HOME PAGE

GENERAL INFORMATION
Medical information
Language & Culture
Clothing & other requirements
Orientation
Volunteer support
Policy
Enquiries

PROJECTS
Community Care Centre
Environmental Conservation
Excursions

THE PROGRAM
Volunteer information
Program outline

PROGRAM FEES & DATES
Program Dates 2009-2010
Program Fees 2009-2010

ACCOMMODATION
Where will I stay?

BOOKINGS
How to book
Indemnity and Agreement

FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Enquiries


Hiking in the Transkei


Hiking in Oribi Gorge


Collecting butterfly specimens


Game viewing at Tala


Digging water trenches


Swimming lessons


___________________________________________________________________________

Volunteer Information

Volunteers interested in applying for any of the programs are required to complete the application form that is emailed to them. This form includes required information about you that assists us in assessing your suitability for acceptance into our programs.

The minimum age requirement for volunteers with Focus-S.A. is 18 and in terms of South African law, which will be applicable to you once you are in South Africa, the legal age (age of majority) in this country is 18. Once in this country you will therefore have legal authority.

Once received, your application will be reviewed by Focus-S.A. and you will be advised within 7 days of  your acceptance or otherwise. Focus-S.A. reserves the right to disapprove any application without providing reasons therefore.

IT IS ONLY AFTER YOU HAVE RECEIVED CONFIRMATION OF ACCEPTANCE THAT YOU CAN COMPLETE A BOOKING AND TRANSFER THE REQUIRED DEPOSIT FOR THE PROGRAM FEE.

Please take note of what the relevant program fee includes.  Airfares, airport taxes and travel agent commissions are for your own account and are not included in the program fee. Volunteers are also responsible for their own travel insurance and this, together with medical insurance, is a prerequisite for acceptance on a program. Your local travel agent can advise you about this as well as visa requirements that are applicable to you. Proof of this insurance must be provided by the applicant on the booking form once the application is accepted. Please click on the links :- Program Fees & Dates, for more information.

Please also make sure you read the section “What kind of volunteer are we looking for?” below, before making your decision to apply. The nature of the work and adventurous excursions volunteers participate in may not suit everyone.

What kind of volunteer are we looking for?

Before deciding to apply for one of our programs, you should be aware that these programs may involve work that inter-alia includes the following:-

- Basic household chores such as cleaning, sweeping floors, washing dishes, helping prepare meals, etc.
- Acting as a basic tour guide (after training) at butterfly and wildlife rehabilitation sanctuaries.
- Helping in a craft shop.
- Cleaning out animal, butterfly, bird and snake enclosures.
- Dealing with injured and sick animals and birds.
- Trips into the veldt in search and destruction of illegal (poachers) animal traps.
- Feeding animals, birds and snakes.
- Dealing with the public in various capacities.
- Dealing with elderly people.
- Dealing with children (no older than +-10 years) in various capacities.
- Bathing, dressing, feeding, giving medication and changing the diapers of infants.
-Gardening, planting tree saplings, removing alien vegetation.
- Any other task reasonably within your capacity to do.

The programs (four weeks and longer only) include various excursions that inter-alia will entail long drives in a 4x4 vehicle, camping out in bush veldt with very basic amenities, searching for and destroying poachers traps, a full day hike along a beautiful coastline (those not willing or unable to participate for any reason will travel in the vehicle) and a full day Forest “safari” assisting in capturing/collecting required specimens for the butterfly sanctuary. You will need to be relatively physically fit as there is manual labour involved. Applicants must have an interest in new cultures & the environment as well as working with communities in a third world country.

Essentially then, the volunteer we are looking for is not offended or demeaned by any type of work, is willing to learn, loves children and wildlife, is compassionate towards the sick and elderly, loves adventure, does not mind occasionally “roughing it” in the outdoors, enjoys dealing with people, can cater, cook and clean for themselves in their accommodation (groceries are included in the fee), has an independent and open mind, is comfortable in the company of people of all races, cultures, creeds and religions and most importantly, has a problem solving, positive and enthusiastic attitude towards life.

Do you fit the description? Can you manage this type of volunteer work? Does the adventure appeal to you? Think you can do this? (Yes you CAN!) ... then by all means apply!

The Program Outline
 

Week Days (Monday to Friday)
0730h Travel to project.
Work for the day at project.
1600h Travel back to Residence.
One Evening – Dinner at Local Restaurant.
One Evening – visit to mall (shopping, movies etc)
Three Evenings – Your Time.
 

 

Weekends
The following excursions, which are included in a four week (and longer) package, will take place on weekends: - Please click on the link Excursions for detailed information about this.
Visit to uShaka Marine World (dolphin shows, aquarium etc.)
Dolphin and Whale watching boat ride.
Visit to traditional Zulu Village and watch traditional Zulu Dancing.
Visit to Tala Game Reserve.
Sleep over one night in authentic Xhosa Village.
Visit to Port St John:Transkei Wild Coast (Eastern Cape-includes one week day)
Hiking at Mbotyi : Transkei Wild Coast (Eastern Cape-includes one week day)
Forest Safari : Mbotyi Forest : Transkei Wild Coast (Eastern Cape-includes one week day)
Visits to Oribi Gorge, and Snake Park.

Enquiries

Should you have any queries regarding the program, projects, excursions or activities please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy answer them. administration@focus-southafrica.co.za