Construction Helper for Neighbourhood Care Points
Coordinator | Benjamin
Coordinator | Benjamin
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Learn traditional Swazi building methods!
Give hope through developing/maintaining our care points to educate and support orphan and vulnerable children!
Visit to a Swazi Cultural Village and learn about Swaziland’s rich culture!
See the spectacular mountains and stunning beauty of Swaziland!
Assist children through building basic shelters, gardens, water systems and other physical structures needed at households and care points.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+
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) and other non-profit organizations in Swaziland who are assisting orphans and vulnerable children. The specific aims of these centres vary but in general they provide orphaned and vulnerable children with food, care, pre- school education and a safe environment.
At the same time you will be transferring skills, providing basic accommodation and helping give communities’ encouragement and motivation to improve the quality of life. The project uses locally sourced building materials where possible and local methods. We construct mud bricks using a locally made compressor and use other local materials wherever possible. This project caters to volunteers wanting to make a difference but also to groups who want to be involved in larger scale building projects
VOLUNTEER ROLE
As a volunteer on the build a future program you will be in the communities, building classrooms and structures for the Orphaned and Vulnerable children, and maintaining existing infrastructures, with the aim of giving a good shelter for these children and a suitable schooling environment. You may also assist with development and maintenance of gardens which provide a source of nutritious food to the children.
You will use local techniques of making mud bricks, then lay foundations, complete plastering, flooring, windows, doors and roofing under the supervision and direction of a local builder. Then decorate the structure! You will have the opportunity to meet local community members and provide support to needy families and children while working on the building.
Some of the activities you will get involved in may include:
- Making clay bricks
- Clearing and preparing land for structures to be build
- Digging of foundations upon which to build
- Building structures including roofing
- Fencing & developing gardens to provide nutritious food for the children
- Painting structures
- Fix up swings and other play equipment
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.
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 building 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 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!
7:30 Travel to your placement and get ready to begin your day
8:00 Participate in your chosen project assisting with teaching activities including maths, English, science etc, and supporting the teacher through helping with setting and marking homework and tests
12:00 Time to eat the packed lunch you made that morning!
12:30 Begin your afternoon’s work with a full stomach and enthusiasm – this may involve returning to your morning building placement or having the opportunity for additional projects including local language lessons and assisting at homework clubs
15:00 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, 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.
Swimming
Concert/
Music
Music
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Climbing
Safari/
Zoo
Zoo
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Opera
Sports
Riding
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
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.
You need to speak English (basic level)
at High School level
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
from
08:00
- 16:30
What's Included
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.)
ARRIVALS
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Limited access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. We assist you to find cheap flights to Swaziland.
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.
If you are intending to volunteer in Swaziland you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Swaziland.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
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.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2 - 12 weeks
Program fees
2 weeks
(min. stay)
$1,275
3 weeks
$1,569
4 weeks
$1,763
5 weeks
$2,033
6 weeks
$2,304
7 weeks
$2,574
8 weeks
$2,647
9 weeks
$2,893
10 weeks
$3,139
11 weeks
$3,385
12 weeks
(max. stay)
$3,631
Average fees
$470
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
All Out Africa
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with All Out Africa during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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Construction Helper for Neighbourhood Care Points
Assist children through building basic shelters, gardens, water systems and other physical structures needed at households and care points.
$470/week
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