South Africa, Johannesburg5/5 (1 review)
Community project in South Africa
In a wildlife reserve about 1 hour from Johannesburg, care for babies at a nursery, support children aged 7 to 15 after school and help out on the farm.
- Where
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Length
- From 2 to 10 weeks
- Minimum age
- 16 years old
- Language
- English basic
- Departures
- All year round, any date you like
from €2,090 for 2 weeks
Check availabilityTalk to the teamNo commitment. Anaëlle, Amélie or Maëlia will reply.
The project
You can contribute to 3 main missions: the nursery with babies, after school for children aged 7 to 15, and farm work.
The family running the farm welcomes you in a warm and friendly environment in the heart of a wildlife reserve. You will be fully immersed in South African culture.
In addition to the community projects, you also have the opportunity to join the big 5 project to discover the animals of the reserve!
Open to families, teenagers, groups, and adults, this reserve project begins with 2 nights in Soweto, the historic district of Johannesburg.
After this cultural introduction, you will live in the heart of the African wilderness in a wildlife reserve about 1 hour from Johannesburg.
Work in the nursery
For this part of the programme, you will join a nursery welcoming abandoned babies from 3 months to 2 years old. The host family and the local staff take care of the children until they are 2 years old so that they can either return to their biological families or be adopted.
You will assist the local staff in their daily work with the babies.
Your tasks are as follows:
- Entertain, stimulate, and take care of the babies, including tasks such as feeding, changing diapers, bathing, and dressing.
- Take part in and organize fun and educational activities to support the babies’ development and motor skills (games, dances, songs…)
- Support the staff and local childcare workers in their duties
- Interact as much as possible with the children
- Maintain cleanliness in the nursery and play areas
Many projects with children are available. You can combine the projects according to your interests and local needs. You will work Monday to Friday.
After school project
The second project is to support the local staff during after school hours. You will be working with children aged 7 to 15.
The center hosts between 40 and 50 children from Monday to Friday, from 1pm to 4pm. The children need academic support, and you will help with homework.
Your tasks may include:
- Helping with homework
- Teaching various subjects to the children
- Interacting and offering a variety of fun and creative activities (workshops, games, sports)
- Helping teachers create educational materials
- Supporting the local staff in their daily duties
Farm work
Finally, you can get involved in the farm project. The host family owns and manages the farm where many activities await you.
The farm produces milk and eggs and has 2 horses.
Many construction projects are planned, and you will be able to take part in them:
- Roofs
- Sanitary facilities
- Showers
- Library
- Additional housing for supervisors and future volunteers
Your tasks are broad and varied; here are some examples:
- Contribute to different construction projects
- Help with recycling projects
- Take part in gardening and creating tunnels for the orchard
- Assist with daily farm tasks
For example, in the recycling project, wood is recycled to create wooden animals.
Regarding families, the programme can be adjusted according to the children’s ages. Working in the wildlife reserve is only open to children from 10 years old, while the nursery project can host children from 4 years old. We can also adapt the programme duration to 1 week for families and select missions according to the children’s ages.
A project we follow
Projects chosen with care and followed through regular visits on site.
Accommodation and meals
Volunteers are housed in the heart of the reserve, in the volunteer house. You share the daily life of the host family and eat with them.
Rooms are shared (2 to 3 people maximum), and families will stay in a private room. The volunteer house is organized around common areas such as a living room, kitchen, and bathroom.
Arrival and transfers
Volunteers must arrive at Johannesburg International Airport on Thursday; they will be welcomed and transferred to their accommodation in Soweto the same day, then taken to the reserve. Conservation and early childhood projects begin on Monday.
Discovering Soweto
Begin the programme with a full cultural immersion by visiting Soweto. 2 nights in the city to explore the surroundings and the historic district of Johannesburg.
Soweto bike tour: explore the surroundings of Soweto and discover its fascinating history.
Traditional beer tasting ceremony “The Circle of Unity” to discover traditional crafts and local drinks such as sorghum beer (Umqhombothi) and sweet corn drink (Mageu).
Optional activity: exploring the big 5
An optional project particularly suitable for families or groups wishing to enrich their experience.
You have the opportunity to live like a ranger, alternating between observation outings and conservation work. You will get close to the animals and take part in conservation efforts.
Please contact us for more information about this optional project (additional activities, rates, etc.).
Required Skills
- Enjoy being around children and social interactions in general
- Be open, patient, and respectful to live in a community
- Have a basic level of English to communicate with the staff and children
Budget
How long are you going for?
This programme is available year-round. Please contact us for a customized project.
What is included
- Airport transfer round trip
- 3 meals a day
- Accommodation
- Designated supervisor throughout the programme
- Training and orientation
- 2 nights in Soweto including guided tour
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Excursions and activities outside the reserve
Where your money goes
Donations are reinvested in full and directly into the local associations. How the costs break down
See the budget week by week
| Length | Total programme budget |
|---|
Responsible travel by Freepackers
Why not take your time?
Extend your trip in South Africa
No volunteering here: a tour with local guides, at your own pace. The team arranges it with your stay, in the same enquiry.
All 4 tours in South AfricaYou can add it when you fill in your enquiry.
Getting ready to leave
Your application
An up-to-date CV and a cover letter describing your background and what brings you here.
Conditions to take part
- Minimum age of 16
- Provide a clean criminal record
- Valid passport and return flight within 12 weeks
Insurance
For any project abroad, Freepackers requires travel insurance covering accidents, illness, repatriation and third-party liability. With Chapka Cap Student, you get 5% off.
Online language lessons
With Clic Campus: video lessons and an e-learning platform, from home.
Questions
What kind of accommodation is provided for a family?
You stay together, in private rooms, shared houses or comfortable local guesthouses.
Is it a safe trip for children?
Our projects are selected with safety in mind. Families get a reassuring setting and supervised activities. The days are designed to include young and old alike, with a flexible pace and time to discover things together.
Can you join a project as a family?
Yes. For families who want to travel together, we offer programmes designed to welcome children from the age of 4, 10 or 15 depending on the project. Our programme pages say whether they are open to families; otherwise, contact our team to find out more.
Another question? Ask the team, and someone who knows the project will answer.
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