Staff and volunteers who can drive a manual car (on the left hand side ... Hiking
and camping– Lion's Head, Noordhoek ... Outdoor movies, Summer Concerts.
Volunteer Handbook Do your little bit of good where you are; its those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world - Desmond Tutu
B14 Waverley Court, Kotzee Road, Mowbray, 7700, Cape Town, South Africa [tel]: (+27) 21 447 3610, [fax]: 086 671 4906 [email]:
[email protected], [website]: www.saep.org
Dear Reader, This handbook includes amongst other things a summary of the different programmes at SAEP, opportunities you will have as a volunteer at SAEP and requirements of volunteers. Please read through this document carefully before you decide whether or not to volunteer with SAEP as it will provide useful information about SAEP’s history and mission. If you still have any further questions, please feel free to contact us and have a look at www.saep.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
Table of Contents 1.
About SAEP
2.
Volunteer Options
3.
Working Environment
4.
SAEP Expectations
5.
Frequently Asked Questions
6.
Useful Literature, Phrases and Activities
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world -Nelson Mandela
About SAEP The South African Education and Environment Project (SAEP) is a non-profit organisation based in Cape Town, South Africa. SAEP focuses on issues within the education sector and is committed to improving the lives of children and young adults and increasing access to and quality of education in our amazing country. The organisation was founded in 1994, encompasses early childhood education, academic tutoring, environmental education, an arts programmes in high schools in Cape Town’s informal settlements, bridging year internships for students who have finished their high school coursework and wish to go on to tertiary education and a support program for tertiary students. The Early Childhood Development programme supports 9 ECD centres in Philippi. We aim to enrich the community, empower the principals and assist centres to become self-sustainable and foster the heart and mind approach to education. The High School Programme offers a number of different academic support and enrichment programmes in six high schools. In addition to the academic support, SAEP runs extracurricular classes such as poetry, journalism, debating, drama, arts, music, media and environmental education. The Bridging Year Programme is a transition year for high school graduates who need to increase their matric results and prepare for tertiary education. Every year, SAEP provides support to a small group of students who are in need of guidance and academic support. SAEP's Tertiary Support Programme provides small bursaries and intensive mentorship to students attending tertiary institutions (university or further education and training colleges). Through personal and financial support, the
Your Options as a Volunteer When contacting SAEP to volunteer, it is important to state what kind of volunteer work you would like to do, what qualifications you have, your intended date of arrival and intended duration of stay. In the past, volunteers have helped us with the following:
Teaching the high school children through the Hope Scholars Programme. Teaching, mentoring and working with the Bridging Year interns Mentoring tertiary students Working with children and staff through teaching at the ECD Centers, (art lessons, music lessons, dance and movement, English lessons, topical issues such as hand washing week or oral hygiene workshops) Assisting with media, marketing and online networking (newsletters, annual report, social networking) Assisting the fundraising team Assisting with office admin Helping with maintenance work at the schools such as painting, plumbing, repairing roofs and walls, tiling, paving, and gardening when necessary tools and equipment is available and when this is required. Sewing curtains, mattress covers, and dolls Providing and organizing training in first aid, teaching methods, management and finances, HIV/Aids prevention or computer literacy You have not lived until you have Conducting research done something for someone who Assisting with monitoring and evaluation Collecting and delivering donated goods to the schools cannot repay you Taking photographs – Unknown
Working Environment If South Africa was a food, it would be a fruit salad. We have 11 official languages, many different races, religions and belief systems. Our beneficiaries are predominantly Xhosa speakers. The community is made up of a mixture of small government subsidized houses and informal structures (shacks). A large percentage of the population is unemployed or working in the informal sector, earning a very low income. Safety is always a priority at SAEP, staff and volunteers always make an effort to travel together and leave before nightfall. Speak to program managers and staff to receive clarification on what is and is not safe or if you are ever feeling threatened in any way. Arrive with an open mind; you will learn valuable lessons from the inspiration people of South Africa.
SAEP’s Expectations SAEP is run by a small core staff and a changing group of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers. A normal working day varies but in general volunteers should arrive at the office between 8 and 9, and each day will conclude at approximately 4 or 5pm. Time in the office is spent doing follow up administrative work and attending meetings. Working with SAEP means being part of a fun, relaxed, tolerant and very supportive team but it also requires hard work. If you are enthusiastic, open-minded, flexible, a team player, able to work in a multicultural environment, then SAEP would love to have you on board!
