Work South Africa: Social & Environmental
Social Welfare forms a very important part of any volunteering in South Africa. There are many projects that need assistance in homes for abandoned and/or disabled children, as well as community development projects. The greatest benefit of this ‘pre-placed/non-paid’ programme is that it affords young people from all over the world the opportunity to travel to South Africa - known for its diversity and beauty. You will live with a local family; immersing yourself in the local culture. Local communities benefit greatly from the work done by the volunteers. Suitable for people wishing to make a difference through Social and Environmental workshops in South Africa.
Typical placements include:
- Educational Institutions such as Primary, High Schools and crèches.
- Health and Medical working in local community clinics and day hospitals.
- Sports development involves coaching young people at primary school level - rugby, soccer, athletics and tennis.
- Environmental development where many beautiful and forgotten nature reserves are being re-developed in South Africa.
- SANCCOB Bird Sanctuary Earthwatch.
Overview of types of Work Programme
| Social & Environmental | Work Placement | Work Adventure |
Type | Pre-Placed, unpaid | Non-Placed, paid | |
Age | 18 - 30 years | 18 - 25 years | |
Preparatory Course | Business or Intensive English | ||
English Course Min Length | Compulsory Minimum 4 weeks | ||
Accommodation | Placement within the community, during the S&E duration. | LAL South Africa can assist where possible | |
Work Placement Duration | 4, 8, 12, 16 weeks. LAL South Africa organises placement. | 4 – 16 weeks LAL South Africa organises placement. | Up to a total of 12 months.Student finds work directly. |
Enrolment | Enrolment for work placement should be at least ten weeks before the start of the course to allow sufficient time for an appropriate placement and the visa application. | ||
Level Before English Course | Students must have the ability to function in an English-speaking environment. | ||
Experience Required | None | You should either have work experience or be studying towards a qualification. | |
Documents Needed | A Police Clearance Certificate and Basic AIDS Awareness training may be required. | CV, one photograph and a motivational letter. | CV, one photograph, a motivational letter and a permit which can be obtained for up to twelve months (a successful visa application is required). |
Documents Received |
| At the end of the programme participants receive a Letter of Reference directly from the employer. | |
Travel Information | You will either travel by minibus, bus or your own transport (may be preferable should the company not be easily accessible by local public transport). Depending on length of stay, this will be at your own expense. | ||
Costs | English Course, placement fees (Social & Environmental and Work Placement or administration fee (Work Adventure) accommodation as per standard pricelist. Not included in the price are costs for visa, accommodation and travel expenses during the work programme. Our normal terms and conditions apply. See pricelist. | ||
