This programme enables you to:
- Develop medical skills in local clinics under the supervision of nurses and project staff
- Provide support in HIV/AIDs awareness
- Learn about the local Zulu culture
- Make friends with other volunteers
Your time on this programme will be spent in the impressive setting of iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, that was declared as South Africa's first Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Morning Activities
You will spend your mornings providing assistance either at a medical clinic or offering support to a home carer visiting sick people in their homes out in the community. You will be assigned either to a clinic or a home carer on a weekly basis, so that you can gain experience in both areas.
Medical Clinic
The clinics are under resourced and the nurses struggle to consult all the patients each day. Your assistance such as carrying out basic medical tasks is greatly appreciated in the following areas: the Under 5's clinic, family planning, antenatal, chronic clinic and minor ailments. The nurses would also be grateful if you can teach them basic computer skills as this will enable them to record data which will help with the running of the clinic. All of the aspects that you will be involved with working at the clinic will enable you to gain experience and develop a rewarding relationship with the hard working ladies at the clinic.
Home Care
Offering support to a home carer whilst visiting sick people in their homes will provide you with a real insight into the challenges these less fortunate people face whilst trying to do their daily tasks. Activities that you may be involved with include; help around the patients house, providing food, ensure that they are taking their medication and generally offering a little solace to their lives.
Afternoon Community Projects
During the afternoon, you will help out the local community and take part in different activities. Examples of the projects you may do include:
HIV/AIDs Awareness
Meet with adults and children and educate them about the effects of HIV/AIDs, how to prevent the virus, and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Clinic Refurbishment
With over 100 patients per day, the clinic requires a little help to ensure that the facilities are sufficient to meet the needs of the patients. Refurbishment work may include helping the local people to fix the roofs, windows and drainage, painting walls, putting up shelving and storage units and building new walls and rooms.
Farming
By growing nutritious vegetables on their farms, the locals can help support themselves by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You can help the locals encourage this activity in their day to day routine.
Please note: The community activities that you will be involved with will differ depending on the needs of the local community at that time. It it important that you arrive in St Lucia with a flexible approach to the project.
What's Included:
- The project fee that includes funds that go directly back into the project that you are involved with- this facilitates funding for such items as medical supplies
- Airport transfers
- Detailed orientation
- Shared accommodation
- 3 wholesome meals a day except Saturday evenings and Sunday lunches
- All daily transport to and from your project during your stay
- Laundry service
What's Not Included:
- International flights to St Lucia
- Fees for necessary visa
- Travel insurance
- Any trips/excursions above the mentioned itinerary
- Meals on Saturday evenings and Sunday lunches
- Spending money
- Email/Internet and telephone calls
- Soft drinks, wine and spirits
Prices and Durations
South Africa Outreach and HIV Awareness St Lucia 2 wks $1,899
South Africa Outreach and HIV Awareness St Lucia 4 wks $2,899
