orientation

• Accommodation and basic bedding at the project

• Weekly shuttle for supplies

• Wifi

• A South-African braai evening

• A branded coffee cup/travel mug

• 2 branded T-shirts to wear during work hours

• An AERU branded jacket which must be returned on departure

• Elephant lodge night if you stay for 4 weeks or longer

• Support services from both the project and EC Cape Town

• 24/7 assistance on EC Cape Town’s emergency phone for the duration of your stay

WHAT IS EXCLUDED?• Visa application fees

• Travel insurance (available at €15 per week if booked with EC)

• Flights

• Meals

• Towels

• Spending money

• All other local transport requirements

• Excursions

TERMS AND CONDITIONS?• Standard EC Terms and Conditions apply.

• In addition, please note the following Project Booking and Cancellation Policy:

• 25% cancelation fee if cancelled 8 weeks prior to arrival

• 50% cancelation fee if cancelled 30 days prior to arrival


• 50% payment on confirmation of booking and balance payable 30 days prior to arrival

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ABOUTThe programme offers individuals from all over the world, and all walks of life, the opportunity to experience unique marine-related projects in the biodiversity-rich environment of the Greater Dyer Island area, in Gansbaai, South Africa.

Volunteering aboard the vessels of our tourism partners offers the chance to gain exposure to several marine species, including, but not limited to, great white sharks, southern right whales (seasonal), dolphins and many marine bird species such as the endangered African penguin. Every trip has a dedicated marine biologist guide on board who educates volunteers and clients, increasing their knowledge of the target species and ecology of the area.

Our conservation partner, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT), is a leader in marine conservation, featuring marine biologists studying great white sharks and other marine life.

A major project of the DICT is the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, where injured, oiled and under-nourished seabirds are rehabilitated, with the aim to halt the decline to extinction for the endangered African Penguin.

This programme will suit anyone who loves the ocean and marine wildlife, shark fanatics, whale enthusiasts and people who want to assist with and learn more about responsible tourism and how eco-tourism benefits conservation.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?Volunteers take part in the data capturing for these studies aboard Slashfin, the shark cage diving vessel, and Dream Catcher, the eco-tour and whale watching vessel. These boats serve as data capturing platforms for our biologists and volunteers on every trip out to sea. In addition to this, the DICT research vessel, Lwazi, launches from time-to-time, affording long-term volunteers the opportunity to be more involved in research activities.

DAILYAfrican Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary: 1 to 3 hours daily, depending on the number of penguins

You will be involved in cleaning the birds’ pens, crates and living areas, assisting with preparing medicated fish, recording medical records and data and telling visitors about what we do.

DAILY (weather dependent)Shark cage-diving: 1 to 3 boat trips daily, and boat-based whale watching/ecotours

African Marine Encounter

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Some duties on the vessels, Slashfin and Dream Catcher, include:

• Assisting clients on land with their life jackets

• Helping clients into wetsuits

• Assisting with seasick clients where necessary

• Recording of shark data

• Preparation and cleaning the boats

• Washing of wetsuits / assisting crew with duties

• Taking photographs

• Recording of seabird, shark and whale data

• Assisting with collecting environmental data

WEEKLYBeach clean ups; making fishing line bins; presentations on biology, conservation and safety; assisting at the local animal shelter and assisting with the environmental education group.

SOCIAL EVENINGS, WEEKLYWelcome barbeque; eating at a restaurant; out to a pub for social evenings; pizza & movies evenings making dinner together at home.

WHAT TO WEAR?Supplied by the project: mask, wetsuits, gumboots, two working T-shirts, cap, light wind breaker

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALSACCOMMODATION• There are 4 cottages - 2 for males and 2 for females - consisting of 2 rooms each, with 2 single beds in each room. There is also

a communal area in each cottage with two single beds. Each cottage consists of a kitchenette, and a bathroom with a shower, basin and toilet.

• There is also the Volunteer Centre, with a big main kitchen where volunteers normally prefer to cook together, with stoves, microwave, and fridges. There are barbeque facilities, a pool table, lounge area, foosball table, table tennis, swimming pool, DSTV, toilets and an activity hall.

MEALS• Breakfast: Bacon, eggs, bread, butter, juice, tea, coffee, sugar, milk and a variety of cereals. This is a self-help breakfast.

• Lunch: On every trip out on the boat, sandwiches, fruit, a packet of crisps and a juice is packed for each volunteer. You will be issued with a lunch container on arrival. You will need to make your own sandwiches to take out on the boat if you are not going to be at the lodge during lunch time. A variety of breads, tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, cheese, peanut butter, jam, salt & pepper and mayonnaise is provided. Fruit juice and seasonal fruit is also available.

• Dinner: This is for your own account, and you will be taken out to a restaurant some nights. You can also order take-aways or cook together with the other volunteers.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWThis is a conservation-based project focused on eco-tourism, conservation, education and research in Gansbaai, South Africa.

Working at sea always comes with its risks, but everything is done to minimize these risks, from safety briefings and the use of life jackets, to fully competent skippers, liability insurance, excellently maintained vessels and equipment, experienced staff, etc.

MINIMUM AGE 18

MINIMUM LEVEL OF ENGLISH REQUIREDINTERMEDIATE to UPPER INTERMEDIATE: a strong understanding of English at a conversational level is required

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SKILLS/PERSONALITY TRAITS REQUIRED:Volunteers need to be dedicated, hard working, mature and motivated. If you have a positive and adaptable personality and a willingness to learn more about nature, then this is the project for you!

