Volunteer - Wild
Coast Schools
Project

Volunteer - Wild Coast Schools Project

Wild Coast Schools Project - South Africa

This project is ideal for enthusiastic and committed volunteers looking to enhance the educational experiences of some of South Africa’s poorest learners. This project is also ideal for teaching students looking for teaching practice and people considering a career in teaching or education. Located in and around Chintsa, a stunning little coastal village on the East Coast of South Africa, halfway between Cape Town and Durban, you can help make a difference.

The main focus of this project is to teach computer literacy lessons to children in rural Wild Coast schools. Volunteers teach children aged 6-14 years in one of our partnership schools, every morning. There is also the opportunity to be involved in running arts activities with younger children in the school.

The Project objectives are to:

  • Equip rural and peri-urban schools with networked computer labs (a multi-phase project) or provide access to a mobile computer lab for regular computer lessons
  • Continue developing appropriate teaching aids and support structures for both teachers and learners
  • Teach basic computer skills in a classroom environment

The Big Green eMachine - The most recent innovative development to the project is a fully self-sustainable 4x4 mobile computer lab that operates on solar power. It is equipped with 11 laptops and a server. This directly addresses the lack of technology in the extreme rural areas. Furthermore, the mobile lab has proved to be the solution to the lack of space, security risks to assets and the unreliable or nonexistent electricity supply. The “Big Green” allows the Wild Coast Schools Project to expand teaching opportunities, and identifies the potential expansion into adult community classes. All volunteers are given the opportunity to teach in the Big Green eMachine where possible.

Volunteers also take part in afternoon community development initiatives including:

  • Sports Development - The sports development initiative relies heavily on volunteers to drive this program forwards. Twice weekly volunteers run sports sessions in the village; drills, skills practice and games in foot-ball, rounders, rugby, volleyball, netball, cricket and any other sport which appeals. 
  • Children’s Home of Safety Project - Volunteers visit a local Children’s Home of Safety one afternoon a week where extra hands are desperately needed to help the full-time staff in this under-staffed, under-resourced children’s home. Typical activities involve playing sports with the children, structured play, reading and helping children to complete their homework.
  • Gardening Initiative - Monday afternoon is reserved for gardening! The local community and volunteers assist in helping to care for the plant and vegetable gardens at Chintsa East School and teach the children how to look after and harvest their plants, flowers and vegetables.

PLEASE NOTE THIS PROJECT RUNS EITHER BEFORE OR AFTER YOUR OASIS OVERLAND TRIP.

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust - Kenya
Soft Power Education - Uganda
Book Donation - Bunyoni - Uganda

Prices

A £300 deposit is required to book this project. Please note the average weekly price reduces for every extra week booked. All prices are in Pounds Sterling (£GBP) and are per person (pp). Once requested your volunteer project cannot be refunded or exchanged.

No. of Weeks & Cost

2 weeks ------- £569

4 weeks --------£1000

Additional weeks - £227

Advertised price based on 2 week project, please ask for a price if you have more than 4 weeks to spare.

Dates

Please contact Oasis Overland in regards to Start dates for this project

Included

NOT Included

During your stay you will have the opportunity to enjoy excursions in and around the area. The house is within a few minutes walk of the beach & volunteers will have access to canoes, boogie boards and beach accessories. A Local tour operator also runs a surf school, beach horse rides, game drives and quad biking. Additional sight-seeing can be arranged directly through your project.

Project Orientation

Accommodation and Hours

Volunteers stay in shared accommodation in a serviced and catered house overlooking Chintsa beach - single accommodation available upon request and for an additional fee. The volunteer house is located just 3 minutes walk from the main part of town where there is a small choice of local restaurants, a liquor store, our office and internet cafe, a general store with ATM and two restaurants. A short walk across the beach is a fun and funky backpacker hostel which offers volunteers a place to relax at the weekend with volleyball games, boogie boards and a divine swimming pool.

Hours are normally between 08:00 until 17:30 - 18:00 followed by dinner, although this can vary depending on season. Monday to Friday, with Saturday and Sundays 'off' to explore the area.

Transfers

You will meet you at East London airport and transferred to Chintsa to start your project on Mondays only.

Insurance

It is a compulsory requirement that you have adequate travel insurance before you join any Oasis Trip & at the very least are insured for all necessary medical & repatriation costs incurred overseas with a recommended sum insured of £500,000.  It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a friend or relative for safe keeping.

Please ensure that your policy covers you for Volunteering work and activities.

We believe that your safety and holiday enjoyment are very important. It is a mistake to think that "it will never happen to me". It is also very important that you are covered for all the activities that you may wish to undertake while on our trip.

For further information on the insurance we offer, the activities covered, costs and how to book please check out the Insurance section of our website.

Visas and Vaccinations

Most nationalities do not require a Visa for South Africa, but it is advisable to contact the relevant Embassy in plenty of time before the trip departs to check the current visa requirements.

As we are not medically trained - we are unable to give detailed or professional advice on vaccination requirements, therefore please consult a reputable travel clinic or GP for advice on any medical issues. We suggest allowing 8 weeks to get all your vaccinations. For more information visit: www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or www.nomadtravel.co.uk  Oasis travellers receive a 10% discount on vaccinations, medical kits, clothing and camping equipment from the Nomad Travel Clinic - you will receive your discount code on your booking receipt. Medical advice should also be taken regarding Malaria risks.

Clothing and Equipment

Please see our full list of Clothing and Equipment, in the Essential Trip Information on each trip page, for the Overland trip that you are undertaking before or after this project. This should more than cover the items you will need for your Project. You will also receive a full Welcome Pack from our Project Provider, after booking, that will list any other items.

Responsible Travel

Before you go

While You're Travelling

From experience gained in running trips, we have developed our own practical and a manageable environmental policy.  We welcome your input on this, plus any new ideas you may have, to improve our existing procedures. As a guide here's a few tips to bear in mind.

For books dedicated to travelling more responsibly & ethically see: www.tourismconcern.org.uk

Please note that you will be required to fill out an application form prior to being accepted on the Project. You may also be asked for references.

This Project can be combined with any other African Project.

COMBINE YOUR VOLUNTEER PROJECT WITH ONE OF OUR AFRICAN OVERLAND ADVENTURES View all african overland adventures

Travel Style

Overland Adventure

Operating Months

Feb, May, Jul, Sep, Nov, Dec

34 days from £1,895pp

+ local payment from US$930

Travel Style

Overland Adventure

Operating Months

Jan, Feb, Aug, Sep, Nov

22 days from £1,445pp

+ local payment from US$750

Travel Style

Overland Adventure

Operating Months

Jan, Mar, Jun, Jul, Sep, Nov

76 days from £3,325pp

+ local payment from US$1,850