WWISA Ongoing Achievement List
- Details
- Category: Uncategorised
- Published on Friday, 04 November 2011 15:00
- Written by Super User
- Hits: 502
WWISA Achievement List
Established and created website for Kurland Community Development Forum
Distributed maize meal and supplementary food for 36 000 meals
Assisted with 12 underwater classroom outings
Annual environmental cleanups – Plettenberg Bay, Natures Valley and Kurland (300 participants)
Women on the Move – Re-profiled, refitted retail shop and workshop, donated sewing machines, trained operators, Skills school in quilting, fabric paint, re-branded logo’s and signage
Research work for Community Radio MEFM
Kids in Parks – camps
Hosted kids from the Born Free Foundation from Addo Valley for Marine week camp
Environmental conservation study bursary candidate camp (job shadowing)
Assisted with public heath at: Clinics, Home based care giving programs, administration and driving
Eco guide training
Camps and outings at Ingwe Forest Adventures + The Ingwe Journey
Hosted hiking, environmental and marine outings for kids
Hosted Kids fundraising events at the Barnyard theatre
Holiday programs
Participated in the Bitou Regional Government – Local Economical Development
Social worker at Masizame
Plett Aid – Field workers and drivers – Established a veggie garden
Occupational therapist at Epilepsy S.A
Swimming training – pool, estuary, shore and surf
Assisted with new Tsitsikamma wolf sanctuary
Work for water
Adopt a beach
Teachers – support structures and assistance teachers
Built Community Garbage collection points
Established the allotment centre and built compost bins
Established Gardens for the Eco School Green flag at the following schools, Kurland (vegetable), Cold stream (vegetable) and Sandrift (indigenous)
Built compost bin at Cold steam
Researched and produced 6 environmental experiential educational booklets for Natures Valley Trust
Maintained Phyl Martin and Indigenous fynbos Park in Natures Valley
Spearheaded and hosted gardening workshops in Kurland
Gardening and tree planting in Kurland Village
Talent shows
School plays and musicals
Group and one-on-one computer training
Reading support – Homework club – Youth Club
Set up a pen pal system
Basic skills development in carpentry – bench and table manufacturing
Sport – soccer, rugby, cricket, hockey, basket ball, athletics coaching
Boule workshop and competition in Kurland. Donated prizes and 2 sets of boule
Garden seminar workshops for fundraising
Repaired and installed water tank at Kurland Educare Centre
Built racks, shelves and cupboards at Kurland Educare Centre
Equipped Kurland, Cold stream and Storms river with:
Eating utensils
Kitchen equipment
Play mattresses
Educational equipment
Stationary
Playground equipment
Painted murals – Crags Primary, Kurland Educare Centre, Coldstream
Burglar proofing for library and computer centre in Cold stream as well as ongoing maintenance and repairs
Installed washing machine at Kurland Educare Centre
Built access ramp and stairs at Kurland Educare Centre
Kids outings to various attractions (Monkey land, Crags elephants sanctuary, Birds of Eden)
Sponsored Annual camps for local kids at Ingwe
Sponsored Grade 7 Annual environmental camp
Library and project for: Administration, provide books, raising funds, covered books
Year-end Christmas party program from youth to senior citizens
Surfing school – donated boards and equipment. Underprivileged development
Trained care of disabled practitioners at Die Sterreweg – Donated wheelchairs and equipment
Educational equipment donated – telescope, TV’s, earth globe, DVD’s
Some useful links for additional research for things to do
- Details
- Category: Uncategorised
- Published on Friday, 04 November 2011 14:55
- Written by Super User
- Hits: 527
Face Adrenalin Bungy, Bridge Walk & Flying Fox Zip-wire
Tsitsikamma Falls Adventures – river ravine zip-line tour & quad bikes
Storms River Adventures – Canopy & Woodcutters Tour
Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary
Birds of Eden
Crags Elephant Sanctuary
Tenikwa Wildlife Sanctuary - felines
Buffalo Hills Game Park & Liquer Distillery
Plett Game Park
Skydive Plett
Ocean Safari’s - marine boat excursions
Ocean Blue - marine boat excursions
Black Water Tubing
Keurbooms River Ferries
Prodive Plett – SCUBA training, PADI Certification and diving
TRAVEL & TOURISM INFORMATION SITES
SA Department of Home Affairs
AIRLINE FLIGHTS
Cheap flights
Travel start
1 time Domestic Airlines
Kulula.com domestic carriers
MAIN ROUTE BUS/COACH CARRIERS
Translux/City-to-City
Intercape
CURRENCY CONVERSION
Oanda.com
TOURISM WEBSITES
SA Tourism
Western Cape Tourism
www.tourismcapetown.co.za & www.westerncapetourism.co.za
Garden Route Tourism
Plett/Bitou Tourism
Maps of South Africa
www.saexplorer.co.za & www.go2africa.com
SOUTH AFRICAN NEWS
News 24
Mail & Guardian
Frequently asked Questions
- Details
- Published on Friday, 04 November 2011 14:40
- Hits: 549
As one of South Africa’s pioneer volunteering organizations, WWISA is well established and partnered with public and private NGO/NPO initiatives as a well recognized regional entity. Our familiar presence and activities, coupled with the sustained contribution by volunteers, is held in high regard within our local Kurland township, thus making involvement with community members a more enriching, beneficial and safe experience.