APPLICATIONComplete the application form.

There are some legal documents that will need to be signed on the day of arrival, which you will need to read and familiarise yourself with.

ARRIVAL• Arrival at Cape Town International Airport

• Volunteers should arrive in Cape Town on a Sunday and book own accommodation in the city center for Sunday night (own expense). The project’s shuttle will collect on Monday morning. Pickups could be as early as 04h00.

• Departure: Mondays.

• Volunteers can be dropped free of charge at the Cape Town International Airport (flights must leave later than 19h00) or at any other accommodation in the city centre.

WHICH TRANSFERS ARE INCLUDED?• Arrival & departure transfers

• Mini busses and bicycles to reach the project daily

WHAT TO BRING?• Seasickness tablets or patches

• Polarised sunglasses

• Sun block

• Warm jacket, clothes and beanie, especially in winter time – South African buildings are not heated inside!

• Older clothes and non-slip shoes for the boat

• Medication

• Regular clothes and shoes - sneakers recommended

• Personal belongings

• Driver’s license if you are planning to rent a car while in South Africa

• Any personal items you would take on a normal trip

• Own toiletries, towel and clothes


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WHERE IS THE PROJECT BASED?• Country: South Africa

• Region: Gansbaai in the Western Cape (approximately 1½ hours’ drive from Cape Town)

WORKING DAYS AND HOURS?• Minimum duration: 1 week but this is discouraged as it’s too short a time to be of benefit to you or the project

• Maximum duration: No maximum length of stay

• Daily hours: Sea days – weather and tide dependent. Working time is 5 to 8 hours per day

• Open all year around. There are no sea trips on Christmas Day (25th Dec) and New Year’s Day (1 Jan)

COSTS? 1 week € 880.00

2 weeks € 1415.00

4 weeks € 2,250.00

8 weeks € 3,980.00



SICK DAYS?The project must be notified by 08h00 if you are going to be absent due to illness,


• Arrival & departure transfer at the project, if booked according to requirements



• Self-help breakfast and a light lunch (on sea days)

• Wifi



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• Flights

• Dinner and no-sea-day lunches

• Towels

• Sunday night accommodation prior to Monday pick up (in City Centre)

• Spending money


• Excursions

• Laundry at an extra cost



• 0% cancelation fee if cancelled more than 30 days prior to arrival

• 50% cancelation fee if cancelled 15 to 30 days prior to arrival



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ABOUTThe project situated in a picturesque valley between Port Elizabeth and Jeffreys Bay, in the malaria-free Eastern Cape. It started out as a family interest in rehabilitating orphaned animals and birds and over the years grew into a larger operation. The sanctuary has grown steadily since it opened to the public in 1992. Since then several more animals and birds have been taken in and the sanctuary is now home to many animals and over 300 species of birds. Most birds and animals are brought to the sanctuary by members of the public or referred from local veterinary practices. These have usually been injured or orphaned and can range from small birds to larger animals such as bush pigs and buck.

Other animals at the park include several buck species, cheetahs, servals, lynx, squirrels, squirrel monkeys, genets, meerkats and crocodiles. Birdlife includes several birds indigenous to South Africa including the Knysna loerie, black eagles, blue cranes, African greys and many other types of hawks, owls and parrots.

The centre is primarily an animal sanctuary and most animals and birds that come to us are infants. Those that are seriously injured are cared for by our volunteers and live out the rest of their lives at the sanctuary. However, those that can survive on their own are nursed back to health and released into the wild. In 2015 the project finished building a separate rehabilitation unit with eight rehab cages and some larger flight cages for the new-arrival birds. These cages give them a chance to adapt to living outside again and learning to spread their wings before being moved into the larger aviaries.

The project also runs an endangered animal breeding scheme and have blue duiker, crowned cranes, cheetahs and servals in this programme. However, they are no longer breeding the cheetahs and servals. There are six cheetahs, of which three are hand-reared. Volunteers help with the feeding and maintenance of the cheetah enclosures and the thirteen serval cats.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?Volunteers work for five days, with two days off each week.

The usual day to day duties involve preparing the feed for the animals and birds, and then feeding them twice daily. This can take up to one hour in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. You will be required to maintain and clean out enclosures regularly and be aware of any problems that arise, either with the animals themselves, their enclosures or their access to food and water. Most of the long-term resident animals are friendly and you are encouraged to have as much hands-on contact with them as possible.

The project also includes a 1000-hectare game farm which is home to zebra, giraffe, kudu, nyala, bushbuck, and many more animal species. There are also many varieties of birds - too many to mention! This requires regular maintenance in the way of checking fences for holes and disabling and removing poachers’ traps.

The park is regularly changing, and so new enclosures often have to be constructed and existing ones adapted to meet the needs of new inhabitants. You may be involved in both the building of these enclosures and creating the correct habitat for the animals.

African Wildlife Encounter

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W HAT TO WEAR?• Walking shoes/boots or trainers for working/game farm

• Working clothes that will get dirty

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS Volunteers live on site in the lodge situated on the game reserve, a 5-minute walk from the sanctuary. There is a TV lounge with a DVD player for volunteers to use. The rooms are usually twin or 3 sleepers with the biggest dorm room sleeping 4. You are usually accommodated with volunteers of the same sex and of similar ages/length of stays. The accommodation is basic, although there is hot water and electricity! Beds are provided with a sheet, pillow and summer duvet but you are advised to bring a sleeping bag - a must for the cold nights through the winter months! (May –September). There is also accommodation for older volunteers or couples requiring a bit more privacy. There is no Wi-Fi, so we recommend you buy a South African sim card on arrival and then you can buy prepaid credit and data for all your Facebook/WhatsApp needs. We recommend MTN or Cell C for the best network coverage at the sanctuary.

