Language school Jeffrey's Bay, Jeffrey's Bay Language School

The “Freewalker” programme
In order to ensure you reach the minimum language level required (Intermediate Level B1) in English to get involved in the voluntary work programme, you will first complete a language course of a minimum of 4 weeks at the Jeffrey’s Bay Language School and then join one of the ongoing projects. The “Freewalker” programme aims to create sustainable solutions in the education, wildlife preservation and health sectors, and offer participants an unforgettable experience in South Africa. Over the course of this programme, the volunteers will learn more about the rich cultural history, wildlife and many attractions of the country, under the guidance of competent and motivated “Freewalker” guides.

The programme aims to encourage volunteers to combine their stay in South Africa with a personal commitment to develop projects sustaining the poor or working towards preserving wildlife. It is a great opportunity to get involved in truly sustainable actions, adapted to local conditions and led by professionals from many different sectors. Leave a positive mark on a country where thousands of people and its biodiversity need this kind of action to help them!
 
“Freewalker” offers a package for volunteers, which includes the following:

• - Accommodation in the “Freewalker House” residence
• - Three meals per day (a picnic lunch on weekdays)
• - Transport by private minibus to and from work
• - Friday evening: African dinner and meeting with the other participants in the programme
• - Saturday and Sunday: free excursions organised by the “Freewalker” leisure agency for the participants in the programme.

 
Some examples of voluntary work at Jeffrey’s Bay/Port Elizabeth:
 
SAMREC (South Africa Marine Rehabilitation & Education Centre)
Along Port Elizabeth’s coastline, sick or injured marine birds are rescued by the SAMREC organisation, which also provides an educational role for the locals. Volunteers can help members of staff in their daily activities (feeding the penguins, guiding visitors through the centre, informing visitors, etc.) or take part in rescue actions with the vets.
 
Training and supervision/developement at Kwa-Ford Primary School
This programme involves supervising sports activities, helping volunteers to update sports pitches and setting up supervised sports sessions. Volunteers get involved with the pupils after they’ve finished classes.
 
Volunteers working for the “Freewalker” programme can also help in the school’s development by helping to update sports pitches, building a library, study room, IT room etc. They can also help pupils to create an environment where they are encouraged to learn (garden, computer room) and guide them in keeping the school clean and tidy.

Wildlife Conservation Programme
Freewalker offers you the experience of a lifetime… You will be able to work in two working game reserves, help to preserve indigenous wildlife and habitats, observe cheetahs or take part in game monitoring and management research projects. You will also receive lectures on nature conservation, general zoology and animal behaviour. The participants in this programme, designed by Freewalker and Kragga Kamma, will have the opportunity to work together to preserve and learn more about the abundant wildlife in South Africa.

The following programmes are offered:
1. Cheetah Breeding & Education Programme
2. Wildlife Education Programme
3. Wildlife Monitoring & Research Programme
4. Game Capture Programme
5. Game Park Maintenance

 
Programme requirements

• - Age: 18
• - Tourist visa for up to 3 months, extension possible on-site
• - Minimum stay in the voluntary work programme: 1 month, a longer stay is preferred
• - Maturity and dedication are necessary assets to work with disabled or deprived people