We are on hand 24/7 for support, assistance and direction, and take everyone’s needs into account on an individual basis. The personal touch that we provide is substantially enhanced by the simple fact that we work and reside in the same places as all our volunteers.
HOW SAFE IS S.A. AND WWISA PROJECTS?
Personal safety is not something we take at all lightly. This is demonstrated by the fact the there have been no incidents, either on or off the projects, since volunteers have been in our care from 2001. Though there are concerns regarding crime rates in our cities and urban areas, being based in a rural part of South Africa and with a well experienced team of local people on hand, we are well equipped to take and provide practical measures for a safe and secure stay.
Common sense and awareness amongst individuals is usually sufficient to prevent any mishaps, though extra precautions are taken in all circumstances. For example, no volunteer is permitted into any area or situation of potential concern (however slight) without the presence of a WWISA team member.
WHAT VACCINATIONS DO I NEED?
WWISA is based in a malaria-free environment and is unaffected by Yellow Fever and Typhoid. Vaccinations required vary dependant on the advice of your doctor.
As a general rule, if your standard vaccinations are current, you should not require any further immunisations to come solely to WWISA.
WILL I NEED A VISA?
In most countries you will have an agreement with our government that means you will be issued a standard 90 day tourist visa at the point of entry to South Africa. This is sufficient for volunteering.
If you intend to be in the country for longer than 90 days it is advisable to apply for the relevant visa (Volunteer Visa) in your country of residence due to ease and cost. For this visa you will need a covering letter from us detailing you intentions of stay – please contact us in order to arrange this.
CAN I EARN MONEY IN SOUTH AFRICA?
No. In line with many country’s, South Africa applies a “SA National first employment policy” so does not permit paid employment to foreign nationals unless in possession of the appropriate work and residency permits.
WHO WILL I BENEFIT BY VOLUNTEERING WITH WWISA?
The project that you choose will determine whom you will benefit most. Across all our projects there is benefit to more than one of the local residents. This may be in the transfer of a skill enabling someone to become more employable after you time here. It may be a group of children who benefit from the interaction you have with them. It could be a family who gets their home re-furbished. You will also benefit from your experience in any number of ways. Quite often the experiences of our previous volunteers have been described as “life-changing” for themselves and others.
WHAT DO I PAY A FEE FOR?
As an NGO, we are a privately funded organization dedicated to the upliftment of our local community. As such, we do not have access to any funding from any other organizations, government or otherwise. Without volunteers and the support of volunteers, quite simply – WWISA would not be able to provide the substantial upliftment that we do.
For a breakdown of “what you get”, see cost page.
WHO IS DOLLARS FOR CHANGE (DFC)?
WHAT SPENDING MONEY SHOULD I BRING?
The following prices are in Rand and should be used as an appropriate guide only
| Supermarket | Eating Out | ||
| Can of Coke | R8 | Starter | R30 |
| 2 litre of milk | R20 | Main Course | R80 |
| Loaf of bread | R10 | Dessert | R25 |
| Bottle of wine | R30 upwards | Bottle of wine | R60 upwards |
| Case of beer (24) | R120 | A beer | R15 |
Activities vary in cost as you would expect. You should budget for at least R 400.00 per activity. Please note that this is an average.
ARE THERE ANY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE?
Yes, please see cost page for details.
DO YOU ACCEPT GROUPS?
Yes. We can accommodate groups of up to 25.
HOW MANY VOLUNTEERS WILL THERE BE ON EACH PROJECT AND IN THE ACCOMMODATION?
This is purely subject to demand. Up to 25 people can be accommodated at any one time but normal numbers for projects are 3 – 4.
DO I HAVE TO SHARE ACCOMMODATION?
Room sharing is standard with safe storage facilities available for important travel documents and valuables.
WILL I BE PICKED UP FROM THE AIRPORT?
Ordinarily you will not be picked up from the airport. Should you request an airport pick up, this is no problem but there will be an additional charge. Contact us for details.
WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO THE INTERNET / PHONE?
Yes. Please see about us and your accommodation for details of facilities.
DO I NEED INSURANCE?
Yes. We recommend that you take out travel insurance that covers repatriation in the event of hospitalization for peace of mind.
