Volunteer Project for Under 18s in Eswatini

What is the Volunteering Teenagers in Swaziland all about?

Spend your school holidays doing something different by signing up for volunteering for 16 and 17 year olds in Swaziland.  Working in the heart of communities in the Ezulwini Valley you will be assisting local staff with projects supporting impoverished children from the communities.  The activities are  located at 7 pre-schools which are funded by the project and coordinated with local community leaders.  The centers welcome children who are orphans, or whose parents are unable to work or on a very low income and are identified by the community as needing support.  The project goal is to provide children with access to early years education at safe centers, where their nutrition, education and development needs are addressed.

The project offers three elements; sports, building and gardening and education (for those staying 3 weeks or longer).  Sports addresses confidence building, fine and gross motor skill development, team games, football, hula hooping, skipping and swimming.   The building project focuses on developing the grounds and structures through cementing, painting, digging and repair work as well as planting trees to help with nutritional needs.  If you join the education placement you will assist teachers following an early years curriculum, reading stories and  helping in class.  In the mornings the projects focus on the main activities and then in the afternoon there are a range of community based activities to join.  These include after school and reading clubs.  This is a great location with project activities focused on  children who deserve a better start in life.  Volunteer  in Swaziland and help the project and communities with their efforts to make this happen.

Why choose this Volunteering for 16 and 17 Year Olds programme in Swaziland?

You will have an amazing time developing your understanding of the challenges that face many young people around the world and perhaps learn to appreciate more the opportunities and life you have at home.  The project and communities will benefit from having enthusiastic and vibrant young people to help develop the centers and activities.  For your CV/resume you will be able to say that you developed your independence skills, became more of a global citizen and improved your communication skills through volunteering alongside a range of nationalities.  

Role of the Community and Education volunteer

Depending on the project  focus that you select you may get involved in the following activities:  

• building – making local bricks and building school structures , preparing land for planting crops, planting trees, painting classrooms and play structures, repairing fences and structures
• sports  – circle time games and actions, relay races, football, swimming, horse         
• education – working with small groups, reading stories, running activities, preparing lesson content – all  with the local teacher (for placements of 4 weeks or longer)

All volunteers will be asked to help with general community activities in the afternoons.  This is a good balance for those on the building project as it can be hot and hard work building all day!  You are asked to be flexible and work with the local project team ensuring that there are sufficient volunteers supporting the activities.   While you are in Swaziland you may wish to add on an organised trip to  Kruger to see the amazing Big 5 and more. Why don’t you speak to an advisor to find out how you are able to do this.

What skills do I need to be an Under 18 volunteer in Swaziland?

You need to come with an open heart and mind to make the most of this volunteering placement.  You will be living and working alongside volunteers and local staff from a range of backgrounds which is exciting but can be challenging too.  Please come prepared to listen and help where needed and you will have an amazing experience.  You will be asked for a telephone interview and to send a CV/resume, reference letter and parental/guardian consent for this project.

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