Meals are included and consist of:

• Breakfast – toast with jams etc, and cereals

• Lunch – sandwiches, wraps, salad, soup, etc.

• Dinner – cooked meals (e.g. roasts, pasta, curry, braai (BBQ), lasagne, etc.)

• We cater for vegetarians.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWThe project is situated 30 minutes from the surfing mecca of Jeffreys Bay, which is a popular off day destination for volunteers. There are several surf shops, bars and restaurants and the opportunity to take a surfing lesson or take a horse-riding trip along the beach. Other popular trips include Bloukrans River Bridge, which is home to the world’s highest bungy jump, and blackwater tubing. The nearby town of Plettenburg Bay has excellent sky diving as well as other animal sanctuaries for monkeys, big cats and elephants.

There are loads of other activities such as swimming with seals, and a fantastic safari day which the managers help you to organise on your days off. You might simply like to spend their off days relaxing around at the sanctuary, watching a movie or taking a walk on the game farm.

MINIMUM AGE 16


SKILLS/PERSONALITY TRAITS REQUIRED:• Genuine love for and interest in all animals, especially birds

• Patience, tolerance and respect towards others

• A fun and light attitude without complications

• Agility and energy to engage in physical work

• Willingness to work with animal enclosures/cleaning them

• Not easily stressed

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APPLICATION PROCESSComplete the application form.

ARRIVAL• Arrival at Port Elizabeth airport

• Monday arrival is preferred

• Monday to Friday between 09h00 and 16h00

(There will be an extra charge if arrival is after 16h00, which will be for your own account)

WHICH TRANSFERS ARE INCLUDED?Arrival transfer is included if arrival is before 16h00. Departure transfer is an additional charge.

WHAT TO BRING?• Walking shoes/boots or trainers for working/game farm

• Other shoes/ flip flops etc

• Clothes: Working clothes that will get dirty, e.g. T-shirts/vests, jumpers/fleece tops, shorts, trousers, etc.

• Warm clothes for evening/winter (South Africa gets cold in the winter!)

• Other clothes for time off, etc.

• Waterproof jacket (trousers optional)

• Swimwear

• Towel

• Torch

• Alarm clock

• Water bottle (optional)

• Sun hat and suntan lotion

• Insect repellent

• Sleeping bag (warm one for winter months April – September. Not necessary during summer months)

• Personal toiletries

• Personal medications

• Small first aid kit

• Hand sanitizer (optional)

• Camera

• Cell phone (optional)

• Personal entertainment - books/music/movies, etc. (optional)

• South African 3 pin adaptor

Please remember to check the weather for the time of year you will be arriving. Although the summers are long and warm it can get cold and wet during the autumn/winter months. There is no central heating at your accommodation (or in South Africa in general).

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VACINATIONSConsult your local doctor/travel clinic. The project is in a malaria-free area.


• Region: Thornhill, just outside Jeffreys Bay

WORKING DAY AND HOURS?• Minimum duration: 2 weeks

• Maximum duration: no maximum, but most volunteers spend 1 -2 months at the project

• Daily hours: Hours will be discussed at the project

• Volunteers work 5 days with 2 days off each week

• Open all year around


4 weeks € 1,070.00

8 weeks € 1,910.00


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• 25% cancelation fee if cancelled 3 or more weeks prior to arrival

• 50% cancelation fee if cancelled 2 weeks prior to arrival

• 100% cancellation fee if cancelled 1 week prior to arrival



SICK DAYS?The project must be notified by 08h00 if you are going to be absent due to illness.


• Arrival transfer at the project



• Meals at the project





• Flights

• Spending money

• Extra bedding during winter months (bring a sleeping bag)

• Local transport

• Wi-Fi

• Departure transfer

• Laundry

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ABOUTImizamo Yethu township has a population of roughly 30,000 residents, who are mainly of Xhosa speaking origin from the Eastern Cape, together with immigrants from the rest of Africa. The informal settlement was established in the early 1990s when 450 families who had been living in shacks around Hout Bay were relocated to a new area on the side of the mountain overlooking the Hout Bay harbour.

At Hout Bay Kids, our vision is to create a daycare facility for the people of Imizamo Yethu where children are cared for in a loving environment. They are taught Christian values and simple life skills and are prepared for formal schooling. The project employs people from the community and empowers them to become excellent career educators.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?• Welcoming the children and assisting with getting ready for their day

• Breakfast – laying and clearing of tables, supervise eating (breakfast, snack & lunchtime)

• Brushing of teeth – assist with toothpaste, supervise brushing of teeth

• Hygiene awareness - washing of hands and toilet routine during and between lessons

• Assist the programme coordinators in daily activities

• Before morning break – prepare fruit and hand out to the children. Water/tea to be served to each child

• Outside play – you assist the coordinators, supervising and playing with the children, i.e. games

• Music ring – singing and dancing

• Sleeping time –preparing classroom for resting time and floor cleaning

• Assist in kitchen with food service

• Assist with art, music and other lessons during class times

• Assist children that need special attention with English, writing, drawing, maths or general schoolwork. The volunteer coordinators will advise as to where your assistance is needed

