Mozambique Pre-School Teaching And HIV/AIDS Awareness Highlights

The highlights

• Teaching in a rural pre-school through songs, games and crafts Conducting HIV Education workshops in the secondary schools of Vilanculos
• The possibility of being involved in a community testing and awareness day, conducted in partnership with CARE International Local orphanage involvement and youth development
• Build houses for individuals and families in critical situations using local materials and traditional methods
• Optional once a week training sessions with our youth soccer team, aimed at keeping teenagers off the streets and out of trouble
• The opportunity to pick up some Portuguese and Xitsua, the local Mozambican language
• Immerse your senses while you learn how to cook traditional Mozambican cuisine at a once monthly Cultural Day

Project achievements

From January 2008 to May 2009 African Impact volunteers contributed over 30,600 hours to community development in the Vilanculos area of Mozambique. Our project structures, together with the support and advice of our charitable foundation team at The Happy Africa Foundation, are continuously assessing our work and project strategies to ensure that these hours are meaningful with measurable outcomes. 

The African Impact project in Vilanculos, Mozambique has succeeded in facilitating HIV testing and awareness for over 400 members of the Vilanculos community.  At the rural preschool we have built a full new classroom, a large vegetable garden, a kitchen, a toilet facility, and a new shady veranda for the children’s eating area.  Our home-building project has provided approximately 25 new homes to those without the means to build for themselves. We have also enrolled approximately fifty students in our English language school who are amazingly keen and dedicated learners.

Optional activities and excursions

• Sailing Dhow Safari to the Bazaruto Islands-US$60 per day. Includes snorkeling equipment, National Parks fee and a seafood lunch cooked for you on the beach
• Deep Sea fishing excursions US$300 for full day
• Snorkeling excursions (US$60 per day)
• Horseback rides on the beach US$40
• Eating out at fantastic restaurants that can either give you a taste of Mozambique or a taste of home.
• Open Water 3-day PADI Certified Scuba Diving Course (US$530). If you are interested, we can arrange the details and it can be easily incorporated into your volunteering stay.

Where will I sleep?

You will be staying at our rural camp in rustic yet comfortable thatched bungalows, located right on the beach. Facilities include a kitchen, lounge/dining area, garden, swimming pool and fire pit/braai area. Each bungalow consists of 2 bedrooms and an en-suite bathroom with toilet and shower.

Members of our African Impact team will be staying on the same property, so that they are always available to you for any questions or issues you may have.

We find that volunteers living together and working closely together with their volunteer co-ordinators is the surest way of guaranteeing their safety and being able to attend to their most pressing needs. For this reason, we expect all volunteers to stay only in the accommodation provided for them and do not allow volunteers to spend nights away in the town or nearby villages, unless they are away on pre-arranged sightseeing excursions.

What does the cost include?

• Project Fee: this is financing that goes directly back into the project with which you are involved. This project fee facilitates funding for items such as teaching materials, sports equipment, supplies, etc. as well as the development of the actual programme.
• Transfer from Vilanculos Airport to the project accommodation in town
• Orientation and introductions to project work upon your arrival
• A monthly cultural day involving an insight into the traditional lifestyles of the local area, including traditional food, dancing, and singing.
• All daily transportation to and from the project
• Full board and lodging which includes 3 meals a day at your volunteer accommodation
• Assistance in your projects by various staff and project managers
• Full support from African Impact and your coordinator throughout your time at your placement

Do I need experience, is there orientation?

For this project no specific experience is required. An interest in teaching and enthusiasm with children and young people is encouraged.

Project Orientation: Upon your arrival in Vilanculos an African Impact representative who will escort you to your new ‘home’ will meet you. Once you have settled in, you will receive further information on the current status of our programme involvements in the local community. You will be given a detailed Welcome Pack, which will contain all the important information you may need. You will also receive a local SIM card to help get in touch with family and friends back home.

What's the age limit?

Minimum 17 years, maximum decided on potential participants’ health.