The Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) has the world’s highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates, with approximately 31% of the population being infected. In 2010 it was estimated that there were close to 200,000 orphaned children in the Kingdom due to HIV/AIDS. Many more children are now without a parent and live with an extended family that already has stretched resources. Unemployment is high, approximately 39% of Swazi are without a job, which rises considerably to 53% among youth. About 66% of the population is unable to meet basic food needs, while 43% live in chronic poverty. Children are particularly vulnerable and often are in desperate need of help and support. 

This project involves working with primary schools or in our Neighbourhood Care Points (NCP’s), which function as pre-schools in Eswatini which offer education and the hope of a future to many young Swazis. The national curriculum is based on the English schooling system. The schools we work with are generally in central Eswatini in the Ezulwini-Lobamba semi-rural area. 

In these communities, there are a number of schools, many of which are overcrowded and under-resourced and are in need of support. You have the rewarding & impactful opportunity to assist, motivate and encourage the development of the children and the schools. 

Accommodation & Meals: During your stay, you will be accommodated in an award-winning Lidwala Lodge in Ezulwini Valley. Three meals a day will also be provided, some on a self-serve basis and others cooked for you. Enquire for private rooms.  

Project Start Dates: The start date for this project is the first Monday of the month throughout the year, with the exception of December when new participants are not accepted. 

Please ensure your flight arrives BEFORE 1:00pm.

Important Links:

- Refund & Cancellation Policy

- SDG Commitments

Child Care:  As a volunteer, on the Child Care Project, you will be working with existing Neighbourhood Care Points (NCP’s) in the local community. Your role is to assist our local staff and community volunteers with the teaching of the syllabus, which includes maths, reading, writing, arts & craft, storytelling and physical activity. You will also participate in weekly sports days held at the NCP’s and assist with serving breakfast and lunch. Generally, it’s also a great opportunity to bring fun and laughter into the children’s lives.

Some of the activities you will get involved in include: 

• Teaching English and Maths and correcting worksheets
• Leading role play and imagination activities 
• Designing activities that support the syllabus
• Reading stories & facilitating learning through storytelling
• Giving support and attention to children
• Organising games & sports activities to help them learn through play 
• Assisting with preparing and serving meals
• Teaching basic life skills including teeth cleaning and hygiene

Sports Development: As a volunteer, you will be working with existing Neighbourhood Care Points (NCP’s) in the local community. The role involves going to the NCP’s in the morning to have the children participate in a variety of play activities – including song and dance, ball games, obstacle courses, tricycle riding and swimming lessons. You are encouraged to get as involved as possible in organising these fun-filled events that bring so much joy to children. 

Some of the activities you will get involved in include: 

• Setting up obstacle courses and activities for the children to engage with.
• Teaching hand-eye coordination through throwing and catching
• Teaching basic life skills including teeth cleaning and hygiene through sports
• Participating in song and dance activities
• Assist with swimming and other sports lessons

Teaching Development: As a volunteer, on the Teaching Project you will be working with children from the surrounding Ezulwini communities. The total number of the children at the school varies from 700 to 800 pupils and each classroom has a maximum of 40 pupils. You will be expected to work as a teaching assistant helping the teacher wherever possible, especially with maths, English and science subjects. You can bring your own ideas such as crafts if you working with the lower grades and drama for the upper grades

Some of the activities you will get involved in include: 

• Assisting a teacher in class
• Leading small groups in classroom-based activities
• Preparing and marking tests and homework
• Introducing/developing sports and drama activities
• Introduce new sports/develop existing sports (e.g. netball)
• Assisting at the library through cataloguing books, literacy lessons, and one-on-one tutoring.
• Generally getting involved with the staff at the school, know what’s happening at the school and get involved wherever possible.

Build-A-Future: As a volunteer, on the build a future program you will be in the communities, building classrooms and structures for the Orphaned and Vulnerable children and maintaining existing infrastructures, with the aim of giving a good shelter for these children and a suitable schooling environment. You may also assist with the development and maintenance of gardens which provide a source of nutritious food to the children. 

You will use local techniques of making mud bricks, then lay foundations, complete plastering, flooring, windows, doors, and roofing under the supervision and direction of a local builder. Then decorate the structure! You will have the opportunity to meet with local community members and provide support to needy families and children while working on the building. 

Some of the activities you will get involved in include: 

• Making clay bricks 
• Clearing and preparing land for structures to be built 
• Digging of foundations upon which to build 
• Fencing & developing gardens to provide nutritious food for the children 
• Painting structures 
• Upkeep swings and other play equipment

*Please note that the activities listed above are based on availability and may vary by season. These are samples of activities that volunteers are likely to participate in.

7:00: Wake up to see the sunshine, jump in a hot shower, and get yourself started for the day with breakfast!

7:30: Travel to your placement and get ready to begin your day. 

8:00: Participate in your chosen project.

12:00: Lunch hour! Time to eat the packed lunch you made that morning!

12:30: Begin your afternoon’s work with a full stomach and enthusiasm!

15:00: Return back to your accommodation and share your day’s adventures with other volunteers - maybe even a quick swim in the pool!

18:30: Enjoy a delicious evening meal and relax!

IMPORTANT NOTE: When you work with children, you will be in the rural areas where modesty will be an important factor. Please make sure you dress appropriately- failure to do so may result in you missing a day of volunteering. More information in the dress code will be provided in the pre-flight guide. 

By signing up with us you are donating your time and skills to work directly with communities in need through a structured project. There are many benefits to working with an organisation like ours. It is hard to find internships to support in a foreign country that are safe, worthwhile and reputable. When you sign-up for one of our projects for 2 or 12-weeks, you become part of a bigger, sustainable plan that our team of qualified staff has carefully crafted. You will also receive travel and visa support, orientation, a safe place to stay, logistical support, in addition to clear expectations of the work you will do. This is why we charge a fee for volunteering or interning abroad. 

Your project fee goes towards a company you can trust, an experience that is worthwhile and an opportunity that will make a positive and sustainable impact on the community you have chosen to serve.