Volunteer Opportunity at OSCAR Project

Volunteer Project Information- Pietermaritzburg- KwaZulu Natal- South Africa

This programme involves various aspects of community work and development. You will have the opportunity to be involved in our exciting rural, and township work, as well as participate in community building projects, AIDS support work and more.

Hosting International Volunteers

The OSCAR runs a project designed to give international volunteers the opportunity to come to South Africa and serve in local projects, working with underprivileged and disadvantaged children, young people, families and their communities. Interacting with South Africa's wide variety of people, culture and natural beauty enables volunteers to learn an incredible amount in a short space of time that touches them forever.

Introduction

The Outreach Social Care Project is a non-profit organisation operating around and within Pietermaritzburg since 2007, which undertakes programmes and initiatives that deliver to and support disadvantaged and underprivileged people, people affected and infected by HIV and AIDS.

At OSCAR Project, we believe that each person becomes a whole person through growth in all areas of development: social, emotional, intellectual and physical. There are currently about 2.5 million orphans in South Africa, and many more children are vulnerable. About half of this number is because of the AIDS pandemic.

Stay

Another aspect of communal living is the sharing of household cleaning and cooking duties. Cleaning rosters are in place at the communal and volunteers are expected to do their share. Shopping and cooking is also shared tasks. The food is very similar to what you would find in your own country.

Church

For those who wish to attend church, there are a number of local churches around. Other volunteers and local staff will be happy to show you different churches so that you can find the one that suits you. If you would like to, there is also the opportunity to attend Zulu churches.

Safety

For those of you worried about your important documents and valuables (traveller's checks, passport, cameras, etc) you are able to lock them up in the safe at head office if you would like. However it is also possible to keep them locked up in your bedroom for those of you less worried about the 'unspeakable crime rates in South Africa'.

Volunteer Support

Throughout your stay at your placement in Pietermaritzburg, you will have the support and guidance of our project staffs. They are part of our greater support team, and will provide you with competent 24-hour field support and assistance.

Volunteer Orientation

Upon arrival at our project base in Pietermaritzburg all volunteers are involved in a comprehensive orientation programme, which is included in your fee. This is facilitated by your project manager and includes:

• An introduction to the City of Choice- Pietermaritzburg and the surrounding and the communities you will be working in • An introduction to all of our projects. Not only will you see where you will be working, you will also see where your fellow volunteers will be spending their days