• Tutoring

WHAT TO WEAR?Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for the season, such as jeans or shorts, t-shirt, comfortable shoes

Hout Bay Kids

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ACCOMMODATION AND MEALSYou can book accommodation with EC Cape Town or arrange your own accommodation close to the project.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW• You should not pick up older children, carry them around, allow them to cling to your legs or to play with your hair

• You may never use physical punishment or degrading remarks to discipline any child

• You should treat all children equally (no favourites)

• You should always liaise with the class teacher before planning something different to the existing program

• You need to speak directly with the principal should any problem whatsoever arise

MINIMUM AGE 18

MINIMUM LEVEL OF ENGLISH REQUIREDINTERMEDIATE: a strong understanding of English at a conversational level is required

SKILLS/PERSONALITY TRAITS REQUIRED• Genuine love for and interest in children

• Patience, tolerance and respect towards children


• Agility and energy to engage in physical child play

• Willingness to work closely with the class teacher – remembering that the teacher is in charge and you are assisting her. The teacher is ultimately responsible for the children in her care.

• Able to cope with stress

APPLICATION• Provide a Police Clearance Certificate.

• Write a motivation letter.

• Complete the application form.


WHICH TRANSFERS ARE INCLUDED?• Arrival and departure transfer if accommodation is booked with EC Cape Town

• You will need to make your own way to the project each day. This can be by train, bus service, or Uber.

WHAT TO BRING?• Please bring your own snacks or food daily. Tea is available daily.

VACCINATIONSConsult your local doctor/travel clinic


• City: Hout Bay, Cape Town

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WORKING DAYS AND HOURS?

• Minimum duration: 4 weeks


• Daily hours: Monday – Friday, from 08h30 – 13h00

• The school is open from 1 February to 30 November

• No volunteers during December and January

COSTS?• One-off fee: €400

• No weekly participation costs

• Accommodation (if booked with EC): Discuss with agent




• Arrival and departure transfers if accommodation is booked with EC Cape Town



• Access to all EC Cape Town student activities. (Charges may apply for these activities, e.g. transport costs/entry fees, etc.)




• Flights

• Spending money

• Local transport to and from the project

• Laundry

TERMS AND CONDITIONS?Standard EC Terms and Conditions apply.

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ABOUTThe J-Bay Kids projects are located in a township called Ocean View in Jeffrey’s Bay. The projects are two crèches for children and babies up to the age of 6 years. There are 2 adults in each kindergarten caring for up to 70 children, thus the need for extra help is obvious and volunteers are able to assist in a meaningful, hands-on way.

Project one is in two-roomed zinc and wood building in the garden of the owner. The building has electricity, toilets and a kitchen. The outside area is mainly concrete with a small patch of grass but there is no outside play equipment.

Project two is much bigger than project one, with the main classroom, a nursery and a classroom for children who are in their last year before they start school. There are 70 children and a school principal plus two assistants are employed to conduct the daily operations of the kindergarten. In addition, the building also has electricity, an equipped kitchen and toilets. Outside there is a small playing area with a jungle gym.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?As a volunteer you are expected to be involved with the children - playing with them daily, assisting them with basic educational activities and keeping them occupied during this time. You will be dropped at your project at 08h30 to begin preparation for breakfast or to play with the children while other staff members prepare breakfast. Thereafter, you’ll help with feeding the children and cleaning up afterwards. Then there is time for some creative activities which involves helping the children to manage crayons, cutting, gluing, etc. At 12h30, most children take a nap. Usually your day ends at 13h00. Other possible activities might be that you take the kids for a walk on the beach or take them on an outing. Generally, your role is to play with the children, keep them entertained, help the staff members with the daily running of the school, assist teachers with all activities and be innovative with ideas of new games to teach children. Some duties may include some basic maintenance work like painting walls.

Please note that any arrangement to spend money on the project is completely at your own discretion and it is best to discuss this with the volunteer co-coordinator first.

WHAT TO WEAR?Any comfortable clothing.

J-Bay Kids

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ACCOMMODATION AND MEALSVolunteers share twin rooms with a communal lounge, dining and kitchen area. Five volunteers share one bathroom.

Bedding, towels and meals provided.

Meals: 2 meals per day - breakfast off the menu and a choice between a daily set dinner menu or pizzas.

Set menu options include: Meat (chicken/fish/beef/lamb) with starch and salad. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.

If you wish to prepare your own food, you will be able to do so in a fully equipped kitchen and shopping shuttle twice per week.

If you need dinner prepared for you, you need to sign up for the meal daily before 17h30. Dinner is served at 19h30.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWThe nearby surfing mecca of Jeffreys Bay is a popular destination for volunteers on their days off. The town has several surf shops, bars and restaurants and there is every opportunity to take a surfing lesson or a horse-riding trip along the beaches.

Several excursions can be booked in the surrounding area. These can be booked and discussed at the project.

MINIMUM AGE 18


SKILLS/PERSONALITY TRAITS REQUIREDYou will assist with the daily programme of running a kindergarten. The project benefits greatly from volunteers who are energetic, interactive, use their initiative and who have children’s interests at heart. So, the following is really important:

• Genuine love for and interest in children

• Patience, tolerance and respect towards others


• Agility and energy to engage in all aspects of the project

• Willingness to clean / paint and wash walls if needed

• Not easily stressed


• Write a motivation letter.


