The non-profit organization Izizwe Projects was started in 2008 by local resident Prof Mtyaleka; and founder of Khaya, Martijn van der Put. They started introducing international visitors to the township community by organising township tours and school visits, for those who were interested. The interaction with international tourists presented an opportunity to do more substantial things, and people started volunteering at some of the crèches and schools, for shorter or longer periods of time. In 2012 Izizwe Projects was formally registered as a non-profit organization.
The incredible change these international volunteers have brought to this community shows the need to grow further, and attract more international volunteers, who are willing to make a difference.
Walmer Township is one of the few places in South Africa, where during Apartheid years a community of mostly Xhosa people remained to exist in the middle of the white communities. Even though the ruling party tried to evacuate this community it continued to exist through the support of the surrounding white employers. These employers preferred their domestic workers and gardeners living close by, as opposed to 30 km outside town where most black communities were forcefully relocated to. That is how this township, nowadays, forms the home of approximately 70,000 people.
Walmer is different from other townships because of its location. It is a relatively calm and easily accessible area. Poverty, child neglect, alcohol abuse and a high unemployment rate are some of the many challenges this community faces on a day-to-day basis. The diversity of needs and great lack of services for this community shows in terms of a shortage of educational institutes. There are only 2 primary schools and 1 high school available to the children of Walmer.
The focus of the Sports Development Program by Izizwe Projects are the community and especially the children of the townships of Gqebera, more commonly known as Walmer Township in Port Elizabeth (PE), South Africa. This project strives to provide services to the children of Walmer which we feel they are entitled to; a right to exercise, a right to know how to be healthy, a right to learn how to swim.
Our team of local volunteers, who are otherwise unemployed youth, run the sports program, with or without international volunteers. Your chance to be part of this is an added value where the energy of combining all these individuals and experiences help us to grow this program to new heights.
Programs offered
The sport program currently consists of the following:
Primary School Sports
All schools in South Africa need to provide their learners with Physical Training (PT) as part of the school curriculum. Unfortunately the reality is that few teachers have the skills or the motivation to actually provide meaningful PT lessons, and that is where Izizwe comes in. Under the guidance of our local coaches volunteers will be involved in coaching both boys as girls in the age groups of 6-18 years old.
From Monday to Thursday we provide PT lessons at 2 primary schools in the area in sessions of 1.5 hours before a new class will come running.
The children love it; they actually learn about the need for a warm up, learn new games and most of all have fun while being active.
Afterschool Sports
On Tuesday and Thursday we offer basketball training to children in the age of 12-18 years at the High School from 14.30hrs. After the school closes at 14.00hrs the children have time to freshen up and change into their basketball outfits kindly donated by one of our previous volunteers.
Basketball is not very well known in South Africa so we start with the basic rules and slowly teach them to be a team and enjoy this fast and fun game.
Swimming Lessons
On Friday we offer a swimming program for children between 6-9 years old and we provide transport to a heated indoor swimming pool in winter or an outdoor swimming pool in summer, where we give basic swimming lessons and hand out diplomas to the children after these lessons.
If you are into sports and exercise and if you´d love to work with children, this project is designed for you! We could really use the help in further growing this project, and to work together with our coach to come up with new ideas and activities for the children to have fun while exercising.
See what other volunteers say about this project
You can read the reviews of this exciting project, posted by other volunteers, here and here.
Accommodation
The Khaya Beach House is located in a prime spot in Port Elizabeth, close to beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, our Beach House is a comfortable and relaxing space that volunteers can call home. Rated as a 3-star backpackers by The South African Grading Council, The Khaya Beach House is a quiet sanctuary where volunteers can find refuge from the world and recharge their batteries after spending all day working at the project of their choice. It is a place where friendships are forged, and memories are made. Check out our article for more interesting facts!
The Beach House is fully furnished made up of various kitchens, living areas, ample bathrooms and 12 bedrooms that can accommodate those who prefer some privacy in a single room, such as older volunteers; and shared rooms for those who prefer sharing. A recent renovation project has breathed new life into the house with added features that include an entertainment area with braai facilities, a custom-made bar and a large pool that you can happily dive into on a hot day. A great area to socialize with your fellow volunteers from all over the world. The interior of the house is laid back and cosy with an African feel and boasts a panoramic sea, sunrise and sunset views for volunteers to enjoy during their leisure time.
Wireless internet is free; just bring your own laptop or any other device to access the Wi-Fi network.
We even have a fulltime cleaning lady, as we believe in offering local employment and also in offering clean and well-looked-after accommodation. All bedding is provided, but no towels, so please bring your own.
Depending on how busy it is, you will share a room with other volunteers - some rooms are very large, which offer dorm style accommodation (4 beds in a room), others are a bit smaller for only 2 volunteers sharing. Male and female volunteers will have separate rooms and bathrooms to use. We have a total of 6 bathrooms in the house.
If you would like to have a private room, we will gladly see if we can arrange that for a small surcharge per week. Couples and older volunteers will have preference for private rooms if available, but if you want to be guaranteed a private room we will charge this extra fee. Let us know if you want more information.
Meals
Three meals per day are included and we work on a set menu per week. There is free coffee, tea and cordial juice available at any time. For breakfast you will have toast, fruit yoghurt, cereal and/or eggs. For lunch you can have sandwiches with cheese, marmalade, cold meats or other spreads.
There will be variety in our dinners, since all of the volunteers have different skills and preferences. So, if you would like to show off your cooking skills, then please do!
Please tell our coordinators about any vegetarian requirements or food allergies.
Transport
Included in your fee is your daily transport. We have well-looked-after vehicles, which are properly insured and driven by our drivers who all have required Professional Driving Permits.