Cost and what you get
- Details
- Category: Uncategorised
- Published on Friday, 04 November 2011 14:49
- Written by Super User
- Hits: 1062
What You Get
All food, accommodation and local transport whilst on assignment
24hr on-site support from the WWISA team
A tour of Monkeyland and Birds of Eden
Towels and bedding provided but feel free to bring your own
Use of washing machine
Free internet access
WWISA T-shirt
Photo disc of your time on assignment
1 x International phone card
Certificate of achievement on completion
Letter of Reference on completion
If you stay for a month we will include one of the following activities in the price
Game drive
Canoeing Day trip
Elephant Park tour
Supplementaries – price on asking
Transfers to and from George or Port Elizabeth airports
Transport not associated with assignments
Any additional activities
N.B car parking is available at no cost for those people that want to hire a car.
| Volunteer Period | Fee / Cost in GBP | Discounts | Total |
| 2 weeks | £ 700 |
Group discounts available |
£ 700 |
| 3 weeks | £ 850 | £ 850 | |
| 1 month (4 weeks) | £ 1000 | £ 1000 | |
| 2 months (8 weeks) | £1 800 | £ 80 | £ 1 720 |
| 3 months (12 weeks) | £2 600 | £ 160 | £ 2 440 |
| Additional months | £800 | £ 40 | £ 760 |
| Please note that each fee includes a one-off donation of GBP 200 to our partner charity Dollars for Change. Should you wish to increase your donation by raising additional funds for Dollars for Change, please see the link www.dollarsforchange.org | |||
For current exchange rates visit www.oanda.com
Discounts Available
| Individual volunteer | Full fee |
| Individual + 1 | 10% discount on one fee |
| Individual + 2 | 20% discount on one fee |
| Individual + 3 | 30% discount on one fee |
| Individual + 4 | 40% discount on one fee |
| Individual + 5 | 50% discount on one fee |
| Individual + 6 | 60% discount on one fee |
| Individual + 7 | 70% discount on one fee |
| Individual + 8 | 80% discount on one fee |
| Individual + 9 | 90% discount on one fee |
| Individual + 10 | 100% discount on one fee |
You may opt to share this discount with your group members and this can be arranged on asking before payment is due.
Please note that the discount does not apply to the one-off donation to Dollars for Change payable by all volunteers.
B: Student discounts: A discount of 10% applies to registered bone-fide students undertaking study-related research or practical field assignments linked to their field of study.
Payment
Please contact us before making any arrangements for payment whether by bank transfer or credit card. In order to secure each place on any of our placements / programmes, a non-refundable deposit of GBP 150 per person is required.
The balance of your fee is payable 4 weeks prior to your arrival. Refunds are not available after the commencement of your placement / programme.
N.B. When arranging your travel insurance, please ensure that “repatriation” cover is included as well as “cancellation” in exceptional circumstances.
About Your Donation
All donations to Dollars for Change by any volunteer or our organization are monitored and administered by DFC. Whilst WWISA has no direct access to these funds, by agreement, these are channeled back into the community as follows-
1 person employed for every 2 volunteers for the 1st 2 weeks of any volunteer stay. (Sometimes more dependant on project requirements)
Any and all materials required for housing initiatives , e.g. building materials, furniture, appliances, paint etc.
N.B All donations to DFC are monitored and administered by DFC. WWISA has no direct access to these funds.
Getting here and what to pack
- Details
- Category: Uncategorised
- Published on Friday, 04 November 2011 14:26
- Hits: 630
Once you’ve booked your flight to South Africa, arriving in either Johannesburg or Cape Town, you will need to arrange internal domestic travel to Plettenberg Bay.
We recommend a cost and time saving internal travel route, using both air and bus travel, that will get you into our region soon after arrival in the country without having to overnight. In broad terms it allows for arrival in Johannesburg and, as soon as possible thereafter, flying on to Port Elizabeth to catch a scheduled afternoon or evening bus to us for collection, a meal and then undisturbed recovery sleep a few hours later at Rocky Road.
Alternatively you may want to fly from Cape Town or Johannesburg to George, where we can arrange for a private transfer (price on asking). There is also a bus service that runs from George to Plettenberg Bay that starts off in Cape Town.
Once you’ve decided that you are coming we will talk to you on an individual basis to help create an itinerary that works best for you.
Packing Tips
The following items, though not essential, will make your stay a prepared one! There is no dress code whilst here. Casual and comfortable is the rule.
Clothes to consider – over and above the usual
- Good solid shoes able to withstand hiking in rough terrain.
- At least 2 or 3 pairs of long trousers (jeans, tracksuit bottoms, etc – evenings get chilly)
- Long-sleeved tops
- Waterproof top & bottom – where possible
- Beanie & cap
- Comfortable old work clothes
- Beachwear
- Extra towel
- Sleeping bag - (if intending to travel)
- Head torch