Mad Matty's World - Volunteer Africa

Why not volunteer in South Africa?

Has Africa always intrigued you?

Are you seeking an experience that breaks from the norm?

Have you ever wanted to work on a game reserve in close proximity to wild life?

Are you studying to become or already a teacher?

I have partnered with Volunteer Africa 32˚, located in Chintsa, South Africa in an attempt to get people to Africa for a unique, enriching and unforgettable volunteer experience. I have outlined the programs below but feel free to contact me directly for further details, madmattysworld@yahoo.ca or explore VA32˚ South's website www.volunteerafrica.co.za

Projects begin every four weeks with stays ranging from 2 weeks to 2 months.

This project provides an exciting opportunity to go “behind the scenes” of a working Big 5 private game reserve. Volunteers, working along side experienced guides, will be exposed to a broad range of wildlife management skills, conservation initiatives, hands-on practical experiences and informed lectures.

Highlights on the reserve are the elephant sanctuary and the lion cub rearing centre where volunteers gain close access to these animals in a safe, learning environment.

2. Inkwenkwezi Conservation Initiative

3. Chintsa Horses and New Hampshire Rehab Centre

4 weeks: $2699

6 weeks: $3449

8 weeks: $4199

Additional weeks: $599

See Inkwenkwezi Conservation Initiative for full project details.

Volunteers on this “working holiday” are absorbed into the day to day running and workings of the horse farm and rehabilitation centre.

Early morning starts and long days are par for the course with volunteers getting their relaxation on one of the many beach

2 weeks: $1049

4 weeks: $1799

Additional weeks: $399

See Chintsa Horse Project for full details.

rides they will partake in.

4 weeks: $2049

6 weeks: $2549

8 weeks: $3049

Additional weeks: $399

See African Angels Project for a full understanding of this project.

This project aims to further increase the support network of South Africa’s “Little Angels”, sponsored children from economically challenged backgrounds. Volunteers immerse themselves into the crèche where the “angels” have been placed.

Here they will support educational games, language development and general caring of the young children.

4. African Angels Crèche Project

This programme’s primary objective is to provide rural schools with the opportunity to access the world of ICT. From the sourcing of computers, to building computer labs and finally teaching computer literacy, volunteers are integral to the day to day running, and therefore success of the project.

Partnering with other organizations has led to the School’s programme broadening its educational focus to include environmental education, addressing water and sanitation issues and developing food gardens.

If you have further inquiries regarding the projects or would like to make a booking then please feel free to contact me.

Matt Hamilton
madmattysworld@yahoo.ca

SKYPE: madmattysworld

Volunteer Africa 32˚ South

P.O. Box 432, Kwelera 5259
Wild Coast, South Africa

Phone: 043 738 5523

www.volunteerafrica.co.za

Michael Denison mike@ahj.co.za

VA32’s AREA OF FOCUS

Volunteer Africa 32˚ South (VA32) was formed in 2005 in response to the need to consolidate and expand on various humanitarian outreach initiatives, conservation drives and social development projects in the southern Wild Coast area of South Africa. Under the leadership of Sean Price and Michael Denison of African Heartland Journeys, an eco-tourism business specializing on the Wild Coast and involved in rural community tourism initiatives and small business empowerment projects, VA32 was introduced to the market.

The Wild Coast is an area of the country that is extremely beautiful and incredibly diverse. I can attest to it's beauty for I was fortunate to be able to call Chintsa, South Africa my home for four years. Furthermore, Sean and Mike are more than my business associates, they are my dear friends. I have the utmost faith and confidence in their abilities, passion and devotion to the projects, the volunteers and South Africa.

BACKGROUND OF VA 32˚ SOUTH

Sean Price sean@ahj.co.za

Along the east coast of South Africa, between East London and Durban and stretching 320km is the region referred to as the Wild Coast.

The Wild Coast is one of South Africa’s least developed and resourced areas of the country.

It is also one of the most challenging regions to operate as the infrastructure is poorly developed and communication networks unreliable.

Summer temperatures between 15 - 30 degrees Celsius. Summer rainfall for the Wild Coast area and Kruger (usually in the form of brief thundershowers and some spectacular lightning shows over the sea or African plains)

Wild Coast winters are mild with day temperatures in the 20's getting cooler at night but seldom going below 13 degrees. In Kruger the winter temperatures drop to zero at night so bring warm clothing if necessary!

Q: Is there Malaria in the area?
A: No.

Q: Do we work over weekends and public holidays?
A: Weekends are designed for you to have free time. There are many adventure activities available in the area if you are looking to be active.

Volunteers often book onto the beach horse rides, surf school or mountain bike rides that happen in the Chintsa area over weekends. The beach is on your doorstep and offers good swimming, shell collecting, chilling and walking. Buccaneers has a pool and bar and volunteers are welcome to use their facilities while on a VA32 south programme.

Q: Why pay to Volunteer?
A: The projects that VA32°south are operating, notably the education programme and the conservation programme, require considerable running costs to be met. The management of the volunteers involves housing and feeding volunteers in a safe and insured establishment. Volunteers are transported by VA staff on a daily basis. VA needs to cover the cost of the vehicles, staff, insurance, licensing and maintenance of these. Transporting volunteers in South Africa requires special additional licensing and insurances on the vehicles which have a cost attached.

The VA experience is further aimed at delivering a holistic experience to its volunteers which involves hiring guest lecturers, cultural and environmental tours and assisting volunteers in a host of other travel and personal areas they require assistance. VA is a staffed organisation and it needs to meet the economic demand of being able to address these aspects if it is to be of real value to the communities it supports.

FAQ's

WEATHER

Q: Is there a minimum age for volunteers?
A: Yes, volunteers need to be 18 or over.

Q: Is there a maximum age for volunteers?
A: No, but there can be physical demands on our projects and it is worth discussing these with me should you feel you might have difficulties.

Q: What skills are necessary for VA32 south projects?
A: Basic computer literacy is necessary for the usual school project placements. If you have no background in computers, discuss this before with VA32 or myself as there are many other facets to their work and appropriate tasks can be developed for you. If you bring a desire to give of your time in a constructive way, you will usually have all the skill that is needed.

Q: Do foreigners need a visa, and what type of visa?
A: Yes, foreigners do need visas for South Africa. It is your responsibility to check with both your embassy and the South African Embassy with regards to appropriate visas.

Q: Is there anything worthwhile to bring if one is on a VA32 south project?
A: The Wild Coast Schools' Programme deals with bottom socio-economic rural schools. These schools are all under resourced and welcome any resources.
Good things to bring include:
- Sporting equipment such as balls, bats, bibs.
- Classroom equipment, especially maps and educational posters, pens, rulers and stencils.
- Loads of enthusiasm and energy.