You are about to discover a new culture, accomplish something unforgettable, and explore the best South Africa has to offer!

South Africa (Youth)

We are excited to get your placement under way where you will:

  • Have the opportunity to work in the field of youth development in the areas of teaching and childcare, skills development and academic achievement.
  • Have the 24/7 support of a non profit with 10 years experience in placing 17844 volunteers that will provide you with an affordable and rewarding placement.
  • Recommended by Bill Gates and CNN.
  • Be a part of progressive non profit that has raised over $1.8 million to help women and children in need.
  • Have the comfort of knowing that GVN staff have collectively flown over 1 million miles to ensure you get a quality placement.
  • Make a long-term impact in your community of choice - it's not just a vacation.

Just choose a project and apply:

 
 

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The Projects

Venda

Venda

Volunteer work includes childcare at local pre-school or crèches, childrens homes, or day care centres. There is also the opportunity to work as teacher assistant at a primary and secondary schools in the Venda region. Volunteers may work in settings such as day care centres or "places of safety" in the community.

The town's Children's Home and certain foster home situations are referred to locally as "places of safety". As a volunteer, you can help by working with children ages 2-6, helping with general caretaking like handing out porridge and brushing teeth, teaching English, reading, writing and pronunciation. Simple mathematics and counting, body hygiene, crafts and educational games for younger children may be available as well. Volunteers will be able to use this time to display their mentoring experience, and motivate the students toward a positive future.

Volunteers with varying skills will be able to help in areas of academic and skill development through mentoring and tutoring activities. Currently there are schools in South Africa that struggle to meet their achievement goals, achieve specific skill sets, and motivate young people. There are many factors contributing to this challenge from high student to teacher ratio, lack of resources, and most important history. Volunteers can assists teachers in core subjects, such as English, mathematics, life skills, and science. The subjects will be relative to each school's needs; however the greatest need is typically in mathematics and science. There will be additional opportunities for tutoring, career development, and organizing extracurricular activities for students.

Apply Now!

Soweto

Soweto

The school in Soweto caters to needy learners coming from poor communities. Volunteers must be prepared to either assist a local teacher or teach in classroom by themselves. Classes usually comprises of 40 students. Volunteers with varying skills will be able to help in areas of academic and skill development through mentoring and tutoring activities.

No teaching qualification is required, but experience in subject areas like English, Math, Health, Hygiene and Science. Volunteers are particularly encouraged to initiate extra curricular activities.

Apply Now!

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About South Africa

South Africa

South Africa comprises the southernmost tip of Africa.  It shares it's borders with Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique and Swaziland, with the southern coast bordering 2 different oceans.  Further, in the interior of the country lies the Free State of Lesotho, encircled entirely by South Africa.

In terms of size, South Africa is one-eighth the size of the US, twice the size of France and over three times the size of Germany.

Development in South Africa

South Africa is a country rich in natural resources such as gold, coal, platinum and copper.

South Africa's unparalleled scenic, wildlife, cultural and historic attraction has made it a very popular tourist destination. Tourism contributes over R25-billion to the economy (8.2% of GDP).

About a quarter of the population is unemployed,[3] and lives on less than US $1.25 a day.  Development is significantly localised around four areas: Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban, and Pretoria/Johannesburg. Beyond these four economic centres, development is marginal and poverty is still prevalent despite government efforts.

Volunteer Impact

Volunteers provide greatly needed assistance in the social and academic development of young people in Soweto and Venda, South Africa.

As a volunteer in South Africa you can provide love, affection, education and support to disadvantaged children.  You will help to improve education in schools ensuring children learn and flourish.  You and also provide education, inter-cultural exchange and understanding in South African communities.

What else can I do in South Africa?

If you're looking for diversity, South Africa's hard to beat.  If landscapes are your thing there’s the deserted Kalahari, Namakwa’s springtime wildflowers and the phenomenal Table Mountain.

No visit would be complete without a trip to Kruger National Park to join a safari where if you're lucky you could spot the Big Five.  For something a little more cosmopolitan, try the nightclubs of Cape Town, a curry in Durban’s Indian Area, or dig in at a braai, a traditional South African barbecue!

Costs

How it works...