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ARRIVAL• Arrival at Port Elizabeth airport on any day

WHICH TRANSFERS ARE INCLUDED?• Arrival and departure transfers

• Daily transfer from accommodation to project and back again

WHAT TO BRING?Nothing specific, other than comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for the season.


On arrival you are advised to use the necessary degree of caution which includes the use of gloves if and when a child happens to injure themselves and bleed. The projects are equipped with first aid facilities in order for the volunteers to help and assist the children.

WHERE IS THE PROJECT BASED?• Country: South Africa,

• Town: Ocean View township, Jeffreys Bay

• Accommodation: 10 Dageraad Street, Jeffreys Bay

WORKING?• Minimum duration: 2 weeks


• Daily hours: Monday – Friday (08h30 -13h00)

• Project closes: 20 December until 10 January


4 weeks € 2,270.00

6 weeks € 2,130.00

8 weeks € 2,130.00




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• Arrival & departure transfer at the project



• Meals at the project

• Twice a week shuttle into town for supplies

• Wifi

• Transport to and from the project





• Flights

• Spending money


• Excursions

• Laundry at an extra cost



• 25% cancelation fee if cancelled more than 30 days prior to arrival

• 50% cancelation fee if cancelled 8 to 29 days prior to arrival



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ABOUTThe Literacy Programme offers literacy support programmes in 66 primary schools across four provinces in South Africa, including the Western Cape, where our volunteers are based (in Cape Town).

The programme provides individualised support to children between the ages of 6 and 10, and in Grades Two and Three. This is called the “Literacy Hour” and aims to strengthen their English reading, writing and speaking skills. Children work with trained volunteers once or twice a week, during the school day, for at least one year. A simple assessment at the end of Grade One is used to select the children who will take part in the programme. Further bi-annual assessments enable each child’s progress to be carefully tracked.

The programme has significant benefits for the whole school, not just for those children who attend the programme. Grade R, One, Two and Three classrooms are equipped with multi-cultural age-appropriate storybooks to promote a culture of reading throughout the school.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?A Centre Manager is assigned to each school and the volunteers assist with the following:

• Collecting children from classroom

• Bringing them to the literacy centre (usually one of the classrooms) and taking them back to their classrooms again

• Teaching children

• Assisting with administrative duties for the Centre Manager

• Organising the literacy centre, preparing for lesson, clean up and pack up afterwards

• Opening and running the centre if Centre Manager not available

WHAT TO WEAR?Appropriate clothes for teaching should be worn. Clothes that are too short/tight or revealing are not suitable, but denims or jeans are fine.

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALSYou can book accommodation with EC Cape Town, or arrange your own accommodation close to the centre/s.

Kids Literacy for Life

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWThis is a community-based programme working with children in literacy. There is a strict child protection policy, and you will be required to read and sign the child protection policy document. No photos are allowed to be taken of the children at the project. No images are allowed on social media platforms.

MINIMUM AGE 18 (maximum age is 50)

MINIMUM LEVEL OF ENGLISH REQUIREDUPPER INTERMEDIATE: a strong understanding of English at a conversational level is required

SKILLS/PERSONALITY TRAITS REQUIRED:This project is for serious volunteers. If you do not arrive at the project on days you are expected to be there, you might not be allowed to continue. You must be able to use your initiative and be proactive. You need to engage with the children you teach, and the other volunteers, and not wait for constant instructions.


• Write a motivation letter and provide a short CV.


• Provide a copy of your passport and visa.

• Skype interview – to test your level of English prior to acceptance. The Literacy Programme may refuse students on arrival if they are not at the required level of English, even if prior acceptance was given. (Applications are dealt with directly by the Centre Managers, who will assess the application and advise on acceptance).


• Date of arrival is flexible, however: volunteers are required to attend one Literacy Hour training session on every Monday or every second Tuesday from 11h00 – 15h00 at Rosmead Primary School (address details will be provided).

• Start at the project on a Monday

WHICH TRANSFERS ARE INCLUDED?• Arrival and departure transfer if accommodation is booked with EC Cape Town

• You will need to make your own way to the project each day. This can be by train, bus service, or Uber.

WHAT TO BRING?A list of clothing requirements from the Centre Manager will be sent prior to arrival


WHERE IS THE PROJECT BASED?• Country: South Africa.

• City: 3 centres in Cape Town city centre: Prestwich, St Paul’s and Zonnebloem

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WORKING DAYS AND HOURS?• Minimum duration: 6 weeks

• Maximum duration: 6 to 12 months

• Daily hours: Volunteers to arrive 08h20/08h30

• Working hours at the 3 centres in Cape Town city centre:

R Prestwich: Monday – Thursdays (09h00 – 10h00) & (11h15 -12h15); Friday 09h00 -10h00

R St Paul’s: Monday – Thursdays (09h30 – 10h30) & (11h15 -12h15); Friday 09h30 -10h30

R Zonnebloem: Monday – Thursdays (09h00 – 10h00) & (11h00 -12h00); Friday 09h00 -10h00

On Mondays only: second session is 10h30 -11h30

• Starting dates: On any Monday (1 training session prior to starting on a Tuesday).

• Open all year round, except:

R Closed over the school holidays & public holidays (1 week before school closes each term)

R End of year: end of November till end of January

COSTS?• One-off fee: €400

• No weekly participation costs

• Accommodation (if booked with EC): Discuss with agent


SICK DAYS?The Centre must be notified by 08h00 if you are going to be absent due to illness. If you are sick for 3 days, a doctor’s certificate (sick note) will be required.

