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Help to Educate

location
4 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Care - to enable the youth to know there is help for them to achieve.
  • Carry - to carry the youth with care and love through positive motivation.
  • Consistency - to continuously provide routine through time management

Highlights

  • Care - to enable the youth to know there is help for them to achieve.
  • Carry - to carry the youth with care and love through positive motivation.
  • Consistency - to continuously provide routine through time management
  • Experience Life in the South African Bush; living, making friends and diversify between various programs offered at the same venue location. The Volunteer Hub!
  • Learn the different cultures within the area. We border on Mozambique, Swaziland and the Kruger National Park.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    This program caters for assistants to help with the forever overcrowded classes in our rural schools. Make each child feel wanted by volunteering to help!

    Helping Hands Educate is based at the foot of the stunning Hlumu Hlumu Mountains in the Mpumalanga region of South Africa.

    We are the only Education Assistance Program offered in the province, and as such our work focuses mainly on the local community in and around our area. The majority of the local ...

    About the program

    Helping Hands Educate is based at the foot of the stunning Hlumu Hlumu Mountains in the Mpumalanga region of South Africa.

    We are the only Education Assistance Program offered in the province, and as such our work focuses mainly on the local community in and around our area. The majority of the local schools are desperate for help due to over sized classes and understaffing.    Rural schools face severe challenges that are unique to their environment.  A lack of parental interest in children's education, insufficient funding from the state, a lack of resources, underqualified teachers, and multi-grade teaching are some of the barriers to effective education. 

    The schools lack administrative systems, are not as organized as western schools, offer very little physical activities and classes can range up-to 50-70 children in one class.  It is impossible to split the classes due to the low numbers of teachers so this is how you as a volunteer can contribute and minimize a few of these challenges.

    The process to make a difference involves our volunteers working hand in hand with a qualified teacher for a few days.  Once confidence is built between yourself and your teacher you will be given the tasks to either teach a complete class, organize or facilitate a sporting activity, given tasks to assist the teacher or  teachers or just be morale support to both the educators and children.  Which ever it is and no matter what task you will be appreciated, loved and build very close relationships.


    Typical day

    There is no typical day and although many of the jobs are a daily necessity in keeping the children motivated and alert there is always a new experience or job that needs doing. We will ensure you will get involved and have fun while learning new skills, meeting new people and experiencing a new way ...

    Typical day

    There is no typical day and although many of the jobs are a daily necessity in keeping the children motivated and alert there is always a new experience or job that needs doing. We will ensure you will get involved and have fun while learning new skills, meeting new people and experiencing a new way of life all while making a huge difference to the children and educators.

    While you are a volunteer with us you will be treated as a professional member of the EDU team and it is important that you use your initiative and listen and learn. By all working together as a team we can achieve big things for the children.

    Free-time activities

    Volunteers get two days off per week to relax, hike the local mountains or waterfalls or visit the local resort (this is dependent on a vehicle being available to give you a lift and a petrol donation).  

    You also have the opportunity to go to a waterfall about 30 minutes walk from Helping Hands or ...

    Free-time activities

    Volunteers get two days off per week to relax, hike the local mountains or waterfalls or visit the local resort (this is dependent on a vehicle being available to give you a lift and a petrol donation).  

    You also have the opportunity to go to a waterfall about 30 minutes walk from Helping Hands or hike on the mountain Hlumu Hlumu ( approx. 2hours).
    Forever Resorts borders our property and is ideal for a day trip on one of your days off. They have natural hot spring pools, a water park, a spa and activities such as quad biking and horse riding. A R50 fee is required to cover petrol to drop you off and pick you up.

    The best of it all is, is that we have a Primate Rehabilitation Centre on the property with over 100 animals in our care.  There is also a volunteer program for this program which makes your time with us a true experience with regards to making friends, different interests and being able to diversify should you require to jump in and help the Primate volunteers.  We are presently busy with the incorporation of an equine program to confidently call Helping Hands a Volunteer Hub encouraging all facets of interest to offer to all volunteers.   

    Kruger National Park: It would be a shame to come all the way to Africa and miss out on seeing the Big 5 in their natural habitat.
    You can book a trip to Kruger through us of varying lengths (day trips, 1 night and 2 night stays) 

    The boarder to Swaziland is just 45 minutes drive from us. Once in Swaziland you can visit the famous glass blowing center at Ngwenya and numerous beautiful waterfalls and dams. 

    These are extra trips and can be arranged on site.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Education Requirements

    Confidence building at High School level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    Character Reference from a close friend and co-worker or family member .

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    No skills or previous experience are required - just a passion for children, good English (Reading and Writing) and the willingness to get involved with all aspects of the school..

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:00 - 15:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

     The fees included:
    • Accommodation in shared rooms as per our basic cabins
    • 3 Meals a day in the Mount Hlumu Restaurant
    • 1 transfer to and from Nelspruit
    •  Room cleaning once a week 

    Airport Pickup at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport

    We pick up volunteers from Nelspruit on a Monday. We suggest the citybug bus from JHB airport but there is also the option to fly up to KMIA airport.

    Accommodation

    Volunteers stay in shared accommodation in our basic volunteer cabins. There are a maximum of 3 people to a room (males and females separated) with a shared bathroom. Should you wish to upgrade to our standard rooms or have privacy and be alone you may upgrade subject to availability at an additional daily cost. 
    We provide all bed linen and towels and 1 of our housekeeping staff will clean the chalet twice a week.

    Food & Beverages

     Daily meals will generally consist of the following:
    • Breakfast:  A selection of cereal and muesli, toast with jam, fruit, tea and coffee.
    • Lunch: Eaten between 12-1pm Basic lunches such as sandwiches, pasta, salads, pies, omelette.
    • Dinner: We provide filling meals such as pastas, stews, bolognaise, stir fry's, rice dishes etc.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) in Nelspruit. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    You will need to fly into Johannesburg OR Tambo airport and take a bus or flight to Nelspruit. The most economical is the City Bug which goes directly from the Johannesburg airport to Nelspruit. The cost is approximately R450 each way.  Should you take the bus we can collect you at Millys in Machadodorp so you do not have to travel all the way to Nelspruit.  This we do on a Wednesday.

    We pick up volunteers every Monday (until 4pm) from Nelspruit. Every Wednesday from Millys Machadodorp.
    If you arrive early into Nelspruit we can recommend a backpackers to stay overnight.

    Please note it is essential to book your bus ticket in advance as there may not be any seats left on the day.


    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $484 per week 4 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 50 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    4.5
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Elli
    24
    reviews
    4.54
    Fantastic
    2012
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: German, English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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