If your application is successful you will accepted and we will then get to work organizing your placement. You don't have to pay us anything at this stage. (We are the only volunteer organization which begins preparation for your placement before any funds are paid). It is an honor for us to do this as you have chosen GVN and the communities we serve for your volunteer work and after you have chosen to "Join Us" we will send further detail on your placement with information on how to prepare for your trip abroad, including:

  • Your Program Guide: your online resource guide that covers topics such as country information, details on your placement, travel links, visa application process and much more!
  • Your Fundraising Guide and Software: which provides you with proven fundraising strategies, letter generating software and other resources to help you raise up to 100% of the cost of your trip.
  • Video - Preparing for your Trip: join Mike in his volunteer journey, taking you step by step through the preparation process and how to make the most of your experience.
  • Access to Your Own Online Journal: which help you to communicate effectively and easily with your family and friends back home.
  • Opportunities for Preferred Pricing and Personalized Service when booking Airfares: through our travel partner AirTreks who go the extra mile to support GVN volunteers.

 

Program Package – From US$ 45 a day* ($300 Early Bird discount available)

  • 2 weeks - US $1797
  • 4 weeks - US $1997
  • 6 weeks: US $2397
  • 8 weeks: US $2797

Placements longer than 8 weeks are available, please contact us or apply online for details.

*Based on an 8 week placement

What You Get – Pre-Trip

  • All the support you need from our experienced volunteer coordinator! This include unlimited phone and email access!
  • Your Program Guide: your online resource guide that covers topics such as country information, details on your placement, travel links, visa application process and much more!
  • Your Fundraising Guide and Software: which provides you with proven fundraising strategies, letter generating software and other resources to help you raise up to 100% of the cost of your trip.
  • Video - Preparing for your Trip: join Mike in his volunteer journey, taking you step by step through the preparation process and how to make the most of your experience.
  • Access to Your Own Online Journal: which help you to communicate effectively and easily with your family and friends back home.
  • Opportunities for Preferred Pricing and Personalized Service when booking Airfares: through our travel partner AirTreks who go the extra mile to support GVN volunteers.

What You Get: While in Country

  • Accommodation: Home stay.
  • Meals: All meals are included, except the first two nights of orientation.
  • Airport pickup: Included on arrival date.
  • Training: In-country orientation and training.
  • Supervision: In-country staff supervision.
  • Support: Pre-departure personal support from your volunteer coordinator, 24/7 in-country support from partner, and 24hr emergency line.

What You Get: Post-Trip

  • An opportunity to debrief and provide feedback
  • Free access to GVN Changemakers program which alerts you to future internship/job opportunities at GVN
  • A Letter of Completion in Volunteer Service

crossWhat's Not Included:

Flights, insurance, visas, vaccinations, transport to projects, departure from the program.

We recommend you allow a weekly budget of up to US$ 40 for your other expenses like bottled water, personal items, beverages, and entertainment.

Apply now for the South Africa (Youth) Program:

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Schedule

Program Schedule

Start Date: 1st and 3rd Friday of each month

Length: From 2 weeks – 6 months

Please note:

The childcare program runs year round with limited placements during the December holiday.

The Teaching program in Venda and Soweto are also closed during school holidays which is towards the end of March to mid April, mid June to mid July, end of September, and December/early January.

There are winter school placements available in Venda during June/July. School holidays change slightly each year.

Placements in Soweto program are no longer than 2 months. For longer volunteer durations please consider the Venda program.

FAQ

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions which we receive at the GVN inbox.  This is a great place to start if you have questions about Global Volunteer Network and our placement process. This information should answer the majority of questions you may have.

Tell me more about South Africa?

As its name suggests, South Africa is the most southern country on the African continent. It is bordered by Namibia to the north west, Botswana and Zimbabwe to the north, and Mozambique to the north east. South Africa is roughly 5 times the size of Britain, and covers 1.2 million sq km. South Africa was isolated politically and economically for a long period of time, as other countries protested against their racial discrimination known as apartheid (apartness). That era ended in 1994 when the ANC (African National Congress) was elected to power, led by Nelson Mandela. Pressure from ANC, other black political organizations, and the international community forced an apartheid government to pass a referendum in 1992, for everyone to vote in free and fair election.

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What is the climate like in South Africa?

In South Africa, the seasons are predominately summer and winter. The autumn and spring seasons are very fleeting. Finding itself at South Africa’s northernmost area and bisected by the tropic of Capricorn, visitors to Limpopo can expect sunshine, long summer afternoons, and dry days for most of their stay. Summer (October to March) in the Limpopo province can reach 30°C -35°C during the day. The winter is dry and very pleasant. Although the temperature can fall below 5°C at night, the days can present clear blue skies and temperatures in the low 20s.

