Gap Year Facilitator

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa show on map

Non-profit | African Samaritans

Volunteers will be facilitating students in media, music, drama and dance, leadership, theology etc. This volunteer program is especially suitable for:

Singles

Couples

Families

Groups

Wheel Chairs

More than 500 students have passed through the DLA Training Programme over the past 25 years. Today, hundreds of past students hold positions of leadership in many sectors of society; some are captains of industry or have founded their own businesses, others have followed teaching and academic careers, while others still, have gone on to plant churches, serve communities in a greater capacity and live fruitful lives in South Africa and abroad. The Destiny Leadership Academy offers a one-year programme that attracts a vast variety of students, coming from across South Africa as well as from Europe, Canada and North America. Each students is required to enroll in one of the courses on offer namely drama and dance, media, music, theology or leadership. All the DLA students have a set Lifeskills programme they work through during the year and they have several events and missions that they embark on locally as well as in other countries in Africa. Volunteers that are willing to impart their skills to the DLA students could impact on more lives than just those of the students who should, as a result of this one-year programme, have a life of significance.

Volunteers that can add value to this gap year programme will be welcomed. The DLA Training Programme courses are held in a modern building in one of the quiet suburbs of Pietermaritzburg. Volunteers who have some expertise or passion for music, drama, sport, or fitness could help a young adult become a better leader. Volunteers will receive thorough orientation and will be assisting the Training Staff of DLA with teaching the young adults life skills, financial skills, investments or other skills, depending on where the Volunteer's expertise are. DLA spends a lot of time on media, photography and communication and we always welcome volunteers with exceptional skills in these fields to pass their knowledge on to the DLA Team, who use industry standard tools & technology to produce images, websites, films and motion graphics. There is also the possibility of volunteers being selected to compliment the theology classes, of this is their area of expertise.

Volunteers will be transported to the facility on work days and spend at least 4 hours with the DLA Youth, teaching them in one of the courses provided.

Free-time activities

Karkloof Canopy Tour – (1km long zip-line divided into 8 slides over treetops, past a cliff face and waterfall)
Butterflies for Africa (walk amongst the world’s most stunning butterflies with waterfalls, exotic birds etc.)
Ecabazini Zulu Homestead (learn about Zulu culture, medicinal plants, traditional food, singing and dancing etc.)
Moses Mabhida Stadium (Explore promenade of Durban and go to top of the stadium in the Skycar, etc.)
Natal Lion Park, African Birds of Prey Sanctuary, many hiking trails, many historical churches to view, white water rafting, Game drives, Explore the Battlefields Route (Natal Rebellion 1906), Microlighting over the breathtaking Midlands, Visiting the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, Durban Harbour Cruises, Ride a Ricksha, just to mention a few.

Water Sports

Swimming

Concert/Music

Diving/Snorkling

Climbing

Safari/Zoo

Hiking

Museum/Opera

Sports

Riding

Yoga/Meditation

Program Requirements

Minimum Age

In order to join the program you need to be at least 25 years old on the program start date.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (intermediate level)

Criminal Background Check

required

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Should be able to communicate well in English OR Zulu. Volunteers should have a skill that will add to the students emotional, intellectual, spiritual or physical growth.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

Included Services

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Quality Assurance

High ethical standards & transparent social impact

Flex Option

Change your reservation at no extra costs

Refund Guarantee

We refund your fees if African Samaritans cancels your trip

Support & Mediation

We cover your back no matter what happens

Our services are free of charge!

All program fees are charged directly by African Samaritans.

Before your journey

Profound consulting and ongoing support (free)

African Samaritans (your host organization) provides consulting and is keen to answer all your questions. Once you reserved your spot, you will receive the contact details of your volunteer project.

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Online preparation course (optional, from $49)

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On-site services

Services by African Samaritans

Accommodation provided with 2 meals per day, with a few options to choose from per meal. It is important to us that our volunteers are well-rested and eat healthily. Transport to and from the airport as well as all transport between projects and accommodation as well as to excursions and back. All excursions INCLUDED, except for spending money on personal purchases. Free WiFi in all rooms and recreational areas within walking distance from room.

Airport Pickup at Pietermaritzburg Airport

We collect volunteers from Durban International Airport as well as the Pietermaritzburg Airport and will return the volunteers on the day of departure to the airport. Fees also include transport in-between projects, accommodation and excursions.

Accommodation

The standard option is a bed-and-breakfast type accommodation, but we also offer dormitory and more luxury options, if you are willing to pay a bit more. All accommodation is safe with tranquil surroundings. Volunteers could also look forward to recreational areas where you could mingle with fellow Volunteers or play a game of pool, darts etc. and all rooms have access to free WiFi.

Bedroom (Double)

Food & Beverages

Volunteers are provided with a buffet-style breakfast and two meals to choose from for dinner. Special diets could be catered for is needed. There are options of water, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juices or sodas to have with your meals and volunteers only have to provide for themselves for lunch. If the volunteers are at the accommodation mid-morning, coffee, tea and biscuits will be provided.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB) in Pietermaritzburg. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa.

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Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have.

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Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa.

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Program Fees

Why do I have to pay to volunteer abroad?

Costs: Prices in USD

1 week (min. stay)

$ 455

2 weeks

$ 910

3 weeks

$ 1,365

4 weeks

$ 1,820

8 weeks

$ 3,640

16 weeks

$ 7,280

50 weeks (max. stay)

$ 22,750

Average fees

$ 455 /week

Best Price Guarantee

You can volunteer at the project site in Pietermaritzburg/South Africa between 1 week and 50 weeks. Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated and subject to exchange rate fluctuations. African Samaritans will let you know about the final price during your application process.

Crowdfunding Service

Generally, volunteering abroad involves certain costs. In case you need financial support, we will assist you to fundraise your volunteer program in South Africa.

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Deposit (15%)

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.

Final Payment (85%)

Your final payment will be agreed with African Samaritans during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.