Volunteer With Children & Animals

BUSH SCHOOL
– Provide a close and engaging learning experience that motivates Grade 8 students to care for their environment, while teaching them important life skills

The Grade 8 students visiting DAKTARI are from the local secondary schools in the villages. The teaching program is a mix of environmental education, life skills training, animal interactions, and discussions on social issues. International and local volunteers teach all of the lessons. Class sizes are kept small and each child is given individual attention during the week. The children learn about anti-poaching, politeness, job opportunities in game reserves, and discuss social issues like substance abuse and safe sex.

WILDLIFE ORPHANAGE
– Provide a home for unreleasable or orphaned animals that inspire passion for the environment in the children that visit DAKTARI.

The wildlife orphanage houses more than thirty species of animals. From cheetahs to crocodiles to meerkats, eighty animals call DAKTARI home. These animal ambassadors are unable to survive in their natural habitat so they live at DAKTARI and help to educate the children. The students are actively involved in animal care during their time at DAKTARI. They see many of these animals for the first time. This unique experience inspires them to protect their local wildlife and environment.

COMMUNITY WORK
– Increase the impact of the Teaching Program at DAKTARI through Eco Clubs and community projects

DAKTARI’s Outreach Program consists of three parts: Eco Clubs at the secondary schools, community development projects, and career guidance. The Eco Clubs are an extension of the teaching program at DAKTARI. The voluntary, activity-based clubs teach students more about the environment and wildlife. The students also plan and implement projects to improve their community, such as planting trees or cleaning the village. DAKTARI periodically welcomes local unemployed youth to the camp for career guidance to learn about job skills.

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From Monday to Friday, you will be teaching a group of eight children. Your day starts at 7am and classes start at 9am. Classes will end at 4:30 p.m. and then we will talk to the children about social issues. Also has plenty of time for fun!
You will play with the kids, join them in the pool and dance around the campfire your favorite tunes. With animals, each day you will help with the different tasks that need to be done to keep the animals happy and healthy, like cleaning each cabinet and feeding them.

On Saturdays you can take a trip to Hoedspruit with the local staff. In town you can shop and there are also several excellent restaurants in town for lunch. Sundays are free so you can plan a day trip if you wish or just relax at the campsite. The project team will assist you in planning and below have some suggestions of what you can do over the weekend. All activities below are extra cost and must be arranged and paid locally.

• Safari in the Kruger National Park
• Visit the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
• Tshukudu Game Lodge Cheetah Tour
• Visit the Kinyonga Reptile Center
• Trail at Blyde River Canyon
• Boat Trips on the Blyde River
• Horse Safaris

We are located in the middle of the bush and so the camp is rustic, although we do our very best to make sure everyone is kept clean, comfortable, and well fed. You will enjoy hot showers, running water, and solar-powered lights in your traditional chalets. You may be sharing your chalet with up to 3 other volunteers but everyone has their own bed and space to store closes and personal items.

Laundry is done for everyone each day, with the exception of Sunday, and the rooms are cleaned every day.

Living and working at DAKTARI is very safe. Our camp is fenced in and the farm is in a protected area. You won’t need to worry about crime while staying with us and we take precautions to make sure that our staff and children are safe from the predatory animals around DAKTARI.

Common camp rules:

• If you see a snake, stop (DON’T RUN) and scream, “snake”. Under no circumstance are you allowed to interfere with any type of snake.
• ALWAYS wear closed toed shoes
• If you hear the drum come to the lapa immediately -­‐ it’s either mealtime or an emergency.
• Do not swim or walk alone after dark
• Do not be alone with a child behind closed doors
• NEVER get drunk on site
• Do not make noise after 10PM on week nights (respect towards the children)

Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.