Rainwater Harvesting & Food Security
Coordinator | Ilse
Coordinator | Ilse
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Volunteers will be involved in the establishment and maintenance of the food gardens, which have been created using permaculture principles.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
The African Conservation Trust (ACT) is a non-profit environmental organisation that is currently implementing the Umgeni and Hlabisa Rainwater Harvesting and Food Security Project. The project is a large-scale food security initiative creating gardens for schools and creches in two municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal, funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF). Volunteers will team up with mentors of ACT to create and maintain food gardens at local schools and to assist with the establishment of homestead gardens for households in a rural area which is home to about 25,000 people. By the end of the project we hope to have established no less than 4,000 gardens and planted 4,000 fruit trees – boosting both the environment and the local economy.
You will help to care for these gardens which have been created using permaculture principles - techniques such as rainwater harvesting, natural resource management, mulching, compost making, worm farming and designing for minimal impact and maximum output. These practices have proven to be an effective means for growing nutritious food staples in remote and harsh environments, and have shown to increase agricultural yields, produce crops that are more resilient to changing weather conditions, improve water usage and reduce soil erosion. You will meet a mentor in the community and he will take you to local gardens in need of assistance. Working in teams, you could help save seeds, plant and water seedlings, fetch leaves for soil protection, or dig swales (depending on the garden and your level of fitness).
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
Music
Diving/
Snorkling
Snorkling
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)
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Willing to work in a garden and posses a good level of fitness and be willing to learn and respect local cultures.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
What's Included
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.
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.
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.
Volunteers are provided with a buffet-style breakfast and at least 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.
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB) in Pietermaritzburg. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa.
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.
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.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
This program is paused due to COVID-19
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 - 4 weeks
Program fees
1 week
(min. stay)
$455
2 weeks
$910
3 weeks
$1,365
4 weeks
(max. stay)
$1,820
Average fees
$455
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
African Samaritans
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 African Samaritans during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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Rainwater Harvesting & Food Security
Volunteers will be involved in the establishment and maintenance of the food gardens, which have been created using permaculture principles.
$455/week
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