School Group Volunteering

EDGE of AFRICAvolunteering, done right.

SCHOOL GROUP VOLUNTEERING WITH

EDGE OF AFRICA

What is EDGE of AFRICA?• EDGE of AFRICA is a non-government South African organisation (founded in

2007 by Dayne Davey) offering international volunteers the opportunity to visit the country and contribute to our communities and environment. Our main branch is located in Knysna, South Africa.

• We don't receive any funding from the government or any other organisations and rely solely on the goodwill and hard work of our team members; and the financial contribution of participating volunteers

• Our organisation not only helps satisfy some dire needs in the South African communities and environment, but also offers volunteers the opportunity to experience a mixture of races, cultures and traditions, while learning incomparable lessons on life and understanding the value of giving.

• Our dedication to developing ethical and sustainable projects and providing excellent service has paid off - we've won the 2013 Lilizela Imvelo award for Sustainable Development; the 2010 Welcome Awards in the tour operator category; and have also been voted in the top four of South Africa's leading conservation companies by the World Travel Awards since 2008.

What is EDGE of AFRICA’s vision?

• To promote and support a self-sustaining community

• A community in which education is most important

• Empower individuals providing a chance at a better life

• Restore & Protect diversity of natural ecosystems

• Utilise waste as a resource

• Inspire wildlife conservation

Why is EDGE of AFRICA ideal for school groups?EDGE of AFRICA provides:

• Safe, reliable and well-researched placements

• 24/7 emergency support on all of our initiatives.

• A comprehensive package, with no hidden costs to guarantee that you can meet and keep to your travelling budget, including all meals, all project related transport and transfers, and much more

• The reassurance that projects have been developed to ensure they are working towards the empowerment of communities and the restoration of biodiversity and the ecosystem

• Life-changing experiences for students (Great for CVs!)

EDGE of AFRICA is the ideal organisation to host school groups. Our main branch in Knysna, South Africa is a safe and fun location for school learners; our accommodation is comfortable and homely; and our well-established community outreach projects provide young learners with a fantastic opportunity to broaden their horizons, help those less fortunate than themselves and learn about different cultures.

What is included in School Group Placements?• Rapid pre-departure support and detailed information • The confidence that every effort will be made to ensure your safety and enjoyment

during your stay• Airport transfers from George Airport (or airport transfer from Cape Town International if

you choose to include a Cape Town Tour in your trip)• Comfortable, homely accommodation• 3 meals a day• Safe, reliable transport• Thorough orientation to the area and the EDGE of AFRICA Team • Training and support throughout your stay• A dedicated coordinator to assist you daily• Feedback sessions throughout your stay• Assistance with optional activities and tours• 24/7 emergency support• Work T-Shirt (s)• Additional cultural and outdoor activities and optional tours• Free, unlimited Wi-Fi and computer access in the volunteer house• Post-project involvement

About the projectsSchool learners will have the opportunity to assist with a variety of community based projects all focused around empowerment, education and environmental awareness.

Placements may include assisting with the following projects:

• Food Security (creation of vegetable gardens etc.)• TB Screening (questionnaire-based, non-invasive)• Pre-School Assistance• Habitat regeneration at a Nature Trail• Community Support Groups• Recycling Swop Shop• Art Club• Homework Club• HIV/AIDS & TB Awareness Workshops• Sports Workshops

About Knysna, South Africa.Knysna itself is nestled on the shores of the Knysna estuary - or Knysna lagoon, as it is more commonly known. It's the most biologically diverse estuary in South Africa and home to the Knysna Seahorse, the most threatened seahorse species in the world. Knysna is also an avenue to the Tsitsikamma Forest, which stretches from just west of George to the Tsitsikamma River near Humansdorp. This indigenous forest is ideal for walks and is home to numerous fauna and flora. The forest also houses the world’s most southerly elephants. Sadly, with only a handful of elephants left, these elephants are rapidly becoming part of Knysna’s history, rather than Knysna’s nature.