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What kind of volunteer work is available?

Teaching Assistance/Tutoring in Soweto and Venda: Volunteers with varying skills will be able to help in areas of academic and skill development through mentoring and tutoring activities. Assist with teaching at preschool, primary or secondary level. At primary and secondary levels, volunteer teaching assistants can help teach core subjects, such as English, mathematics, life skills, health and hygiene, and science. The subjects will be relative to each school’s needs, however the greatest need is typically in mathematics and science, particularly at the secondary school level. There will be additional opportunities for tutoring, career development, and organizing extracurricular activities for students. At the preschool level volunteers will teach basic English skills and carry out basic childcare duties. A teaching qualification is not required but volunteers need to be confident in the above subjects and preferably have, or are studying towards a university degree.

Childcare in Venda: Volunteers may work in settings such as day care centres or "places of safety" in the community. The town’s Children’s Home and certain foster home situations are referred to locally as "places of safety". As a volunteer, you can help by working with children ages 2-6, helping with general caretaking like handing out porridge and brushing teeth, teaching English, reading, writing, and pronunciation. In addition, simple mathematics and counting, body hygiene, crafts, and educational games for younger children may be available as well. Volunteers will be able to use this time to display their mentoring experience, and motivate the students toward a positive future.

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What hours do I work?

Teaching assistants typically work weekdays, approximately 7 hours per day. There is a small variation in hours depending upon the time of year. The hours are generally longer during the school terms. Those volunteers in childcare centres will normally have a busy afternoon schedule as children are done with school for the day, however there are some morning shifts where the children are under school age. Weekends are the normal days off.

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Where will I be located?

Volunteer placements are in the Orlando West, Soweto area and in the main town of Thohoyandou, Venda and its surrounding villages: Manamani, Dzwerani, Shayandima, and Itsane. This is about 4.5 hours north of Johannesburg within the Vhembe District, situated in Limpopo, the northernmost province of South Africa.

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What resources are available for the program?

Some placements will have a stock of toys, but in most cases resources are limited. Classrooms do typically have a blackboard and chalk up front and sometimes even a bulletin board at the back. You may like to take donations of goods with you to distribute or use in the program. If you do choose to fundraise or donate items, please consult the list of suggested items in the Program Guide you will receive later.

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Do you cater for vegetarians?

Vegetarians are very welcome. Host families are happy to accommodate this. If you are not a vegetarian, meat is typically served a couple times a week. If you have a particularly restricted diet, you need to indicate this on your application form.

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Do you provide training?

No. There is an orientation process when you first arrive to help you adjust to your new surroundings, determine a schedule, and answer your questions, supervision and general guidance are provided throughout your placement. Volunteers are however expected to be confident in carrying out their program activities without further training.

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What is the average cost of flights to South Africa?

Prices will vary according to your country of origin, time of travel, and time of purchase. However, on average, return tickets to Johannesburg cost between US$800 and US$1,000 from Europe and between US$1,300 and US$2,300 from elsewhere.

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How do I get to the project?

Volunteers simply need to organise their travel arrangements such that they arrive at OR Tambo Airport (in Johannesburg) prior to the official commencement date of the program. Our partner will meet you at the airport and bring you to your first night’s accommodation. For the Soweto volunteers you will be taken to your host family. For the Venda volunteers, you will be taken the next day to the project site. Upon completion of your placement, our partner can help you arrange transport back to the Johannesburg area or the airport, but this will be at your own cost.

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Tell me more about the accommodation?

Volunteers in the Soweto project will stay with a local family in Soweto. Accommodation facilities are more western, basic bedding and 3 meals a day are provided. Volunteers in the Venda project will stay with local Venda families in Thohoyandou town area and surrounding villages. The accommodation facilities are basic, typically with electricity, pit toilets, and bucket showers being the norm. Basic bedding and 3 meals per day are provided. Thohoyandou Mall in town has an internet shop approximately $2 per 30 minutes.

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Can I bring my family/children to this program with me?

The spaces in the accommodation are reserved for volunteers only. We are unable to accept volunteers’ family members unless they are volunteering as well.

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Do I have to be from New Zealand to participate?

No, we can take volunteers from all over the world. Participants have come from Australia, the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, and parts of Europe. Everyone is welcome.

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What age do you have to be to volunteer?

You must be 18 years old and above. There is no upper limit. All that is required is a reasonable level of health and fitness.

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Do I need to speak English to become a volunteer?

