The Great Projects is proud to support and promote this incredible venture, inspiring and educating underprivileged children in South Africa, about the importance of wildlife conservation. Many of the children in South Africa are disadvantaged, and schools face huge overcrowding problems.
The unique, non-profit bush school and wildlife orphanage in which this project is based provides the optimal setting for children to interact with small and large African animals in a safe and secure environment, and as a consequence, learn about their importance in the surrounding ecosystems.
Each Monday, the project welcomes a group of 8 local, underprivileged children for one week. South African wildlife volunteers on this project help to provide these children with information about the animals and their welfare, conservation and the country's heritage. The overall aim of doing so is to encourage the children to interact with their surroundings and discover a passion for their environment and the species residing within it.
Itinerary
Day 1
This is the first day and you will transfer to project site to meet your fellow volunteers and settle into your accommodation. Transfers can be done from either Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport or Johannesburg International Airport.
Day 2
Today, volunteers will be given a tour of the orphanage and the site. You will also be given an induction into what you will be doing during your time here as well as the animals for the first time!
Day 3-14
After an early breakfast you will meet the children for the first time and take them children on a bush-walk around the orphanage. You will then begin the teaching duties for the day. Break for lunch, before resuming lessons in the afternoon. In the late afternoon, take the children to feed the orphanage’s animals and then have a discussion about a social issue with the children. After dinner, you will play and educational game with the children before they retire to bed leaving you with a bit of free time to spend as you wish.
Day 15
On this, your final day, after saying goodbye to the children and animals for the final time you will make your return transfer to either Hoedspruit, Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport or Johannesburg International Airport for your return flight or to continue your independent travel plans. If you are staying for longer than 2 weeks you will begin this itinerary again.
Project Activities
On this project you will get the chance to take part in a wide variety of exciting activities. Below are examples of some of those included in this project.
Helping in the education of the children
Volunteers will be encouraged to try and adjust their teaching for each and every child, so they suit the children’s differing learning levels and abilities. Children here are between 13 and 15 years of age, and you will be involved in helping them in their education, teaching them English, Maths and Biology among other things.
Working with the animals resident at the orphanage
As a volunteer you will be expected to accompany the children on stabling duties. These tasks include maintaining and cleaning the animal cages and camps and replenishing the food and water supplies. Volunteers will also assist with monitoring the condition and health of the animals as well as collecting data and keeping records. Sometimes volunteers will also have to help with basic first aid for the animals.
Renovation, building and maintenance
The wildlife orphanage is continually growing, and often physical work is required from volunteers at times when they are not teaching, these duties can include building new or renovating existing animal camps and cages as well as construction and general repairs.
Teaching the children invaluable life skills
Aside from teaching the children vital subjects such as English and Maths, you will also be involved in teaching them invaluable life skills about relationships, substance abuse, safe sex, violence and respecting the environment in which they live.
Free Time Weekends
during the project are free for South African wildlife volunteers to explore the area surrounding the wildlife orphanage. Nearby are the Kruger National Park and the town of Hoedspruit - both perfect places in which to explore!