Knysna is a modern, friendly town with really something for everyone. It has all the necessary amenities, such as ATMs, medical support, internet cafes and shopping malls - all within walking distance. The nightlife is varied and visitors can be entertained by live bands; relax in chilled pubs; or splash out at cocktail bars and fancy restaurants. Knysna hosts a number of popular festivals annually, such as the Knysna Oyster Festival and the Pink Loerie Festival.

About the accommodationSchool groups are accommodated in our Knysna volunteer house which can accommodate a maximum of 25 peopleThe house is basic but comfortable and cleaned daily by our hardworking House Manager. It is full of character and has spectacular views over the mountains. We understand that the work can sometimes be emotionally and physically draining so we ensure that our volunteers have a place where you can relax and unwind. This way we know that everyone will be refreshed each day to put all their energy into getting the most out of their stay.

The volunteer house is also located within walking distance into the charismatic town of Knysna.

Facilities Include:• Hot Water Showers & Electricity• Communal Kitchen• Communal Lounge Area with TV/DVD Player• Comfortable Dorm Style Sleeping Arrangements• Unlimited Wi-Fi and computer access• Outdoor braai (barbeque) area & Hammocks

All meals will be provided - all healthy, hearty food - some readymade and some do-it-yourself.

Breakfast: Selection of breads, cereals, fruits, tea, coffee and juiceLunch: Sandwiches, salads, bread rolls or traditional mealsDinner: Healthy home-made dinners are provided throughout the week and a few do-it-yourself dinners over the weekend

EDGE of AFRICA is entirely financed by the contributions of our volunteers/students. Exact costs will vary depending on length of stay; group size; and current promotions (e.g. group discounts etc.) Please contact [email protected] for the latest prices.

We encourage school learners to initiate their own fundraising initiatives to cover the costs of the trip, as we feel this provides an additional learning experience for them.

What does your fee cover?

Rapid pre-departure support and information

Orientation, Training & Support

Accommodation

3 meals a day

Friendly staff & Coordinators

24/7 Emergency support

Safe, reliable transport

Cultural lessons etc.

Optional tours

Placement Cost

How have previous school groups rated our organisation?

“Every single person is so happy with the little that they have and they appreciate everything you’re doing for them. This was my best experience EVER!”

“It was 1000 x better than expected. I love everybody and it was just so amazing.”

“I would definitely recommend EDGE of AFRICA to my friends because they organised everything so well.”

“The people in the townships are so friendly and grateful.”

“When I heard what we had all done together I realised how important EDGE of AFRICA and its volunteers are. This experience changed me as a person.”

Feedback from previous school learners: 2014 Overall Volunteer Feedback

Volunteers rated the friendliness of the EDGE of AFRICA Team 100% Excellent!!!

96% of our volunteers would definitely recommend our organisation to their family or friends!

87% of our volunteers rated

their overall stay as Excellent!

Why support EDGE of AFRICA?• We don't just go rushing ahead and creating part-time volunteer opportunities to please our voluntary

workers. We don't go around looking for kids with runny noses, crèches in need of assistance, alien plants to be eradicated and HIV patients requiring a bit of sympathy just to act the part. We don't get our volunteers involved in services that offer them a sense of goodwill while they're over here, but then slowly dissolve as soon as they leave back home.

• Our projects are all sustainable and continue long after volunteers' footsteps have been washed off our beaches. These valuable programmes are initiated in response to a dire need for restoration and empowerment.

• We accommodate all age, race and religious groups.

• You can join us as a single volunteer or intern, or come over as part of a school or university group. We can recommend the most rewarding program for the more mature volunteers, and adapt our programs to suit your requirements.

• The accommodation is very comfortable, the meals are heart-warming and the staff members will become your best friends.

• Our headquarters are based in Knysna, in the jewel of the Garden Route and one of the top holiday destinations globally.

• We have well established opportunities in Madagascar, Zimbabwe and Cameroon.

• Our overall volunteer feedback is extremely positive and we boast a high return rate of volunteers.

For more information about EDGE of AFRICA’s Volunteer Initiatives and School Group opportunities please contact [email protected]

For General Enquiries/Bookings please contact [email protected]

You can also visit our website atwww.edgeofafrica.com ….…our Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/EDGEofAFRICA ...…our at Twitter page at www.twitter.com/EDGEofAFRICA