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Fantastic 4.52rating (15)
  • Good Health And Well-Being
  • Reduced Inequalities

Sports Development

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Assisting with sports day activities at Neighbourhood Care Points (NCPs) to educate and support orphan and vulnerable children
  • Help with swimming and horse vaulting lessons and our under 15 soccer league.
  • See the spectacular mountains and stunning beauty of Swaziland!

Highlights

  • Assisting with sports day activities at Neighbourhood Care Points (NCPs) to educate and support orphan and vulnerable children
  • Help with swimming and horse vaulting lessons and our under 15 soccer league.
  • See the spectacular mountains and stunning beauty of Swaziland!
  • Visit to a Swazi Cultural Village and learn about Swaziland’s rich culture!
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    The aim is to develop these kids by making them stimulated, focused, fit and healthy, while at the same time building their confidence through physical activity.

    PROJECT BACKGROUND

    The Kingdom of Swaziland has the world’s highest HIV/ AIDS prevalence rates, with approximately 31% of the population being infected. In 2010 it was estimated that there was close to 200 000 orphaned children in the Kingdom due to HIV/AIDS. Many more children ...

    About the program

    PROJECT BACKGROUND

    The Kingdom of Swaziland has the world’s highest HIV/ AIDS prevalence rates, with approximately 31% of the population being infected. In 2010 it was estimated that there was close to 200 000 orphaned children in the Kingdom due to HIV/AIDS. Many more children are now without a parent and live with extended family that already has stretched resources. Unemployment is high, approximately 39% of Swazi’s are without a job, which rises considerably to 53% among youth. About 66% of the population is unable to meet basic food needs, while 43% live in chronic poverty. Children are particularly vulnerable and often are in desperate need of help and support.

    This project involves working with a number of small care centres, called Neighbourhood Care Points (NCPs). Each of the NCPs in this area has weekly-scheduled “Sports” days that take up the entire morning. These days are of course very popular with the children and teachers alike! Volunteers accompany the All Out Africa sports staff to the scheduled NCP and help conduct the activities with the children.

    The focus of the Sports Development Project in Swaziland is to improve the wellbeing of disadvantaged children and youth within semi-rural Swazi communities, through sport and play.  The aim is to develop these kids by making them stimulated, focused, fit and healthy, while at the same time as building their confidence through physical activity.

    The project is born out of a need in this tiny but beautiful Kingdom; high levels of unemployment and poverty exist which can leave little to engage and involve children, and boredom and anti-social activities can be a result.  Sport and play can be used as a method to combat these dangers, improving and uplifting the lives of the disadvantaged.

    As a volunteer on this project you would help arrange games and physical activities for orphaned and vulnerable children aged 3-6 attending Neighbourhood Care Points (NCPs) in the Ezulwini valley.  Depending on your interest and skills, you will also have the option to play and coach a variety of sports with older children and youth at the local sports centre.

    VOLUNTEER ROLE

    The role involves going to the NCPs in the morning to have the children participate in a variety of play activities – including song and dance, ball games, obstacle courses, tri-cycle riding and swimming lessons. You are encouraged to get as involved as possible in organizing these fun-filled events that bring so much joy to the children.

    Some of the activities you will get involved in may include:

    • Setting up obstacle courses and activities for the children to engage with
    • Teaching hand-eye co-ordination through throwing and catching 
    • Teaching basic life skills including teeth cleaning and hygiene through sports
    • Participating in song and dance activities
    • Assist at swimming and horse vaulting lessons 

     In the afternoons, there is the possibility for you to play and coach sports such as football, netball, volleyball, tennis and more at the local sports centre, and here you will be encouraged to arrange trainings, to develop sports teams and organize mini competitions.  There may also be sports tournaments and football leagues that you can also help with on the weekends.

    ITINERARY

    Day 1

    Fly into OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg (more details in “Arrivals” section in the Swaziland Destination Brief) where you will be met by All Out Africa staff members who will transfer you by road from Johannesburg to the Kingdom of Swaziland. It is approximately a five hour journey from the airport to you to your accommodation in the Ezulwini Valley (Valley of Heaven).

    Day 2

    The second day begins with an informative presentation that will brief you on all you need to know about the culture and country, how to effectively contribute during your volunteer experience, and what to expect on the tours.

