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Wild Coast Schools Computer Literacy and Arts Project in South Africa

Location South Africa
Start Date Every Monday
Duration
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The Project

NEWS FLASH: This project needs more help from volunteers in the coming months, so if you can join us between now and May 2012, we will offer you a discount of £100!

Volunteer in South Africa and work with rural communities on the outskirts of Chintsa, on the East cape’s beautiful Wild Coast. Since 2004, this project has focused on bringing computer literacy to the children of the poorest communities in the area. Through fundraising, grants, sponsorship by Microsoft, and volunteer support, we are now working with 6 schools, managing 4 computer labs with 150 computers teaching over 1000 learners from pre-school to high school. The project has equipped schools with networked labs, developed teaching aids and support structures for teachers and pupils, and has helped to teach basic computer skills in the classroom environment. Additionally, a new initiative launched in 2010 sees an ex-army land-rover adapted into a mobile computer lab to allowing the project to reach even further with their work.
Why the project needs you

Children from the poorer communities who do not have access to computers at school are immediately disadvantaged in their search for jobs in an ever-technologically advancing modern South Africa. Projects such as these provide the children with a skill that can lift them out of poverty. The success of this project is dependent on the ongoing support of volunteers, especially as the numbers being supported grow and the mobile lab is set up.

Project Location

The Wild Coast is South Africa’s secret jewel. More remote and untouched than it’s ‘garden route’ neighbour, the scenery of lush mountains rushing to golden sands and blue seas are a breathtaking sight. Chintsa sits on an estuary, where kiteboarders enjoy the tranquil lagoon, meters from the surfers at the main beach. The area is popular with backpackers for it’s adventure sports and relaxed approach, and you can hire surfboards, kayaks and other equipment at preferential rates locally. The volunteer house has a sensational beach-view and plenty of space to relax in the evening, just a short walk from local cafes and bars.
Project Facts

• Duration: 4-26 weeks
• Cost: £899 ($1573) for 2 weeks, £255 ($446) for each additional week after
• Requirements: Age 18+
• Location: Chintsa, South Africa
• Project activities: Assistant teaching in computer labs with children Sports coaching, work with disadvantaged and vulnerable children, help uplift a community through environmental education, sport and aesthetic improvement work.
• Working hours: 07:30 - 16:30, Monday – Friday
• Project availability: Project starts every Monday.
• 2012 Project Closed dates: 26th Mar - 10th Apr, 25th June - 16th July, and 1st - 8th Oct.
What is included

• Accommodation: Shared room in a volunteer house.
• Food: 3 meals a day.
• Weekly laundry service.
• Airport pick up and drop off.
• Training: Pre-departure information pack, on-site orientation and project induction provided.
• Daily transfers to and from your project.
• Free use of boogie boards and canoes. Reduced rates for surfing lessons and board hire.
• Support: On-site coordinator providing 24 hour support.
• Activities: Staff help organise weekend activities. (Activity price may be extra)
What is not included

• Flights
• Insurance
• Visas

Your life outside the project

This project is based on the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast in the quaint seaside village of Chintsa East. A centre for adventure sports and a beautiful coastal ecosystem make this a popular destination that can still offer uncrowded beaches and the touch of nature.

Our two volunteer houses overlook the beach and the lagoon and we offer free use of boogie boards and canoes so you can enjoy the waters. If you have any energy left after a hard day at work, you may even learn to surf. You can visit nearby game reserves at the weekends and, of course, take part in our weekly Braii (South African Barbecue) night!
Ideas for Independent Travel

Kruger National Park

This is South Africa's largest game reserve and one of the oldest in Africa. The park is now part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, an area designated by the United Nations Education and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO) as an International Man and Biosphere Reserve. Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. The best time to go is during the dry season (May - September) when the plains are sparse and animals are easier to view.

Drakensburg Mountains

The Drakensberg mountains of South Africa, known as the barrier of spears is a 200-kilometre-long mountainous world heritage site. There are a number of adventure activities that you can do including rock or ice- climbing, abseiling, white water rafting or take a helicopter ride to view the Drakenberg mountains from above.

Surfing in South Africa

South Africa is renowned around the world for it's many surfing hotspots due to the mix of beautiful coastal scenery and high quality surf. There is a strong surfing culture and way of life that is very contagious due to the friendly people and their enthusiasm and passion for the sport. Whether you are a novice or more experienced you will love surfing in South Africa. In the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, about an hour’s drive southwest of Port Elizabeth, Jeffreys Bay is one of the most famous surfing destinations in the world. Especially great during the winter months of June, July, and August, surfers come here for a great ride and for the renowned blue flag beaches.

Project Quality

Kaya evaluates every project we offer to ensure that we only commit to programmes with genuine need for volunteer aid, not just financial assistance. We develop relationships with the projects and help shape initiatives to ensure in the long run that we do not encourage dependence on outside help, but rather establish foundations on which the people can build and develop themselves. We also ensure that the members of those communities are open and eager to learn and discover our culture, as we become a part of theirs. The quality and sustainability of our programmes are very important to us. We want you to have the most fulfilling and memorable time as possible, and be part of something that is going to last into future generations.

Accommodation & Meals

Volunteers stay in a volunteer house, where, in most cases, they share their room with other volunteers. Shared rooms are usually single-sex. For most placements two to three meals a day are provided, all included in the placement fees. In most houses there will be a cook to prepare your food for you and a cleaner to ensure the house is clean and tidy, though in some of our locations volunteers will be expected to assist with these chores. For more information about the amenities at the house see accommodation summary or please contact one of our advisors.

In-Country Coordinators

Each country coordinator is there to make sure your time in your programme runs smoothly. They will pick you up from the airport and take you on your orientation. All in-country coordinators are English speaking and are there to ensure you have all the information and resources for the best placement.

24/7 Emergency Support

As well as support from your in-country coordinators, you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line managed by Kaya staff, in case any problem should arise while you're overseas.

Kaya Help-desk

Each member of Kaya staff have worked, travelled, studied or volunteered abroad, and many staff have visited and volunteered in our projects knowing firsthand the country and nature of the programme placements. Their knowledge of international travel and volunteering is invaluable, and they can give you good advice and tips to make the most of your international placement.

Briefing Pack & Materials

Once you have booked a programme, an information pack will be sent out detailing everything you need to know - from specific project details and vaccinations required to the visa application process.

Airport Pickup

When you arrive at your destination a member of Kaya staff will meet you with a warm welcome at the airport and take you to your accommodation to get you set up for your stay.

Cultural Excursions

Kaya staff are at hand to help organise weekend excursions and activities, which can include visiting cultural places of significance and visiting various projects around the area. This way you can learn firsthand about each project and take part in local cultural and adventure activities.

Arrival Orientation

Shortly after you arrive you will be given your orientation by one of our in-country coordinators. They will show you your placement, local transport, take you into the local town, and show you things you can do in your spare time. Information regarding safety and security will be given along with some much needed lingo when moving and travelling around the area.

Funding for Individual Projects

If on your placement you wish to start up your own sub-project, a reasonable amount of funding will be provided. An example is: one volunteer arranged a basketball tournament for the street children where funding was provided for team shirts and trophies. This is a good chance to make your own lasting mark on a project and the people of your chosen country.

Local Community Benefits

Not only is your participation on your project of great help to the local communities, but so is the boost to the local economy that volunteers create while they are visiting.