Swaziland – Children’s Sport and Play Development

Please Note: This program is temporarily unavailable. Check out our alternative programs available in Africa or schedule a one-on-one call with one of our expert volunteer advisors.

Join us in Swaziland in order to improve the wellbeing of disadvantaged children through sport and play. The aim of this project is to develop these kids by making them stimulated, focused, fit and healthy, while at the same time helping to build their confidence through physical activity.

Program Highlights:

Gain experience working with children
Be a positive role model for local youth
Help encourage an interest in physical health and well-being
Lead sports activities and discussions on physical health
Some volunteers may have the opportunity to develop sports teams for local competitions on weekends
Explore the area during free time, or join adventure activities such as white water rafting and zip-lining (for an additional fee)

 

Your Schedule at a Glance (Minimum two-week commitment):

Arrival Day, Monday: Arrive at O.R Tambo International Airport (JNB) in South Africa. You will be picked up at the airport by the local team and transferred to the accommodations in Ezulwini Valley (Valley of Heaven) in Swaziland. (This is a five-hour drive.) Upon arrival, settle in and get to know your fellow volunteers.

Days 1-4, Tuesday-Friday: Rewarding volunteer work.

Days 5-6, Saturday-Sunday: Weekends are free for volunteers to relax or explore. There may also be sports tournaments and football clinics that you can help with on the weekends.

Remaining Weeks: The remaining weeks will follow the schedule of volunteering Monday-Friday and having weekends free to spend how you wish (check out “Travel Highlights” below for suggestions!) Departures are on Mondays.

 

Location icon Location of the Project: Ezulwini Valley, Swaziland

Project length Project length: Min 2 weeks – Max 12 weeks

Arrival Airport Arrival Airport: O.R Tambo International Airport (JNB)

Volunteer Work Volunteer Work:  Sport and Play, Child Care

Age Age:  18 – 50

Number of Volunteers Number of Volunteers: Up to 20 international volunteers

 

What’s Included

Accommodations Accommodations: Dormitory style accommodations

Food Food: 3 meals per day

Airport Transfers Airport Transfers:  Airport transfers are provided on both arrival and departure days

Orientation Orientation: All necessary training and introductions provided upon arrival

Support Support: Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.

 

What’s not Included

Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, personal expenses

Swaziland is a small, landlocked monarchy in Southern Africa known for its abundance of wildlife, stunning scenery and colorful culture. Bordered by Mozambique and South Africa, the smallest country in the southern hemisphere is a true representation of Africa – with strong traditions, vibrant festivals and warm, welcoming people.

This project is located in the Ezulwini Valley, also known as the “Valley of Heaven” in central Swaziland. The valley is home to the Royal Palace, Parliamentary buildings, the National Museum and a national sports stadium as well, making it the cultural and political heart of the country.

 

By volunteering on this project you will have many opportunities to engage with children from the local community in a variety of activities – including song and dance, ball games, obstacle courses, tri-cycle riding and swimming lessons. You are encouraged to get as involved as possible in arranging these fun-filled events aimed at bringing joy to these children.

Some of your tasks may include:

  • Setting up obstacle courses and activities
  • Teaching hand-eye co-ordination through throwing and catching
  • Teaching basic life skills including teeth cleaning and hygiene
  • Arranging and participating in song and dance activities
  • Assist with swimming and horse vaulting lessons

 

In the afternoons, there may also be the possibility for you to play and coach sports such as football, netball, volleyball and tennis at the local sports center. Here you will be encouraged to arrange training workshops, develop sports teams and organize mini competitions. There may also be sports tournaments and football clinics that you can help with on the weekends.

Internet icon Internet: WiFi is available for use.

Laundry icon Laundry: Laundry services are available for an additional fee

Accommodations icon Accommodations: You will stay in dorm room with bunk beds and a communal bathroom. Rooms accommodate up to 6 people. Bunk beds, a mattress, sheet and pillows will be provided, but please note if you plan to go on tours or homestay excursions during your time in Swaziland, then a sleeping bag may be required. The lodge has a large deck area, outdoor pool, TV lounge, WIFI, and a communal kitchen to prepare meals. The accommodation is surrounded by a spacious garden with plenty of trees and boulders, a communal barbecue and campfire area. Often you can see monkeys roaming around the garden and the many plants attract a wide range of birds.

Food icon Food: Three meals a day will be provided, some on a self-serve basis and others cooked for you. Breakfast is self-service from a selection of items including cereals, bread, fruit, yogurt, eggs and spreads. Lunch is also self-service from items such as bread, ham, cheese, salad and fruits. Dinner is a cooked meal where volunteers will be required to assist with cooking on a rotational basis. Types of dishes may include pasta, stir-fry, braai (BBQ) and curry. Vegetarians and most food allergies can be catered for.

 

Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:

  • Age 18 – 50
  • Police clearance
  • Good level of English
  • Immunizations (consult with your doctor)
  • Good physical fitness

During your free time over the weekend you will have the opportunity to explore the magic of Swaziland. You will have the option to join a number of adventure excursions including zip lining across the stunning mountains and gorges of Malolotja National Park, white water rafting on the Great Usutu River, a quad bike tour or a rural home stay in an authentic Swazi village.

Volunteer Experiences

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