Overview
Teach English and Childcare in Swaziland

This project, based in Swaziland’s famous Ezulwini Valley, takes volunteers to assist at local primary schools or work on worthwhile childcare projects. Many of the schools in the Ezulwini Valley are under-resourced, over-crowded and are in great need of support. Class sizes are huge and volunteers will assist local teachers by making the class sizes more manageable as you teach the children English and a variety of other subjects.

Any volunteers participating on the childcare projects will work at local care centers, which provide vulnerable children and orphans with food, care and education. Volunteers teach the children English, math and life skills; arrange games, activities and outings; provide care and support; and assist on construction/improvement projects at the centers.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, volunteer stories from the field, volunteer video diaries and more at the programs media centre

I can’t get over how beautiful Swaziland is and how welcoming and friendly everyone has been – I totally feel like I belong already. This truly has been the experience of a life time.

Laura, 2007 Volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Education is one of the key needs of children and is their doorway to a bright future. 60% of children in Swaziland cannot afford to go to school due to the effects of unemployment, HIV AIDS and the repercussions of severe drought. Swaziland suffers a high rate of unemployment, 50% of Swazi nationals are out of work. About 40% of Swaziland’s population is HIV positive and by 2010 there will be close to 200,000 orphaned children in the Kingdom.

Highlights

Assisting on worthwhile projects and working with children and exploring the Kingdom of Swaziland in your free time which offers opportunities to go rafting, go on safari, trek through stunning landscapes and so much more.

Location

Swaziland is a small, landlocked country in Southern Africa, which is bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. Volunteers will be based in Lobamba, in the Ezulwini Valley, located in the west of the country about 16 km from the capital, Mbabane. Lombaba is famous for the traditional ceremonies that take place there, which include singing, dancing and celebrating.

Field Conditions

Volunteers will stay at a lodge in the Ezulwini Valley, Swaziland, approximately 5km from the care centres and schools. The lodge has a number of dorms with bunk beds and shared bathrooms. Sheets/pillows are provided but please bring a sleeping bag. Volunteers prepare and cook the meals each evening in the communal kitchen. There is a TV lounge with board games and a large deck with a pool table and dart board. The lodge is surrounded by a spacious garden with a communal barbecue (braai) area and plenty of boulders and trees.