Yes, you need to speak English to volunteer. You may have English as your first or second language. In Venda the main languages are English and Tshivenda.

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When do I need to arrive in South Africa?

The program runs year-round. Volunteers should arrive on the first or third Thursday of each month for the Soweto program and the first or third Friday of each month for the Venda program, preferably in the evenings. Placements run between 2 weeks and 6 months according to your preference and program availability.

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What immunizations/vaccines will I need?

DTP (Diptheria, tetanus and polio): Essential

Yellow Fever: Required if travelling from an infected area

Hepatitis A and B: Recommended

Rabies: Not Required

Malaria is endemic in the lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Kruger National Park, a very popular destination, is within a malaria area. We strongly urge you to visit your GP or travel medicine specialist. If you intend traveling beyond South Africa, you must consult additional, reliable sources.

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Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering?

Absolutely. The project is well positioned for trips to local scenic sites and Kruger National Park less than an hour away. An optional weekend excursion will be organized by our partner organization if there is enough interest. Pilanesberg National Park, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Mozambique, Durban, and Swaziland are other examples of destinations volunteers have visited in the past.

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Are there more expenses once I arrive?

The in-country fee covers all the necessities - food, accommodation, airport pickup, and so forth. You will need to have additional money for bottled water, internet, extra food, additional traveling, tourist activities, for days off, airport departure tax, and any personal shopping you may do.

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How safe is it to volunteer in South Africa?

South Africa, particularly Johannesburg, has a high crime rate and a very poor image when it comes to the issue of personal safety. You will be staying in rural South Africa which is quite a close-knit community, volunteers are still asked not to walk around at night. When you are outside the area, we will advise you on where it is safe to travel and stay. Most volunteers will be accommodated in a home stay situation. The host families have all been carefully selected to provide you with a safe family environment and an insight into Venda life. As in many countries, foreigners are perceived as wealthy in South Africa. Although the people are generally warm and friendly towards foreigners, as well as appreciative of the work done by volunteers, not every individual is the same. We work extremely hard to ensure you are placed in safe environments while volunteering and security policies are in place to achieve this. However, as in any situation at home or abroad, there is no way to erase all potential threats.

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What clothing and other personal supplies do I need to bring?

Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable but tidy attire. It can be very hot at certain times of the year, however covering up is important not only for protection from the sun and insects, but also to show respect to your local co-workers and members of the community. For women this means long pants, skirts, and dresses. For men, this means long pants, or even nice knee-length shorts if necessary. If you are working with very young children, keep in mind that your clothes may get extra dirty as the greatest fun for children is making a mess!

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Can I get my medicines in South Africa?

You can’t count on it. Please ensure that you bring all the medicines you do - and may - require.

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Should I bring my mobile phone?

You can bring your own phone and purchase a local SIM card so that it will work in South Africa. The cost of a SIM card is approximately U$10 and you can buy prepaid credit to top up your phone.

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How many volunteers are there on site at the same time?

This depends on how many people volunteer at the one time. Numbers can range from 2 to 5 volunteers with a maximum of 14 volunteers.

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Can you tell me more about the partner organisation in South Africa?

Our partner is a South African based organisation aimed at establishing educational, cross-cultural, and service delivery projects in areas of Africa. Through its projects, our partner asserts its active commitment to youth development, improved education opportunities, and skills development for young people. Their education initiatives (volunteer program and career fair) seek to work in partnership with Vhembe District to create an enabling environment and communities which are supportive of youth and present positive role models.

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How does GVN choose volunteers for this program?

Each GVN program has different criteria depending on our partner's requirements. Every application is reviewed to ensure that the minimum requirements (as set out on the program page) are met. Next we look to see what skills or experience you have that relate specifically to the program. We are also interested in any previous volunteer experience you may have (either local or international), travel experience, and your particular interest in the program.

After reviewing your application, should we require any further information from you, we will email you to request this.

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Who organises my visa for my volunteer placement?

You will be granted a 3 month tourist visa on arrival, providing you have a valid passport, and 2 adjacent pages. If you chose to stay in the country longer, either as a result of extending your volunteer placement or electing to travel, it is possible to extend your visa at the Department of Home Affairs. As at 1 April 2004, a tariff of ZAR 425 applies. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after you intend to return home. You will also be asked to substantiate that (i) you have enough money to support yourself during the remainder of your stay (ie. bank statements) and (ii) you have a return ticket.

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Do I need travel insurance?

