General Info
You'll be based near the lively city of Pietermaritzburg, capital of KwaZulu-Natal.
The programme was set up in September in 2001 with the aim of helping women in distress to make a new life for themselves. It works in cooperation with and support of other related projects/organisations in the city of Pietermaritzburg. The staff are trained counsellors and all the must submit to counselling as part of the programme, as the counselling enables them to deal with their issues and regain the confidence to move on with their lives.
The guests are first taken to the Crisis Centre based in central Pietermaritzburg. This is where the victims of rape, domestic violence, abuse and assault are brought either by the police or social workers. The ages of these women vary and many of them are teenagers with little or no experience of normality, so their life skills are non-existent.
Guests usually stay in the Crisis Centre for a week or two before they move to the Shelter for further help with skills development. The Shelter was inspired by Esther from the book of Esther in the Bible. She was a brave woman who saved her people in a time of great need. There is a very strong Christian ethos amongst the staff, so women and children in the Shelter are encouraged to take part in prayers and to visit church.
The house consists of a fully furnished and well equipped facility with a live-in house manager, house-mother and care-giver. It is situated just outside Pietermaritzburg and provides secure short-term accommodation for women and their children.
You can choose to work with either the women or the children. In both instances your contribution here will not only be a life changing experience for you but also for the women and children. You will either be placed at the Shelter or the Crisis Centre, depending on the help required at the time that you're there. Below are examples of the type of work you will be asked to assist with:
WORK AT THE SHELTER
Skill Development: The women who come into the Shelter have no means of earning an income as they do not have the necessary skills and this is a huge inhibitor to getting their lives back. If they are able to earn an income, they will be in the position to provide for themselves and their children and not have to depend on an abusive partner. Below is a list of some skills the women could learn which would be of great benefit to them.
► Sewing
► Knitting
► Child and baby care
► Nutrition
► Basic First Aid
► Cooking
► Artwork
► Flower arranging
► Basic domestic skills i.e. bed making, cleaning, washing, ironing
► Vegetable gardening
► Woodworking
► Caring For The Children: The children of these women have been exposed to types of behaviour which are unacceptable and are usually traumatized. They need a lot of TLC and past instances have shown that they respond really well to this careful nurturing. Little ones who first arrived in a very subdued and insecure state have become cheerful and boisterous, much to the delight of the mother and the staff. The mother and child are able to leave the Shelter to start their lives afresh. There are plenty of ways you can assist with the children which would enable them to live normal, happy lives and the short list below is a small indication of what you could do:
► Play
► Reading stories
► Drawing
► Painting
WORK AT THE CRISIS CENTRE
The women that live in the Crisis Centre and go out to work have to come home, cook their dinner and see to their children, so you'll assist with the following:
► Meal preparation
► Cleaning
► Child minding
► Offering moral support to those that haven’t found employment.
►The new arrivals will need love and understanding as it is inevitable that they will be traumatised and frightened. Being greeted by someone with a kindly smile and gentle manner will do them the power of good.
You'll work a 5 day week, from Monday to Friday. Your working hours will depend on which project you choose to go on, but will typically be an eight hour day
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:
► An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa and the many diverse cultures in South Africa
► The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them.
► New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
► An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
► And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!
LOCATION:
This project is based nearby to the contemporary African city of Pietermaritzburg. One of the many really good things about Pietermaritzburg is how much it's got to offer in the way of sightseeing, exploring, tourism, adventure sports, cultural activities. It's also surrounded by glorious Nature, from beaches to parks and wildlife.
If it's adrenaline-charged adventure you want, Pietermaritzburg is the place to be. Adventure sports you can do include Flying, Paragliding, Micro-lighting and Parachuting or Sky Diving, or you can Jet-ski, go tubing down the rivers, kayaking, windsurfing, whitewater rafting ... If you like being up a mountain, you can do mountain biking, rock-climbing, abseiling or kloofing.
If it's Culture or Arts that interest you most, "Few cities personify the vibrancy of a contemporary African city better than Pietermaritzburg. Steeped in a history that speaks of Zulu, Boer, British and Indian influences, the city is a cultural treasure trove brimming with diversity and colour."
There are many, many, clubs, pubs and restaurants. In fact, dining is a passionate art form in Pietermaritzburg! There are so many places to choose from, from traditional haute cuisine to the more contemporary and exotic ethnic foods like Italian, Polish, Spanish, Thai, and many more, not forgetting the true South African dishes that are unbeatable, like Bobotie, Boerewors ...
Benefits:
Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £895 for two weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.
Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).
You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.
Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.
Requirements:
No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.