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• Arrival and departure transfers if accommodation is booked with EC Cape Town



• Access to all EC Cape Town student activities. (Charges may apply for these activities, such as transport costs or entry fees, etc.)




• Flights

• Spending money

• Local transport to and from the project

• Laundry

33

ABOUTThe project provides the primates (apes and monkeys) who live there with a permanent, protected and stable environment. Importantly, the sanctuary is a place where primates are rehabilitated both physically and emotionally. It also tries to achieve an effective balance between environmental conservation and hosting tourists who visit the sanctuary.

The project opened its doors to the public in April 1998 and is currently one of the top eco-tourism attractions on the Garden Route, along South Africa’s popular southern coastline. The sanctuary has captured the hearts of visitors in its efforts to rehabilitate and liberate previously-caged primates. The sanctuary is exceptional as it caters for several species of primates, which are free to move naturally about the forest. The sanctuary conducts guided walking safaris for visitors. Visitors see the primates as they are meant to be - free and in a natural habitat. The safaris are conducted by multi-lingual, knowledgeable game rangers and are fun, exciting and educational. The guests leave the sanctuary with a greater understanding of primates and the threats they are facing. Primates ranging from the gibbons of Asia to the lemurs of Madagascar and many other specie-variants are housed here. During the guided tours in the forest, guests encounter primates up close and personal. They learn about the wonders related to the primate groups co-existing in the forest, the rich diversity of bird life and the intricate workings of the forest itself.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?Daily tasks (may vary):

• Arrive and begin feeding and cleaning the cages of primates which for various reasons have not yet been released into the forest

• A quick “Rubbish Run” through the forest, picking up papers that visitors have dropped, or the primates may have stolen and dropped on the forest floor

• Welcoming guests upon arrival and escorting them to the main reception area

• If it suits you, you will be asked to conduct one-hour guided tours through the forest, giving relevant information about the 350 to 600+ primates that roam freely and observing them in a natural setting

• Other tasks may include maintaining the forest walkways and suspension bridge throughout the day, assisting with observations, veterinary visits and treatment, etc.

• Depending on your skills and experience, it may also be possible to assist the Marketing Department.

It is important also to note that these task-lists serve as examples only. The daily tasks and challenges depend on your skill-set and attitude, the time of the year and the work that needs to be done. The final job description might, therefore, vary from the above.

African Primate Encounter

34

WHAT TO WEAR?• A uniform will be provided but it is best to bring your own khaki-coloured clothing.

• Outdoor brown or black shoes (only) for work, preferably with no bright colours. Waterproof boots are also highly recommended.

• The general colours are dark green, brown and khaki – if you have any warm clothing in this color-range (depending on the season) it will be useful.

• Please note that a deposit of ZAR 800.00 (about €50) is required for your volunteer uniform. This deposit is returned to you when you return the uniform.

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS• Volunteers stay at the Plett Home Stay in Plettenberg Bay, which is just 300 metres from the beach.

• The house has a pool, 24-hour internet access, big screen television with satellite television.

• Plett Home Stay is a stone’s throw away from the town, with pubs, restaurants, shopping malls, craft markets, cafe’s, pharmacy, doctor, dentists, etc.

• You will receive 3 meals a day:

• continental breakfast (cold) - in winter there will also be hot porridge.

• make your own lunch (bread, ham and cheese are provided)

• a hot meal is served in the evenings

• Your laundry will be washed and ironed

• Bedding and towels are provided

• Bathrooms are shared

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWThis is an animal-based project working with primates in Plettenberg bay.

NOTE: At no time is human contact with the primates allowed. The South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance have a strict HANDS-OFF approach towards the management of primates to secure their natural development and habitat.

MINIMUM AGE 18


SKILLS/PERSONALITY TRAITS REQUIRED:All you need is a love for animals and a desire to learn more about these primates

APPLICATION• Complete the application form

• Provide a CV and motivation letter

ARRIVALARRIVAL AT GEORGE AIRPORT

• Arrival on any day - during the day is preferable

• Bus to Plettenberg Bay bus stop (book through: WWW.INTERCAPE.CO.ZA. Cost is around €20.00 to €25.00, one way)

• Arrival and departure transfers can be arranged with the accommodation owner and is at an additional charge of €60.00, one way, paid directly to the accommodation

WHICH TRANSFERS ARE INCLUDED?A daily shuttle to and from the project

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WHAT TO BRING?• There are no special requirements in this regard, but we recommend bringing the following:

• Spending money

• Toiletries

• Medication

• Sunscreen

• Mosquito repellents

• Travelling clothes

• Waterproof/rain jacket

• Books/laptop

• Camera

• All these items (and anything else you might need) are readily available at local supermarkets in South Africa


WHERE IS THE PROJECT BASED?Country: South Africa

Region: Plettenberg Bay



• Daily hours: Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00

• This project is open all year round

COSTS? 4 weeks € 2,300.00

6 weeks € 3,300.00

8 weeks € 4,300.00


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• All meals at the project

• Laundry

• Bedding and towels

• Wifi





• Flights

• Spending money

• Local transport

• Arrival and departure transfer







37

ABOUTThe project is home to the “big cats” such as lions, cheetahs, tigers, leopards, jaguars, pumas, caracal, serval cats and other wildlife species such as zebra, wild dog, springbok, honey badgers and raccoons. The sanctuary provides these predatory cats and wild animals that live there with a stable environment. The care they receive at this sanctuary exceeds the requirements of animal welfare regulations. Most importantly, the sanctuary is a place where animals are rehabilitated both physically and emotionally.