All GVN Volunteers must have insurance. You are free to take out insurance cover through any provider of your choice. However, as some policies do not cover volunteering, we recommend you check you are covered during your volunteer placement.

For your convenience we have arranged a comprehensive package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident coverage as well as “loss of deposits” cover which covers fees paid to GVN, airlines etc. If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/insurance/

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How do I pay my fees?

Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 10 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer.  Please note, your placement is not confirmed (ie secured) until your program fee has been received.  Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer’s expense, e.g. if a bank transfer incurs a bank fee at the point of origin, that is at the expense of the volunteer. Seventy percent (70%) of the program fee is refundable until two calendar months before the 1st of the month you are due to begin your program. For example a volunteer with 15 July 2012 as their start date would need to submit their refund request form by the last day of April 2012 to be eligible for a refund. Refer to GVN's legal terms of service for full details.

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Do I need a police clearance document to volunteer in this program?

Yes, all volunteers in this program will be required to provide a police clearance document. This is because volunteers will be working closely with children and other vulnerable individuals. To obtain a police clearance you will need to contact your local police station to find out what their procedure is. Normally, you will be asked to complete an application form authorizing the check to be done, pay a fee and a few weeks later the check will arrive in the mail. A copy of your police clearance will need to be sent to GVN before your placement begins and you will need to take the original with you when you volunteer.

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Volunteer Diaries

It?s comin!

Monday, March 14th, 2011

I wanted to share some of my emotions that I am feeling as this experience gets closer and closer. *I feel stressed because I am in the middle of my last semester of college, trying to sublet my apartment, trying to find new housing for next year, fighting off sickness after sickness, moving out right [click here to read more]

Click here to read the full blog entry

Pre-Trip

Monday, March 07th, 2011

As all of you know I will be traveling to South Africa this coming May 2011 to volunteer. I leave May 5 and come back June 18. I am beyond excited about this opportunity. I have been looking for an organization for a long time; and now, the timing and everything is just right! I [click here to read more]

Click here to read the full blog entry

January 1, 2010 ? Lunar Eclipse / Last Journal Entry

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

We had the a gorgeous full moon & partial lunar eclipse in South Africa last night!  It’s an auspicious sign of good things to come in 2010.  This is the last post to my GVN journal.  Volunteer time has ended & I am headed to Cape Town & surrounding areas.  It’s easy for visitors to fall under Cape Town?s [click here to read more]

Click here to read the full blog entry

Please visit journals.globalvolunteernetwork.org for more journals and feedback from past volunteers

How to Apply

Program Requirements

As a volunteer you must be:

  • in good physical condition, and be able to walk reasonable distances
  • 18 years old or over
  • able to speak English
  • able to work with a minimum of supervision
  • obtain a police clearance from your home country prior to volunteering
  • some knowledge and confidence in subject areas mentioned in the program description

 

Volunteer Feedback

Katharina

"All in all, I really love it here- the people are very hospitable and friendly. I am having a great time, I love playing with the kids and it's a great experience to live with a local family!"

Rachael

"I worked at a children's home in Thohoyandou, S.A. for one week, then taught at Manamani secondary school for three weeks. Just do it, you won't be disappointed in any way, shape or form, and just have a completely open mind as to what you would like to experience/accomplish as these goals change weekly, even daily, as you are there."

Alexander

"Living a relatively privileged life has given me opportunities and experiences almost unparalleled. One of these opportunities, by definition, is to be in a position to aid those less fortunate than myself. Its seems too cliched to say that in cases such as this, duty amounts to obligation, but this combined with the adventure potential made it an experience not to be missed."

"My time in Venda, and as a teacher, has most certainly been an element in my development of global perspective. The resilience, good humour and willingness to learn -continued in children who have very little, certainly instils me with humility, admiration, and even a little awe."

Articles

Fighting Fire with Fire in South Africa

Like getting your hands dirty? Fancy feeding a giraffe, handing out meat parcels to vultures, and then heading off to put out a raging bushfire on the African plains? The Global Volunteer Network's South Africa program made it all happen for Chris Fong, a 23 year old engineer from Atlanta, Georgia, when in June 2006, he volunteered on a game...

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An Interview with the 'English Man'

It has gotten back to the GVN Headquarters in New Zealand that one of our volunteers, Alex Lee, has been an absolute hit with the local school children at his placement in the small town of Venda, South Africa! Nyawira Tshivhengwa, GVN South Africa Partner, tells us that the children who know Alex as the local teacher now rush to school and push...

Read More

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