It was amazing and the most worthwhile thing I have
ever done. Working in the school was totally real and everything
you did had an effect on someone's life. The rewards were obvious
from the start
The word Nholwasi means ‘to build and work together’, and this project provides the opportunity to do just that - working with children from a local school and orphanage, you can help to enrich their environment, and in turn their lives. It is a truly moving and possibly even life changing experience
Working with the children to improve their surroundings, by helping with general maintenance of the orphanage for example,
you can help to improve their quality of life. ACE students have had an important part to play in establishing a garden at the school, which not only plays an educational role, but also enables the children to grow their own food.
Students can also help with the teaching of primary school children. Many children in South Africa walk miles to school every day and they are eager to learn and gain knowledge to provide a brighter future for themselves and their family and to build a stronger and better educated nation!
The project is based in the Acorn Hoek Community, which is situated near Kruger National Park. Students live in a nearby game reserve, containing species such as giraffe, buffalo and the occasional leopard, and travel in each day to a school in Acorn Hoek. Volunteers also visit the children’s ward of the local hospital to play and chat with the children and to host parties for them.
A Typical Day on the Cultural Project.
6am – Wake up!
7am – Breakfast
8am – Arrive at Lumukisa Prep School. During the school day you may be required to cover classes if staff are absent. There are four set lessons of environmental science that students will teach to grade five and six. Time is also spent working on the vegetable garden, and you can also get involved with the dance squads and chiors.
1pm – Lunch
2.30pm – Go to the orphanage settlement to rebuild and renovate houses. Time is also spent playing with the children and handing out clothing and provisions to needy families.
4.30pm – Return home to write lesson plans and prepare for the following school day. Sort through clothing donated to the orphanage, put plans together for fundraising ideas. Bush walks.
Evening – Socialising with students from the Hanchi and Shimongwe projects.
On Saturdays students have the opportunity to visit the local town, Hoedspruit, to stock up on provisions and use the internet. Sunday is a day of organised activity with volunteers being given the opportunity to make the most of what the area has to offer. Some of these options could include a trip to the Kruger National Park, visiting nearby animal rehabilitation centres or microlighting.
Read the latests News from Nholwasi
Factbox!
Duration: 2-12 weeks. However, we hope that volunteers will consider a minimum of 4 weeks duration so that the children at the school get a chance to get used to your teaching style and get to know you as a person.
Cost: From £2190 for 2 weeks up to £5220 for 12 weeks. Includes return international flights from London, transfers, all meals, accommodation, all project-related costs and back up and support. If you do not wish to fly via London, then please see costs here.
Accommodation: Tented camp. Twin tents, separate ablution blocks with flushing toilets and hot showers, separate living/dining tent and brick built kitchen.
Time of year: From January to mid-December. The project closes for the school holidays and we will work your placement around these.
