Broadly speaking, South African volunteer work falls into three main categories: helping to uplift impoverished communities, helping those suffering because of diseases such as HIV/Aids, and nature conservation.
Below are some of the programmes that offer opportunities for volunteering. Contact the relevant organisation and make a meaningful contribution to society while enhancing your own life through caring.
Conservation
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- The Aviva Programme in northern KwaZulu-Natal saves threatened species such as cheetahs, wild dogs, black rhinos and vultures. You’ll get involved in tracking and locating animals, animal behavioural research, game counts, the radio collaring of animals, bird ringing, vulture counts and nest surveys, and the relocation and re-introduction of game.
- At All Africa Volunteers you’ll work with orphaned animals at rehabilitation sanctuaries across the country.
- Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. You’ll care for cheetahs (cleaning, feeding and assisting/observing veterinary activities) and learn about major conservation aspects. Perks include a visit to the nearby Kruger National Park and an elephant-back safari at Camp Jabulani.You can also volunteer at the Vervet Monkey Foundation in Tzaneen and the Primate Care (C.A.R.E Animal Sanctuary) in Phalaborwa. You’ll help to rehabilitate injured and orphaned baboons.Visit www.southafrica.net/za/en/articles/entry/article-southafrica.net-wildlife-volunteer-projects to volunteer
At several private game reserves, including Samara, you’ll be exposed to monitoring cheetahs and vervets, fighting erosion and game capturing.
HIV/Aids
HIV/Aids volunteering can be tremendously uplifting and rewarding but it’s not for everyone. Sufferers are vulnerable on many levels and babies and children, traumatised by the loss of a parent or parents to the disease, need special care. You’ll assist caretakers and work in HIV/Aids support groups where you’ll interact closely with the community. Contact the Starfish Foundation at www.starfishcharity.org.
Impoverished communities
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- The Kaliofas Africa Foundation assists poor and desperately needy people in South Africa and surrounding countries with food, clothing, school fees, books, stationery, accommodation, hospital fees, burial costs, etc. The Foundation also helps victims of shack fires and natural disasters, the physically and mentally challenged and orphans in both rural and urban areas. Visit www.kaliofas.co.za.
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- Volunteer Africa and Voluntours have teaching opportunities in South Africa ranging from pre-school children needing developmental stimulation and job-seekers needing to learn conversational English, to old age pensioners for whom literacy is a long-awaited gift. Telephone Volunteer Africa at 043 738 5523 or 082 269 6421, or Voluntours at 082 416 6066
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- Volunteer for at least an hour a week (usually during school hours) to help children to read. You must be able to speak, write and read English proficiently and undergo a free one-day training before being placed in a school near you provided with boxes filled with beautiful books, stationery and games. You can also volunteer your photography, event organising, videography or marketing skills. Visit www.help2read.org
General
For various other volunteer opportunities near you, visit Volunteering In South Africa By City: www.charity-charities.org/SouthAfrica-charities/SouthAfrica.html
Sources
www.charity-charities.org/SouthAfrica-charities/SouthAfrica.html
www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/southafrica/
www.southafrica.net/za/en/articles/entry/article-southafrica.net-volunteer-teaching
www.volunteerandexplore.com