    In the afternoon you will embark on a Cultural Tour where you will visit the museum to learn about Swazi history and culture, and then will walk around a real Swazi village to experience day-to-day life in Swaziland. The tour finishes with a local culinary delight – a traditional Swazi braai!

    Day 3-5 and other weekdays for the duration of your stay

    You will spend these days volunteering on your orphan care project.

    Day 6-7 and other weekends for the duration of your stay

    These two days are a free weekend, a great time to explore the magic of Swaziland! You have the opportunity to join any of a number of fantastic excursions including zip lining across the stunning mountains and gorges of Malolotja National Park, white water rafting on the Great Usutu River, a quad bike tour or a rural home stay at a living Swazi village to mention just a few of the incredible activities that Swaziland has to offer.

    Typical day

    7:00 Wake up to see the sunshine, jump in a hot shower and get yourself started for the day with breakfast!

    8:00 Travel to your placement and get ready to begin your day

    8:30 Participate in your chosen project assisting with organising sports activities such as obstacle ...

    Typical day

    7:00 Wake up to see the sunshine, jump in a hot shower and get yourself started for the day with breakfast!

    8:00 Travel to your placement and get ready to begin your day

    8:30 Participate in your chosen project assisting with organising sports activities such as obstacle courses, running, group and educational games at the NCPs

    13:00 Time to either return to your accommodation for lunch, or eat the packed lunch you made that morning!

    14:00 Begin your afternoon’s work with a full stomach and enthusiasm

    16:30 Return back to your accommodation and share your day’s adventures with other volunteers, maybe even a quick swim in the pool!

    18:30 Enjoy a delicious evening meal and relax...... 

    Free-time activities

    Your evenings and weekends will be free time to explore the Kingdom of Swaziland! You will be staying in beautiful Ezluwini Valley, which translates to the “valley of heaven”. The area offers many amenities nearby such as a shopping centre with restaurants, ...

    Free-time activities

    Your evenings and weekends will be free time to explore the Kingdom of Swaziland! You will be staying in beautiful Ezluwini Valley, which translates to the “valley of heaven”. The area offers many amenities nearby such as a shopping centre with restaurants, shops, grocery stores, night life and a movie theatre! Swaziland also boosts many nature loving activities such as hiking and game parks for a chance to see African wildlife up close and personal. Your program includes some additional cultural activities to help settle you in to your new destination, such as local market tours, a cultural village and walking tour to name a few.

    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 (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    at High School level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    Police clearance required for working with children (less than 3 months old).

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 16:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    INCLUDED IN THE COST

    • Comprehensive 24 hour, 7 day a week support from All Out Africa
    • Volunteer projects specifically designed to enable you to make an active contribution during your stay
    • Support of volunteer project coordinators who are experts in their fields which ensures the volunteer experience is valuable
    • Comprehensive orientation to the country, its culture and your role as a volunteer upon arrival
    • All food and accommodation throughout your stay 

    (Airport transfers on ARRIVAL day is what is included as a part of your project fee. If you arrive on another day, additional charges may occur.) 

    Airport Pickup at O.R. Tambo International Airport

    ARRIVALS

    When you arrive a member of All Out Africa staff will request your flight departure time and will organise a transfer for you from Swaziland to OR Tambo. 

    DEPARTURES

    When you are returning home, the transfers leave in the morning, so please organise for your flight to depart OR Tambo after 15:00, or alternatively you will have to travel the day before and spend a night in OR Tambo.

    Accommodation

    Lidwala Lodge located in the Ezulwini valley (known as the valley of heaven) in central Swaziland. This is the cultural heart of Swaziland and is where most of the tourist activities are based, and is also where the Royal Palace, houses of parliament, national sports stadium and national museum are located within a scenic semi-rural setting. The Lobamba, Ezulwini and Mahlanya communities are scattered within a few kilometres of this area. It is conveniently located less than 2km from many of the areas main facilities & attractions and is within 5km of the social projects that All Out Africa coordinates.

    You will be accommodated in a dorm room with bunk beds with communal bathroom facilities. Bed, mattress, sheet and pillows will be provided, but note if you plan to go on tours on home stays during your time in Swaziland then a sleeping bag maybe required. The lodge has a large deck area, outdoor pool, TV lounge, WIFI, and a communal kitchen to prepare meals. The lodge is surrounded by a spacious garden with plenty of trees and boulders (hence its name), a communal barbecue (braai) and campfire area. Often you can see monkeys roaming around the garden and the many plants attract a wide range of birds. 

