Introduction

Gap year students and others just requiring a fulfilling holiday, can elect to spend time at our project sites. We are always looking for volunteers who whether they are individuals or groups.

Who qualifies?

Anyone who is over 18 years of age and is interested in caring for children (including helping them with their homework in the evenings) or teaching adults some income generation skills, including aspects of business and basic reading and writing, where language is not a barrier. At 18 you will already have some skills the children could benefit from.

What to learn?

As a volunteer at a project site, you are a member of staff and you act and are treated as such. However, you are also allowed time to learn certain life skills available local. These are seasonal and it is advisable to enquire before you start planning. Each location has its own set of skills and when you enquire you will be sent a list of locations and skills to choose from. At every location you will be expected to have hans on experience of each skill you choose to learn. You may have to spent a few days with the people you are learning from. Attempts will be made to place you with the most suitable family. Some families in the area already have experiences of looking after gap year students and assisting them with their learning. The families usually benefit from your stay, especially the children, who widen their global horizons from staying with someone from a distand country.

All your life skills have been carefully chosen and the criteria complied by people with academic experience. However, if you notice something you particularly want to participate in, you are free to do so provided it is safe.

How long can one stay?

It is up to you how long you plan to stay at any particular site. We usually recomment a minimum stay of two weeks and an indefinite maximum. The charity benefits from your services and if you enjoy your stay, you are welcome to.

How much does it cost?

The cost comprises the following costs:

• Flights: The cost of flights varies according to time of year.
• Travel insurance: It is recommended that you always take out travel insurance.
• Cost of living: While you are at one of our sites you are usually not expected to pay for your board unless you are at some sites where accommodation is a problem. Because you volunteer your services, your full board is free. However, if you require special foods you have to buy these separately.

Who pays?

Once you have decided to spend time at one of our sites, you will be advised on how to fund raise to cover the cost of your travel. An area fact sheet will be sent to you and you will discuss your plans with one of our staff members with knowledge of the area. So although you ultimately pay, you are helped to fund raise.

What items are required?

You are limited in what you can carry, by the airlines. The basic kit you should aim to have must include:

• A suitable sleeping bag
• Suitable boots
• A pair of overalls
• A sun hat
• Safety gloves (work)
• Some basic medicines (Africa only)
• A passport and visa valid for the duration of your stay
• Your charity ID card.

What sort of accommodation?

Every attempt is made to provide you with your own room with a bed. It is unlikely that you will have a TV or radio in your room. There are some things that are common in the developed world, which you may not see till you get back. Do not let that bother you, because you will have enough to do.

Communication systems available

In some places you cannot buy a mobile phone locally unless you are very rich, and even then you may not stay long enough to be allocated a sim card. Expect to use rudimentary communication systems, but that is how locals live and you will be living with them as they normally live.

How to apply

To ally, download the membership application form and in your covering letter express your interest to spend your gap year at one of our sites.

Vacancies

There are always vacancies, but the only limiting factor is accommodation. When your application is received, you will be informed of what vacances are available.