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CARE & SHARE Programmes

  • You may join our programmes on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month.  (CARE/SHARE) Nov/Dec/Jan arrivals will differ.
  • Programme length options start from 2 weeks to 36 weeks.
  • Longer placements can also be arranged.

 Programme requirements for volunteers

  • Must be 18 years old at the beginning of your placement (unless you are accompanied by a guardian or on our Internship Programmes)
  • Minimum qualification should be a high / secondary school certificate
  • Adequate travel insurance for the entire duration of your trip (this is compulsory and we need to see proof of this)
  • A fully completed application form and supporting docs
  • English language (enough to understand and speak)
  • A police clearance certificate is required for all applicants on our programmes

 Accommodation

  • Volunteers are housed with a local family or alternatively in a volunteer home and usually are placed with other volunteers.
  • Accommodation will always be in inspected homes to see if it safe and secure and preferably in close proximity to the community project.
  • Orientation accommodation is shared in dormitory style (bunk beds) and at ones homestay will usually be sharing usually with 1 or 2 others. Usually no more than 2 volunteers are accommodated at a host family at one time, unless the accommodation allows for it.
  • Accommodation will always be within a fully built house where there will be a house mother and / or father.
  • Preparing of food and meals are usually a shared experience.
  • Bedding will be provided but it is always recommended that you bring along your own pillow, a sleeping bag and towel for weekend and holiday break excursions.  Please consult our recommended packing list for suggestions.
  • Washing machines are often offered for use at host families (washing will be done for you at the volunteer home) however if it is not offered you may need to do your own washing whilst in South Africa (or pay to have it done)

Meals

  • Breakfast – South Africans generally eat a small simple breakfast like cereal, toast and tea/coffee. Occasionally eggs or fruit and yoghurt could be offered (these however are the exception and not the rule)
  • Lunch –  A typical lunch will consist of a sandwich or 2 and possibly fruit.  Breakfast and lunches are usually self service (everyone helps themselves to breakfast and prepares their own sandwiches for lunch which they take with them to the project).
  • Dinner – Usually consist of a tasty cooked meal containing meat, vegetables and rice or pasta and is usually prepared by the host mother (if living with a host family) or volunteers pitch in and prepare their own meals if they are accommodated at a youth lodge or backpackers.

Important notes:

  • Any special dietary requirement should be indicated at time of application.  It is important to note that meals vary from host family to family.  Food in South Africa can be different to what you experience at home and it is important to be flexible and try and experience the flavours of local cuisine.  Food and room arrangements will differ from host to host. Also, meat is often a stable and so vegetarians, vegans, lactose intolerant or any other dietary requirements may be difficult to cater for.

Orientation

Ama Africa Experiences offers a comprehensive, fun orientation programme for all participants.  It gives everyone an opportunity to get to know one another and their new surroundings.  The orientation programme will cover all aspects which are important for participants in order to have a safe and comfortable stay in South Africa. It includes an introduction to South Africa, and covers a range of important aspects such as local customs, managing expectations, programme guidelines, safety tips, travel opportunities and more detailed information on your project and accommodations. There will be plenty of time to get to know fellow volunteers and to swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.

A typical day in the life of a volunteer:

  • Wake up and use of ablutions
  • Help yourself to porridge/cereal or toast (whatever is available at the time)
  • Prepare a packed lunch (usually sandwiches)
  • Walk / catch a lift / or make use of local  transport  to your project (in most instances, you would be located within close proximity of your project) to arrive on time daily.
  • Lunch break are usually an hour long, but this will vary from project to project.  Enjoy your packed lunch.
  • Depending on what type of project you are placed at, you will normally volunteer for around 6 hours per day, and if placed at a local school you would work until 2 or 3pm and then sometimes assist at an after school project.
  • There will be time to relax after a busy day at your host family before helping out with preparations for dinner (setting table if family eats at table etc)
  • Dinner is usually served between 5-7pm and after that you can either tuck into bed early or watch some TV whilst relaxing with the family.
  • You will have most weekends off (depending on the type of project you select) and this will give you time to do some shopping, visit tourist attractions or just simply relax with a book in the sun in the backyard of your host family