Frequently asked Questions

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Published on Friday, 04 November 2011 14:40
Written by Super User
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WHY VOLUNTEER WITH WWISA?

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.

Please consult your doctor for more information if you intend to travel elsewhere. Volunteers wishing to stay six months or more should visit the South African Home Affairs Department website to check requirements, as in some cases extra vaccinations or clearance certificates are required.

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.

In all cases, aside from the food, accommodation and local transport costs, the money you pay goes toward creating jobs, sustaining projects, providing training and ensuring the ongoing development of as many individuals as possible. A large portion of all fees goes directly to our partnered charity, Dollars For Change, DFC.

For a breakdown of “what you get”, see cost page.

WHO IS DOLLARS FOR CHANGE (DFC)?

Dollars For Change is an American-based registered charity and fund-raising organization, founded by one of our previous volunteers, Katie Rutherford. The organisation is aimed first and fore-mostly at benefiting Kurland Community wherever possible. As such, its goals are in line with ours and we are proud to be associated with Katie and Dollars For Change. Donations and contributions made to DFC may qualify for tax purposes dependent on your country of residence.

WHAT SPENDING MONEY SHOULD I BRING?

This depends on how much you want to do during you stay. Most currencies have favourable exchange rates versus the Rand. For a currency converter, try www.oanda.com.

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.