ORIENTATION PROGRAMME FOR VOLUNTEERS AND WORK AND PLAY VOLUNTEERS

Day one(Wednesday): Arrive at Cape Town International Airport on flight

You will be met by IFRE local representative. This morning you will be transferred to the local contact office. Make yourself at home in South Africa . Email your family that you have arrived safely at the local  Office. The meals are on a self-serve basis and the basics will be supplied. There is a store up the road in the event that you might want to acquire special or additional supplies personally. This morning you will start your orientation programme.

11h30  - 12h30 – “Making Mandela's Dream Work” - One person can make a difference:

Conducted by a local partner the philosophy and work approach in the communities which has resulted in a high level of success is shared and transferred to the volunteer. Includes 2 x dvd presentations and one on one discussions, and a question and answer session.

Dvd one – A Brave New World
Dvd two – Changing Lanes

Enjoy lunch

13h30 – 14h30 - Information session – The role of the Local Site Mentor and communication on the site and to local partner. Includes communication available to the volunteer's family, the general “culture and pecking”, structure and hierarchy in the local communities where the volunteer will work and the profile of the Homestay host and volunteer community. Question and answer time.

- Information session: “Safe and Streetwise”
- Information Session: Health Issues -  review: Question and Answer

15h00 – 16h00 - Orientation Manual and material review

16h00 – At leisure

Day two(Thursday):  Orientation and Travel

09h00 - 11h00 Information session: The Demographics and Geographics of South Africa . You tutor is Lisa Steffen.

11h15 This morning you will start your journey of the mind into the cultural and demographic diversity of South Africa .

Ascend Bloemendal for a stunning photo. Make a stop at Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum . Visit two unique cultures and communities and immerse yourself in their lifestyle. Witness the resilience and inspirational progression of Yellow the Wireman and his family (Khoi/Bushman culture) in Klapmuts and that of Mamma Evelyn Swartbooi or Mamma Esma Makalima, two of the Cook-up Kamamma's in Kayamandi Stellenbosch, both situated in one of the most beautiful and richest regions in South Africa. You will enjoy a fun lunch of traditional Xhosa cuisine with  Cook-up Kamamma (an experience which has earned Dreamcatcher and the entrepreneurs international recognition) and meet with Yellow the Bushman and have a nice cup of indigenous tea or coffee with him.

Question and answer time with the two cultures. Share your culture and exchange ideas and information. Enjoy your gradual integration into the cultures of South Africa .

Lunch and snack included.
Transfer to your Homestay at Kayamandi, Stellenbosch for dinner, bed and breakfast.
Overnight Kayamandi Homestays (or if applicable, overnight bus to your project location)

Day three(Friday):

This afternoon you will transfer to your South African host volunteer community where your hosts will bid you welcome and orientate you with regards to your host community. Settele into your new home and prepare for your volunteer period.

** Optional services available at additional cost: Please enquire directly to us about this in order that we may arrange this for you. 

1.  Driving Lessons in South African driving conditions in the event you may be driving or want to hire a vehicle.

2. Induction language lessons in Afrikaans or Xhosa, two of the most widely used languages in South Africa . Where you volunteer will define which of the two languages you receive basic usage training in.

Day four & five(Saturday & Sunday): Experience/settle in host family and community.