Frequently Asked Questions Does SAEP accept both long and short term volunteers? In general, we prefer taking on full time volunteers who are available for at least three months to one year as the process of getting to know the procedures and daily programmes of SAEP, as well as building up relationships with beneficiaries and staff members takes some time. We will consider taking on short term volunteers or groups from time to time. Short term volunteers must have specific projects (discussed with coordinator before arrival) that must be completed during the volunteers stay.
Is there a charge for volunteering at SAEP? SAEP only requires volunteers to make a financial contribution if they are staying for shorter than 3 months.
How much money should I expect to spend on housing and living expenses? You should plan to budget between R2,500 to R4,000 for a room and a further R1,000 or more per week for living expenses (including food and incidentals), though you might be able to get by on less and can certainly spend more. To account for contingencies, we suggest that you budget at least R8,000 per month.
Do I need vaccinations? Immunizations are not required. However, depending on your past travel history and health conditions, you may want to consult with your doctor or local travel clinic to see if they have recommendations. Cape Town is in a malaria-free zone, but if you plan to do any traveling during your time here (e.g. visiting the Kruger National Park), you may want to consult with a doctor malaria medication.
What are the visa requirements for volunteering in South Africa? How do I apply? What is the application process? The application process involves sending us (by email) a letter stating why you would like to volunteer, your CV, and two references with e-mail addresses. It is a good idea to apply as early as possible, as we receive a large number of applications.
Is it safe to live and work in South Africa? South Africa has a high crime rate,related to a high rate of poverty and unemployment. Volunteers assume a certain level of risk and we cannot guarantee a volunteer’s safety. SAEP’s offices are located in a relatively quiet residential suburb but (as in the rest of Cape Town) crime does occur (e.g. burglaries, muggings). It is important to always be aware and take precautionary safety measures to minimize the risk of becoming a victim of crime.
Requirements vary so speak to the South African consulate from your country to verify visa requirements.
The world is hugged by the arms of faithful volunteers -Terri Guillemets Is it possible for volunteers to work on more than one programme? Yes – volunteers may work on more than one programme provided they have the time, but they will need to concentrate on one area as a primary focus. There is room for flexibility, since plans change according to the needs of the moment and the relationships/new projects that develop during the course of the programmes. That said, we do try to have an understanding as to what programme(s) the volunteer will be working on before accepting them into SAEP.
Where are SAEP’s offices located? Our offices are at B14 Waverley Court, Kotzee Road, Mowbray, Cape Town. They are near a small cluster of shops and restaurants and walking distance to mini buses and Observatory train station.
Mobile phone South Africa has a several mobile companies. Sim cards are sold in ordinary supermarkets. A “pay as you go” sim card will suit volunteers. Air time is sold almost everywhere, from the big supermarkets to
What are the work days and hours? SAEP’s office is open Monday to Friday, from approximately 8am to 5pm with flexible time off for lunch. There are occasionally outings or work projects on Saturdays.
What do I need to know and do about health and health insurance? SAEP does not provide health insurance or other financial assistance in case of medical emergency or other requirements, nor can it accept responsibility if participants are injured or otherwise undergo losses in connection with their participation. Therefore, participants in SAEP programmes must accept personal responsibility for these risks, insure themselves and assume any financial risks involved, and not look to SAEP for restitution or help with any financial obligations or other costs incurred.
What is the weather like in South Africa? Remember, in the Southern hemisphere the seasons are the reverse of what they are in the Northern hemisphere. In the winter months (roughly May to August), Cape Town can be quite cold and rainy (averaging in the teens Celsius), and buildings and houses usually do not have central heating. You should pack accordingly, e.g. bring sweaters, a jacket, and a raincoat. The hottest months are November through March (averaging from 20-30 Celsius) but temperatures cool down at night.
Accommodation and Transport Does SAEP provide stipends, private transport or accommodation for volunteers? No, unfortunately not. SAEP does NOT provide accommodation, stipends or transport. Volunteers are responsible for their travel expenses to Cape Town as well as for all living expenses (lodging, food, transport, entertainment, etc.). Below are some suggestions for accommodation. It could be useful to stay in a backpacker’s or a B&B upon arrival, and then find something for the longer term once you are here and have a sense of where you would like to live.
SAEP will provide transport for volunteers between the main office and project sites in the townships. It is your responsibility, however, to arrive at the SAEP office in Mowbray prior to the scheduled departure time. SAEP owns two cars that can be used in providing transport to the project sites. Staff and volunteers who can drive a manual car (on the left hand side of the road) and are willing to help out, do the driving.
