Help us make the schools, in poorer areas with little
to no funding, look and feel like a better place to
learn. This project is the definition of hands on
volunteering and seeing the results of your hard work
through long and short term projects.
Education is the core of developing a nation and the kids are the future needed to develop it. Be the difference in these schools, give the kids something to look forward to when they come to school and help us build a better future!
Help us make the schools, in poorer areas with little to no funding, look and feel like a better place to learn. This project is the definition of hands on volunteering and seeing the results of your hard work through long and short term projects.
Project Summary Many of the schools in Knysna's Townships are in an extremely poor condition and this does not provide a safe or inviting place for children to learn - and as we all know, education is the key to developing underprivileged communities. Through this project we are able to make the schools in poorer areas look and feel like a better place to learn.
Who should apply? Specific qualifications are not required although this project would definitely benefit from people working in construction or architectural fields. This project requires volunteers that enjoy being active and arent afraid to get their hands dirty! Volunteers need to be hard working, mature, motivated and able to show initiative. Good health and physical fitness are also required. Volunteers also need to be confident in speaking English.
Volunteer Role Volunteers will contribute to the following types of projects with the Build our Schools framework:
Upgrading of current school facilities Building of new and/or improved schools Necessary maintenance of the interior and exterior of current schools Plumbing Painting Carpentry and woodwork projects Building tables, shelves, cupboards etc Food Gardens Landscaping
Typical Day Volunteers are picked up from the house in the morning by one of the coordinates or drivers and given clear instructions on the day's activities ahead. We then gather all the equipment we need for the day and drive to the site we will be working on. the day's aim vary according to what the school needs but you will be part of the planning and designing of the school (remember that all ideas are welcome and no formal experience is necessary for many of the duties).
After a hard morning work you will either be brought back for lunch or eat a packed lunch. The community outreach work includes helping children with homework, helping with establishing food gardens or assisting on any number of our projects which need help at the time.
Whats Included in Project Cost : Confidence that every effort is made to ensure your safety and enjoyment during your stay Rapid Pre-Departure Support & Information Airport pick upon arrival days only First Day Introduction, Orientation to Projects & Colleagues Thorough Orientation to Area Continuous Project Support & Feedback Sessions Accommodation Food Travel Arrangements to & from Projects (On Allocated Days) Project Related Transport Assistance with Optional Activities & Tours 24/7 Emergency Support Phone Sim Card T-Shirt Post-Project Involvement & Updates
Whats Excluded: Flights & Visas Travel Insurance (Necessity!) Optional Excursions & Activities Post Placement Transport
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We took part in the Build Our Schools Program on our honeymoon and had the most enjoyable two weeks helping out in the Khayalethu community.
We both loved the hands on nature of the work helping out at the Ikamvu Lethu pre-school. One of our favourite moments was seeing the reaction on the ladies faces when we showed them the completed new doors in the pre-school made out of an old benchtop, they were so grateful. It's hard to describe how big a difference little things like mending fences makes to the school and the community.
Knysna is a beautiful place and this organisation does some amazing work in the community. We would highly recommend the Build Our Schools Program to anyone who wants a change up to their desk job and get their hands dirty.
Thanks to the team for a wonderful experience. In the end our only regret was that we could not stay any longer and help out more, hopefully next time.
