This project is situated in the Walmer Gqebera Area in Port Elizabeth (PE), better known as Walmer Township. Gqebera is one of few places in PE where a specific area for the black community still exists in-between neighborhoods populated by mainly whites. During the apartheid regime, the government forced non-whites to move to areas outside the city. Since the white community in the Walmer area preferred their domestic workers and gardeners living closer by, as an alternative to 30 km outside town, Gqebera kept on existing. Ever since, Gqebera has been a small village within the city of PE and houses more than 65.000 people.

Compared to other townships, Gqebera is, because of its location, a relatively calm and easy accessible area. Poverty, child neglect, alcohol abuse and a high unemployment rate are some of the many challenges you will be facing here. Therefore your help is definitely needed! In cooperation with Khaya, Prof Mtyaleka has been running several projects here since 2006. Many volunteers and students have gladly participated in these projects. Service aims specifically at the poor people in this area, in particular the children of Gqebera, who are in need of our aid and support.

The project consists of several programs, suitable to be combined or to adapt in order to fit your specific needs and to offer you a challenging and diverse experience.

- Primary schools: Helping out at one of the two participating schools, offering IT lessons, organizing sport and/or game activities. Age group: 6-12 yrs

- Preschool: Helping out at a preschool caring for 20-30 children, giving individual care and assistance to children, organizing and playing games, exercise, going on walks, singing and dancing. Age group: 4-6 yrs.

Target Group
The children of Gqebera area are the main target group. They are members of the Xhosa (indigenous tribe and language). Communication can therefore be a challenge, especially with the very young, but fortunately English is also a commonly used language. Many of the children have to deal directly or indirectly with HIV/AIDS. They are for example orphaned and are living with family members (e.g. grandparents) because their parents died of AIDS related diseases. The number of absentees at school is high due to a lack of guidance, family support and financial means. Volunteers are expected to guide and support these children through mentorship and social support.

It is important that volunteers of this project understand the importance of the following:

• To be enthusiastic and independent, in order to complete (with guidance) a successful term
• To show respect towards the people and culture of the local community. You might not agree with certain ways of conduct during your term here, but don’t forget you are a guest here, and you can’t try to change everything in a period of just a few weeks.
• To show flexibility towards responsibilities, tasks and activities and are expected to compile an individual program, with Prof’s help for the voluntary period.
• To organize own transport to/from Gqebera. (private accommodation option only).
• To be a Go-Getter!

We offer two options with regards to accommodation, depending on your preference.

Home stay:

We offer a unique Home stay opportunity. You will move into the home of a local family in the Township. These families are carefully selected considering safety and sociability, and come recommended by Prof. This way you are supporting a local family with extra income whilst going through a unique experience; being part of the community. You’ll have your own room in a brick-built house with running water and electricity. Hot water might not always be available and there won’t be any luxury but you will be in a well-kept and (most important) safe environment. Home stay includes meals and beverages (excluding luxury items e.g.: soda, candy, alcohol etc.) You will be part of the family, and are therefore expected to do your share and maybe perform domestic tasks in the house, like all the other family members.

Private accommodation:

Another option is sharing a house with other students and/or volunteers. You will be responsible for your own transport to/from the project. It is advised to share private transport with others to keep the costs as low as possible. A rental car will work out up to €200/$ 250/£ 180 p.m. You obviously will be responsible for your own meals and beverages. This option enables you to distance yourself from work after a long day, and share your (sometimes very intense) experiences with others. Depending on availability you will either have your own room or share a room with another volunteer. These houses offer the luxury of space, a cleaning lady, easy access to nearby facilities (restaurants, pubs etc.) and in some cases a swimming pool.

N.B. Accommodation costs are similar for both options.

• 1 week ZAR 1500
• 2 weeks ZAR 3000
• 3 weeks ZAR 4500
• 4 weeks ZAR 5750

All extra weeks will be charged ZAR 1250 per week. Because of the currency fluctuation the donations given should be made in South African Rand (ZAR). Currency conversion information can be obtained from www.xe.com. Your donation will not only be helpful for the support of these projects but will also be used for the maintenance of buildings in the area, food for children and for the organization of activities.

Costs will cover the following:

• Information and assistance before departure
• Personal collection at arrival
• Information guide and free SIM-card at arrival
• Accommodation (any of the 2 given options)
• Meals and beverages (Home stay option only)
• Guidance and supervision during your stay
• Contact point for family and friends
• Opportunity to join in planned excursions, trips and activities

Costs are excluding the following:

• Transport to/from the projects (private accommodation option only)
• Food & beverages (private accommodation option only)
• Air tickets
• Insurance Expenses for excursions, trips and activities