Transport to and from the volunteer house and the project is included, but if you want to go out after work or at the weekend, you will be able to walk during the day or use a taxi or Uber at night, at your own expense.
Your airport pickup is included in your fee when arriving on Monday or any other day of the week. If you choose to arrive on a weekend, we will gladly organize a cab to pick you up (or you can take an Uber) to any accommodation of your choice. We will collect you there on Monday morning at 9AM to start your stay with us.
If you prefer to come directly to us, or leave, over the weekend, we will charge an extra Weekend Fee of R200 (15 EUR) for your pickup or drop-off. An additional R250 (20 EUR) are charged per night for any extra nights outside of your booking dates. Please discuss your personal preference with us to make sure all is prepared for you.
Living with other Volunteers
As a volunteer from Khaya Volunteer Projects, you will be staying in a house with many different nationalities - which means you will eat together, work together and so on. We arrange an informal social on a weekly basis where you can relax and have some fun, getting to know other volunteers as well as your coordinators.
Every Friday is "Casual Day" and after your volunteering at your project we have our "Khaya Social Outing" - free of charge of course.
The outing is weather permitting. It can range from a trip to the beach where we can have a picnic and swim; we can go for a walk or a hike; to the city centre or even some retail therapy at the shopping mall. Or a pre-weekend drink at a pub - a good way to start your weekend after a long week of volunteering!
Fun stuff!
Our on-site volunteer coordinators will be there to assist with anything project-related, but we also provide a variety of fun social activities. Sandboarding down the giant dunes, having close encounters with peaceful pachyderms at Addo Elephant Park, hiking in the lush coastal countryside around Port Elizabeth…and much more. Extra costs for activities may apply. There will be something exciting on the program every weekend, so feel free to join in if you like! We are very open to suggestions - give us your ideas.
Fees & Dates
DURATION:
EURO
USD
GBP
1 Week
€ 330,00
$370,00
£300,00
2 Weeks
€ 590,00
$655,00
£535,00
3 Weeks
€ 840,00
$935,00
£765,00
4 Weeks
€ 1 085,00
$1 210,00
£985,00
Extra Weeks
€ 230,00
$255,00
£210,00
Long Term p/week (min 8 weeks)
€ 210,00
$235,00
£190,00
Surcharge: Single room p/week
€ 55,00
$60,00
£50,00
Included in the full Volunteering fee:
- Information and assistance before departure - Pick up upon airport arrival and airport drop off at the end of your stay - Welcome pack including an information guide, free SIM card, maps etc. upon arrival - City Tour and Introduction Program - Accommodation in volunteer house in close proximity to the beach (7 nights per week of volunteering booked) - Onsite volunteer coordinator available 24/7 - 3 basic meals a day - 15% direct donation to the project’s needs - Daily transfers to-and-from the project - Package offers on weekend trips and outings (extra costs apply) to enjoy yourself during your down time
Excluded are the following:
- Private luxuries (snacks, cool drinks, alcohol etc.) - Costs for weekend outings to safari parks etc. - Air tickets - Insurance
Starting dates
Starting your volunteer work is on Mondays only. You will either be picked up at the airport or any accommodation in Port Elizabeth on Monday. You will then have time to settle in and explore the area. Tuesday will be your introduction day at the project. If you arrive before Monday, we can assist with accommodation at the backpackers or guesthouse for you.
Participation is for full weeks only and the project will be closed for approximately 3 weeks over Christmas and New Years’ time.
Add Ons To Your Trip
10% OFF on your Nomad Africa tour when booking through Khaya
Nomad Africa Adventure Tours offers organized tours over Africa. Whether you’re young or young at heart, adventurous or more relaxed, it doesn’t matter, you will always find a fitting tour with them.
Their tours ensure you safety and give you the chance to meet new friends along the way. They are an exciting way of travelling that allows you to explore the country and its surroundings at affordable rates and without having to worry about anything yourself!
And we can make it even better. If you book your next Nomad Tour with Khaya, you will get a 10% off the tour price! We have picked a few of our favorites to combine with this project, check them out below!
10% OFF on your BazBus tour when booking through Khaya
Hop-on Hop-off backpacker bus. Door-to-door. Meet interesting people. Safe and fun way to travel around South Africa. Great alternative to car hire.
Check out their travel options on their site, BazBus. By booking your Bazbus travel with Khaya, you will receive a 10% discount. If interested, please contact us and we’ll help you further with great pleasure.
10% or 20% OFF on your CapeXtreme Adventure when booking through Khaya
The best adventure company in Cape Town! They organize action packed activities and overland tours in Cape Town. On top of that they also do trips from Cape Town to Addo and the Port Elizabeth Area.
Surfing, cage diving, sandboarding, skydiving, everything is possible with Cape Xtreme. You can see the Garden Route or enjoy a day visiting the cape peninsula, or what do you think of a daytrip to Stellenbosch and Paarl for the most amazing wine tastings?
As a Khaya Volunteer, you can get an amazing discount of 10 or 20% depending on the adventure you book. After confirming your booking with us, you will get a voucher code that will ensure you your discount. Simply go to their website CapeXtreme , choose your tour and date, insert the voucher code, proceed to check-out, make your payment online, and enjoy the trip!
15% OFF on your Mzansi Travel when booking through Khaya
The most comfortable & affordable way to do Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Travel Tickets in South Africa. Meet fellow travelers. Fun stops along the way! Travelling on a small budget? Then Mzansi is definitely something for you.
Get a 15% discount on direct tickets, hop-on hop-off tickets and Mzansi Passes. After confirming your stay with us, you will get a voucher code sent to you that you can use on all your Mzansi bookings. Just go to their website Mzansi Travel, make your booking online use the voucher code and off you go!