For a visitor to the reservation, the visit is not just about viewing predator cats - it is also an informative experience. Experienced and trained guides provide tours of the sanctuary and introduce visitors to all the sanctuary inhabitants.

A true sanctuary for big cats and other wildlife is more than just a place of refuge to protect them from the hunting or the petting trade. Importantly, therefore, the project has secured the future of all its predator cats and wildlife. It is self-funded by means of responsible eco-tourism and they strive to achieve an effective balance between conservation and economic sustainability.

The focus is on conservation education and specifically the plight of large predators in captivity, not only in South Africa but all over the world. Big cats are extraordinary animals with a dangerous beauty that is both awe inspiring and fearsome because of their power and ability to kill. Sadly, at many wildlife facilities various animals, and especially large predatory species, are kept as a way of attracting visitors, without regard for the animals’ physical and emotional needs. They end up being just commodities to attract visitors. This project’s approach is different and is one of respect for what each animal represents, which is why their wellbeing is so vitally important.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?You will assist the game keepers with their daily tasks, depending on your skills and experience.

It is important to note your daily tasks and challenges depend on your skill-set and attitude, the time of the year and the work that needs to be done. The final job description might, therefore, change from day to day.

WHAT TO WEAR?• A uniform will be provided but it is best to bring your own khaki-coloured clothing.

• Outdoor brown or black shoes (only) for work, preferably with no bright colours. Waterproof boots are also highly recommended.

• The general colours are dark green, brown and khaki – if you have any warm clothing in this color-range (depending on the season) it will be useful.

• Please note that a deposit of ZAR 800.00 (about €50) is required for your volunteer uniform. This deposit is returned to you when you return the uniform.

African Big Cats Encounter

38











WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWThis is an animal-based project working mainly with big African cats in Plettenberg bay.

NOTE: At no time is human contact with the animals allowed. The South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance have a strict HANDS-OFF approach towards the management of wildlife to secure their natural development and habitat.

MINIMUM AGE 18


SKILLS/PERSONALITY TRAITS REQUIRED:All you need is a love for animals and a desire to learn more about these animals








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• Spending money

• Toiletries

• Medication

• Sunscreen




• Books/laptop

• Camera










6 weeks € 3,300.00

8 weeks € 4,300.00


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• Laundry


• Wifi





• Flights

• Spending money

• Local transport








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ABOUTThese community-based projects have been active since 2009. There is one main purpose: to help the poorest children from the Kranshoek community by giving them one meal every day. Kranshoek is mostly a Griqua (a unique people group in South Africa) settlement of Plettenberg Bay, populated by white, coloured and black people, who are very poor, and have very limited opportunities to get a job and to support themselves or their families. All donations received by the projects are used exclusively for the benefit of all children they are assisting.

When they started working in this community, they assisted about 30 children a day. Since then the number of children has increased rapidly and today more than 400 children receive one daily meal. The children are personally known, as well as their needs and the circumstances in which they are living. Due to the generosity of many donors they were able to establish a new house in 2013. The house, built from ecological material, is equipped with an appropriate kitchen, which allows the volunteers prepare meals on site and the children to enjoy their meal indoors.

The project would like to offer professional opportunities to some of the youth from Kranshoek and have therefore started a new training project called FUTURE, which provides vocational training for 10 young people (4 girls and 6 boys) in areas such as cooking, waitressing, motor mechanics, building or carpentry.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?You will have the opportunity to work in a variety of areas, depending on the needs of the project while you are there, including:

• Practical, on-going repairs to the facilities

• Gardening - twice a month, the outside play areas will need a mow and trim

• Food preparation and serving for the young people that are cared for at the projects

• Teaching or sports coaching (e.g. netball and soccer)

• Spending time with children and assisting with reading and homework after school

WHAT TO WEAR?Anything light, casual and comfortable, but not too revealing, such as:

• Jeans or shorts

• T-Shirts

• Warm jacket

• Running or hiking shoes

Kranshoek Kids

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWThis is a community-based project working mainly with children in Plettenberg Bay.

MINIMUM AGE 18


SKILLS/PERSONALITY TRAITS REQUIRED:• Genuine love for and interest in children



• Agility and energy to engage in physical children’s play

• Willingness to work closely with the teachers who are ultimately responsible for the children in their care




• Provide a police clearance certificate






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• Spending money

• Toiletries

• Medication

• Sunscreen




• Books/laptop

• Camera










6 weeks € 3,300.00

8 weeks € 4,300.00




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• Laundry


• Wifi





• Flights

• Spending money

• Local transport








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ABOUTThis conservation project was established in 1968. It is a non-profit organisation whose primary objective is to reverse the decline of seabird populations. This is done through the rescue, rehabilitation and release of ill, injured, abandoned and oiled seabirds – especially endangered seabirds, such as the African penguin. In the course of more than over 50 years, the project has treated more than 95 000 seabirds. Independent research confirms that their oil spill response actions alone have increased the African penguin population by 19%. In a non-spill year, up to 2 500 seabirds are treated, of which approximately 1 500 are African penguins.