    Food & Beverages

    Volunteers, interns and students receive 3 meals a day when joining an All Out Africa experience. These meals are eaten together on the communal decking area.Breakfast is self-service from a selection of items including cereals, bread, fruit, yogurt, eggs and spreads. Lunch too is self-service from items such as bread, ham, cheese, salad and fruits. Dinner is a cooked meal which clients may assist with cooking on a rotational basis. Types of dishes served include pasta, stir-fry, braai (BBQ) and stew.

    Vegetarians and most food allergies can be catered for. In order to fully support you during your experience, please advise us at time of booking if you have any food allergies or preferences, so we can cater for these in our meal plans. We will do our best but be prepared your food selection may not be as varied as other participants. If your food allergies/preference are quite restrictive, we may require you to pay an additional fee to allow us to cater for you. 

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. We assist you to find cheap flights to Swaziland. 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 Swaziland provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    Start date for this project is the first Monday of the month throughout the year, with the exception of December when the project is closed. 

    BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR FLIGHT

    All our volunteer projects commence on the first MONDAY OF THE MONTH, as this is when All Out Africa staff can personally collect you from the airport. If your project/ expedition begins in Swaziland and you are traveling from abroad you will need to fly into Johannesburg.

    Airport transfers on this day is what is included as a part of your project fee. If you arrive on another day, additional charges may occur.

    The bus leaves for Swaziland once all participants have arrived or at 14:45 at the latest, so please ensure you book a flight that arrives before the shuttle departure (allowing time to collect bags and pass through immigration).

    If you flight arrives at a later time you will need to arrive a DAY EARLIER and stay overnight in Johannesburg. For these instances, we recommend that you book with our trusted backpackers in Johannesburg, Doves Nest Guest House.

    Dove’s Nest will pick you up at the airport and transport you to the guest house, and return you to the airport to meet our staff on the arrival day. If you need assistance making your booking, please let us know.

    When you are returning home, the transfers leave in the morning, so please organise for your flight to depart OR Tambo after 14:30, or alternatively you will have to travel the day before and spend a night at Doves Nest Guest House.

    *Overnight accommodation in Johannesburg is not included. Payments will need to be made directly to the guest house.

    VISA FOR SWAZILAND

    It is your responsibility to check if you need a per- arranged visa. Should you need a letter to assist with a visa, please let us know and we will happily assist. Most

    nationalities can obtain a 30 day tourist visa on entry – with two 30 day extensions possible in-country

    ARRIVALS

    You will be given an ‘International Arrival/Departure form’ on your flight – please fill this in on the plane before landing (it is sensible to make sure you have a pen on the flight with you). When you are filling in the Arrival/Departure form please remember that participating with All Out Africa counts as ‘tourism’ for immigration purposes.

    When you arrive at O.R Tambo International Airport, your first stop will be at the Immigrations Desk where you will have to hand them your passport and your Arrival/Departure form that you would have filled out on your flight. Your passport is stamped/ endorsed by the Immigration Officer and he/she will issue you with a visa. Please inform the Officer that you are traveling to Swaziland and they will usually give you a transit visa.

    You will then enter the baggage reclaim area to collect your luggage. Once you have your luggage make your way to the exit (signposted in English). There you will be met by one of our staff (holding a sign and wearing a T-shirt with the All Out logo).

    You will pass through immigration upon entering Swaziland and the All Out Africa staff member will assist you in getting the entry stamp and the visa you require.

    DEPARTURES

    When you arrive a member of All Out Africa staff will request your flight departure time and will organise a transfer for you from Swaziland to OR Tambo. 

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

    Program Fees

    $454 per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 12 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.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.5
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2015
    I worked in this project from January to March and it was good fun! The volunteering experience is really rewarding and the accommodation is ...
    •
    2017
    This was the first time i had travelled on my own. All the the staff made me feel very welcome and safe. The project was really fun i ...

    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > Swaziland > Lobamba

    Meet your project coordinator

    Lucy
    15
    reviews
    4.52
    Fantastic
    2004
    Founded

    Verified

      Moderate response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Education  >  Sports in Swaziland
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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