Teaching Assistance, Orphan Care And Building Project - Victoria Falls Highlights

The highlights

• Create sustainable initiatives in the lives of the disadvantaged
• Assist in the classrooms of local schools
• Change the lives of orphans and abused children
• Play a role in the conservation efforts in the Victoria Falls area
• Immerse yourself in local Zimbabwean culture
• Make friends for life

Optional activities and excursions

There are a huge number of optional activities and trips that are available to you, at additional cost, whilst on your placement. Here are just a few ideas:

On your time off why not take advantage of the multitude of activities available at Victoria Falls itself, Africa’s “adrenaline capital�?; there are helicopter or microlight flights over the Falls; bungee jumping; white water rafting; horse rides; elephant rides; game drives; gorge jumps; skydiving; canoeing and a host of other options. There are also day and weekend trips available to neighbouring Botswana.

During your stay in Zimbabwe you may have the opportunity to enjoy an excursion to some of the other spectacular spots that the region has to offer.

Where will I sleep?

You will be housed at Hunters Lodge situated in the residential area of Victoria Falls. It is a quiet and peaceful property for you to make your home during your stay with us. It is fully furnished with a large lounge and dining room, satellite TV, braai area and swimming pool. The lodge is staffed with cooks and laundry/cleaning ladies. All bedding is provided so you will not need to bring a sleeping bag with you. It may however be useful in the colder months (June-September).

You will be sharing a room with two or three fellow volunteers. Members of staff will be based at the lodge full time to assist with any queries.

Please Note: 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.

And meals?

All your meals will be provided for you at the lodge.

Please note that while we do our very best to provide you with varied and interesting meals, due to the nature of our rural location food will generally be quite simple but still nutritious. We ask that you are not overly fussy and ungrateful with what is provided for you.

Please let us know before you depart for Africa of any food allergies or specific requirements.

How do I get there and travel around?

Our placement coordinators will meet you at the airport in Victoria Falls!!

• Either fly in to Victoria Falls from Johannesburg (South Africa) where we will meet you and transfer you to Hunter's Lodge
• Or Fly in to Harare or Bulawayo in Zimbabwe, and catch a connecting domestic flight to Victoria Falls (same day)

What does the cost include?

Project Fee: The project fee entails financing that goes directly back into the project that you are involved with. It facilitates funding for items such as resources for the school lessons, building and farming materials, etc,

• All transfers to and from Victoria Falls Airport upon your arrival and departure
• Orientation program
• Full board and lodging which includes 3 meals a day
• Unlimited tea, coffee and juice throughout the day
• Laundry service during your stay
• The service of a cleaner to attend to your room each day

• All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing (work and other)
• Flights to Victoria Falls International Airport
• Email and telephone calls made during your placement (charged out at cost)
• Any excursions over and above your planned itinerary in Zimbabwe e.g. visit to the Victoria Falls
• Personal insurance cover for the duration of your placement, which must include cover for repatriation

Do I need experience, is there orientation?

On arrival at the Victoria Falls project, the following orientation will take place:

• You will receive your volunteer's manual which includes information that will help with your integration into the project, as well as give you further tips for your involvement at the Victoria Falls programme
• Introduction to all senior project staff and heads of department
• Familiarization of the work areas
• Familiarization with all duties you will be involved in

What's the age limit?

Minimum 17 years, maximum decided on potential participants’ health