The Human Dignity Centre, HDC for short, has run for many years as a registered non-profit organisation that supports local communities in need and runs a variety of projects in the Walmer Township area of Port Elizabeth
HDC consist of a pre-primary school up to Grade R and provides education for these children. They offer an after- school program that is designed to improve the educational development of school children. In addition to this, the centre runs a community program, as well as, an ‘orphanage without walls’ project. The aim of these two projects is to make sure that vulnerable children within the community of Walmer receive the care they need.
Programs offered
Pre-Primary School
The school started off in 2011 and has grown to 4 classes up to Grade R with 70 children. Volunteers can help and assist the teachers in one of the four classrooms. A huge contribution can be made by offering remedial teaching and personal attention, to improve the individual learning levels of specific children.
After school - care program
In the afternoon, there is an after school program that is especially designed to help the children with their personal development. As a volunteer you can organise all kinds of activities such as football matches (very popular in South Africa!), homework supervision, arts and dancing. You can help improve the kids’ English, or work with them on their writing skills or with mathematics. If you see yourself as an open-minded person that takes initiative and is geared toward upliftment of vulnerable communities, then this is a perfect program for you.
Community work
As a volunteer you can assist the community workers with their home visits in the community of Walmer Township. You can assist with their orphanage program and with sorting donations – by preparing the parcels to be distributed.
Project needs
There is, besides daily aid and assistance, also a need for financial support. Any possible gifts and donations provided by volunteers and their network of people are extremely appreciated. Instead of collecting goods and materials for donation, it is recommended to purchase and donate these on location.
Learning materials and school stationary for the children
Sporting equipment and materials for the children
Toys, puzzles and educational games for the children
Daily guidance
Guidance will be offered in multiple ways as different people are involved in your stay at the Human Dignity Centre.
At the centre, you will be supervised by the local staff with the support of one of the Khaya volunteer coordinators. We will make sure you get all the guidance you need. Ask us anything!
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 your volunteering fee:
Information and assistance before departure
Pick up on arrival and drop off at the end of your stay
A welcome pack with an information guide, free SIM card and maps
All meals
Accommodation in our beachfront volunteer house
Daily transport to and from the projects
City Tour and Introduction Program
Direct donation to the project
On site volunteer coordinators
Free social activities
Excluded from your volunteering fee:
Personal luxuries such as toiletries, snacks, soft drinks and alcohol.
Costs for weekend trips
Flight tickets
Insurance
Starting dates
Starting your stay with us is generally on a Monday when we will pick you up from the airport. After the first introduction of the surroundings and a City Tour you will start your volunteering on Tuesday.
Participation is per full week only and the project will be closed for about three weeks over Christmas and the New Year period.
Please keep in mind that Human Dignity Centre does not take on volunteers during school holidays (breaks). If your time at the project overlaps with school holidays, please chat to us. We will be happy to arrange for you to be placed at any of the other projects that do operate during these dates.
Public Schools – 2019/2020 Holidays (breaks)
5 December 2020 – 6 January 2020 21 - 30 March 2020 13 June – 6 July 2020 19 - 28 September 2020 3 December 2020 – 12 January 2021
Public Schools – 2021 Holidays (breaks)
27 March – 6 April 2021 12 June – 5 July 2021 18 – 27 September 2021 2 December 2021 – date to be determined
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!