Below are some useful car hire companies for private use: German car hire and tours Good deal for long term rentals and if you are not scared of manual gear and old cars. Milage limitation to 3000km per months, 200 km radios around Cape Town. If you go further you should just inform them. There office is in Rondenboosh http://www.germancarhire.co.za/contact.htm Around About Cars Limited and unlimited millage. Office is in the centre of the town, Long street. Some backpackers in South Africa have discounts on accommodation when you come with this car hire (check Coast-to-coast guide) http://www.aroundaboutcars.com/ Drive Africa For long journey or over-border drives. Good deals and good insurance conditions http://www.driveafrica.co.za/south-africa-car-hire/car-hirecape-town
A civilization flourishes when people plant trees under whose shade they will never sit - Greek Proverb
Accommodation Name
Contact details
www.gumtree.co.za
Internet website for housing rentals. Search on Choose Flat/House share or Flat/House rent
Green Elephant Backpackers
Tel: +27 (0)21 4486359 Email:
[email protected] Website: http://www.greenelephant.co.za/
Riverlodge Backpackers
Tel: +27 (0)21 4480526 Email:
[email protected] Website: http://www.riverlodge.co.za/
Interesting Books and Authors
Long Walk to Freedom- Nelson Mandela (1993) The Power of One (1989)– Bryce Courtney Lonely Planet– South African Travel Guide Herman Charles Bosman Poisonwood Bible (1998)- Barbara Kingsolver Blood River: A Journey to Africa's Broken Heart - Tim Butcher No Future Without Forgiveness- Desmond Tutu (2000) The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency- Alexander McCall Smith. I Write What I Like- Steven Biko (1987): Cry, the Beloved Country- Alan Paton (1948): A History of South Africa (2009)- Leonard Thompson Devil’s Peak- Deon Meyer Blood Safari- Deon Meyer Tandia (1992)– Bryce Courtney Athol Fugard JM Coetzee
Helpful Xhosa Words and Phrases ENGLISH Hello Hello (more than one person)
Molo Molweni
What is your name?
Ungubani igama lakho?
My name is…
Igama lam ndingu…
How are you?
Unjani?
I’m fine
Ndiphilile
Yes
Ewe
No
Hayi
Please
Nceda
Thank you
Enkosi
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
- Mark Twain
XHOSA
Activities Cape Town is one of the world’s leading holiday destinations, it impresses millions of visitors each year, many return and some stay forever. The city lies in the shadow of the amazing mountain, and is reflected in the waters of the glistening ocean. There are numerous activities for every kind of person and you will always have many options of things to do in this glorious city.
"Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it." — Mother Teresa
Cape Town has a plethora of activities to choose from, there are things for the adventurers such as skydiving and paragliding, there is a great cultural world including plays, stand up comedy, art exhibitions. There are lots of bars and restaurants for those who want to explore the nightlife. The environment lovers are also in for a treat, there are hundreds of hikes, beaches to explore, talks to go on, National Parks to visit, new birds and animals to see.
Hiking and camping– Lion’s Head, Noordhoek Peak, Table Mountain, Whale Trail (5 days), Otter Trail (5 days)- www.capenature.co.za
Cable car up Table Mountain
Environmental centre at Century Citywww.intaka.co.za/eco-centre-info
Robben Island– where Nelson Mandela was im- prisoned for the majority of his 27 year sentence
Mangwanani African Spawww.mangwanani.co.za
Kalk Bay– harbour and nice restaurants
Boulders Beach– swim with the African Penguins
South African National Parks- www.sanparks.org
Beach and Surfing– Camps Bay, Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Llundudno, Clifton
Diving and snorkelling- animalocean.co.za
Safari’s and Bird Watching– Addo Elephant Park, Rondevlei, Kruger, West Coast national Park, Kgalahadi, Umfolozi, St. Lucia
Spring Flowers up the West Coast– Darling Flower Show, West Coast National Park
Markets– Hout Bay in door harbour market, Biscuit Mill, Tokai Forest
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens– Outdoor movies, Summer Concerts
Cape Point lighthouse and Cape Augulhas– the southern most tip of Africa
Wire workshops at Streerwires- http:// streetwires.co.za/ Township Tour with Uthando– www.uthandosa.org Sporting events– cricket, rugby and soccer Good food, both African and International cuisines Vibrant nightlife- Long Street for bars and party places
Paragliding off Lion’s Head, Skydiving and the highest Bungee jump in the world
Wine Tasting
Music festivals
Sunset picnics