The project is situated on the banks of a natural wetland reserve in a residential neighbourhood that is approximately 20km from Cape Town.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?Duties are divided amongst all volunteers and everybody assists in each different area during the week. Daily duties are assigned based on the volunteer’s experience and include the following:

• Maintaining a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness in the rehabilitation centre

• Scrubbing and cleaning of bird enclosures, mats, crates and swimming pools

• Cleaning of equipment used in food preparation and feeding

• Washing and drying of laundry

• Assisting in maintaining the permanent bird exhibit (scrubbing rocks, raking sand and food preparation)

• Defrosting and preparing fish for a variety of seabird species

• Catching and handling of different seabird species

• Feeding (force feeding and free feeding) of different seabird species

• Hydrating (tubing) different seabird species

• Administering medication to different seabird species

• Assisting with bird release preparation

• Centre maintenance duties

Coastal Birds Encounter

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WHAT TO WEAR?• Walking shoes/boots or trainers for working outside

• Working clothes that will get dirty

• A free volunteer t-shirt is provided

• Personal protective gear depending on the task (provided at the project)

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALSYou can book accommodation with EC Cape Town or arrange your own accommodation close to the project.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWThis is a community-based project working mainly with sea birds in Cape Town.

MINIMUM AGE 18


SKILLS/PERSONALITY TRAITS REQUIRED:Be aware that this is not for the faint-hearted. The birds are wild and will bite at any opportunity. Learning how to work with birds is a bit like riding a bike: the more you practice the better you become. Potential volunteers should, therefore, know that commitment is key to learning how to handle and feed birds.

Volunteers also need to be

• Physically fit and able to stand for a full shift

• Comfortable with getting dirty

• Willing to work in all weather conditions, frequently outside

• Able to work in a team as well as independently

• Able to follow Standard Operating Procedures

• Reliable and accountable

• Compassionate and caring, with a love for seabirds

APPLICATION• Complete the application form.

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ARRIVALARRIVAL AT CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Arrival on any day - during the day is preferable

WHICH TRANSFERS ARE INCLUDED?No transfers are included.

WHAT TO BRING?• Comfortable clothes that can get can get dirty

• A sleeved shirt (like a t-shirt) is required while working

• We advise that you wear quick drying long trousers, ¾ trousers or leggings under your oilskins, especially if you are going to be here over the summer

• Protective clothing like oilskins, boots and gloves will be provided, unless you prefer to work with your own gear

• Some volunteers prefer to wear Crocs rather than boots while working in some areas around the centre. You are welcome to bring your own Crocs if you prefer, as long as they are a dark colour like black, navy or dark grey

• Pairs of socks (for when wearing boots)

• For the winter months, you are advised to bring some warm clothes as the early mornings and late evenings can be very cold

• Sunscreen is an absolute must at any time of the year, along with a hat when working outside

• Make sure to pack a long sleeve sweater/ fleece and waterproof jacket regardless of the season

• Bring a lunch box

• If you are bringing your mobile phone and would like to take advantage of cheaper local call rates in South Africa, you can purchase a South African SIM card and airtime vouchers here. Please remember to unlock your phone before your leave home and do not forget your SIM unblocking PIN code

VACCINATIONS• Have an up to date tetanus vaccination.

• Consult your local doctor/travel clinic.


• Region: Cape Town


• Maximum duration: None

• A normal working day is from 08:00 to 17:30*


* Some days may require volunteers to assist until 18:30 pm, so your willingness to go the extra mile during the busy times will be crucial.

COSTS?6 weeks € 500.00



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WHAT IS EXCLUDED?• Accommodation and meals

• Visa application fees


• Flights

• Spending money

• Local transport



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ABOUTThe project has been active for over 13 years and is home to 23 children who are there for a variety of reasons, ranging from having no home of their own, having parents who cannot afford to look after them, or having been abused.

These children were potential, or actual, street children but with a lot of love and care they now all go to school daily. These are children who really do not want to be on the streets, but basically had no other option.

The children receive clothing, three meals a day, homework supervision and counselling. They also have the amazing opportunity to participate in camps, art lessons, sports activities and outings. For those children who do have a family to go back to, they receive help from social workers who work on rehabilitating the children and then re-uniting them with their respective families.

Once they have left the shelter, the staff constantly visits the families and schools to make sure all is well and help in any way.

Should the child not cope with life away from the shelter, and problems arise at school or within their families, they are welcome to return to and live at the shelter again, as there is an open-door policy in this regard.

The project has a wonderful, very dedicated, long-standing committee and staff members. This has been an ongoing Community Development Project and their continued success relies on sponsorship and donations.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?You will assist the social development worker or the sports coordinator with their daily tasks, depending on your skills and experience, including:

• Reading to the children

• Working on educational projects for the youth

• Music and sport

• Assisting the teachers

• Go on trips with the children to art classes, drama classes and other activities

Plettenberg Bay Kids

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WHAT TO WEAR?Anything light, casual and comfortable, but not too revealing, such as:

• Jeans or shorts

• T-Shirts

• Warm jacket

• Running or hiking shoes











WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWThis is a community-based project working mainly with children and youth in Plettenberg Bay.

MINIMUM AGE 18


SKILLS/PERSONALITY TRAITS REQUIRED:• Genuine love for and interest in children



• Agility and energy to engage in physical children’s play

• Willingness to work closely with the teachers who are ultimately responsible for the children in their care




• Provide a police clearance certificate





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• Spending money

• Toiletries

• Medication

• Sunscreen




• Books/laptop

• Camera










6 weeks € 3,300.00

8 weeks € 4,300.00




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• Laundry


• Wifi





• Flights

• Spending money

• Local transport








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