We passionately believe that international cultural exchange helps to build bridges of understanding and peace between nations, and establish life-long friendships all across the world. Our overriding aim in any program we work with is that our applicants should not be tourists, but cultural participants in their host country, building bridges of cultural understanding, friendship and tolerance will be built between the different cultures.
Welcome to the southern tip of Africa – an exhilarating and complex country. With its post-apartheid identity still in the process of definition, there is undoubtedly an abundance of energy and a sense of progress about the place. Here, two great oceans meet, warm weather lasts most of the year, and big game can be experienced in close proximity to the cities. This is where humanity began: our ancestors' traces are still evident in fossilised footprints 80 000 years old, and in the world's oldest rock paintings. Today, South Africa is the powerhouse of Africa, the most advanced, broad-based economy on the continent, with infrastructure to match any first-world country. With all this technological advancement comes a very real, very urgent need for conservation to become a priority, to keep our natural resources as wild and unspoilt as they are now.
There's more to South Africa than just lions, for example Johannesburg is a sprawling city of skyscrapers, the lights work, the water flows and can be drunk straight from the taps, there are multi-lane highways and – unfortunately – traffic jams. You can book into a Hilton or a Hyatt or a Holiday Inn and eat at cosmopolitan restaurants serving anything from sushi to burgers to crocodile steaks. Also, you will encounter rich and poor living side by side. Years of inequality has deeply entrenched both poverty and a poverty mentality, and a host of other social problems resulting from a lack of education. Huge portions of the population live way below the bread-line, in shacks around the cities, 35% of the population suffering with HIV, street kids surviving by petty crime, and widespread unemployment. Skills and positive energy are desperately needed to right the wrongs of the past.
Your enthusiasm, fresh ideas, skills and your desire to make a change will be welcomed. And prepare to have your own world view stretched and challenged while you are on African soil. As with all travelling, volunteering is a two way experience – as you give you will receive…
Apart from doing your bit to make a difference, there are other reasons for visiting South Africa too: golden beaches, some of the world's best surf, spectacular scenery ranging from mountains to deserts, bio and eco-systems that are found nowhere else in the world, an opportunity to experience African culture first-hand – and one of the least expensive holiday destinations you'll find. We just know you will enjoy your time in our beautiful country.
A representative of You2Africa is available to assist you during your stay and the You2Africa Head Office is simply a telephone call away or an email away
We have developed a Code of Conduct based on our experience, it facilitates your stay and makes it a whole lot easier for everybody …………YOU 2 AFRICA CODE OF CONDUCT
YOU2AFRICA is fully committed to responsible volunteer travel and sustainable tourism. This code of conduct is designed to help you achieve the most of your placement in a safe manner. It also ensures that the organizations and the people we work with are treated with respect and that consideration is given to other cultures.
This code is defined in three sections:
• General
• At the Volunteer Organization
• Accommodation
Please note that breaches of the code of conduct may result in your placement being terminated without compensation.
GENERAL
1. Make use of your Support worker, who knows your area very well, and is there to support you.
2. Understand that you represent not only YOU2AFRICA but also your country of origin.
3. Realize that YOU2AFRICA has a zero tolerance policy towards the possession and use of illegal substances. If you are found in possession of, or are under the influence of such substances, you will be removed from the volunteer program immediately.
4. It is a breach of your visa’s conditions to take on any form of employment involving earning money and if you do this could result in you being immediately deported.
5. Respect, and seek to understand the culture of the country that you are placed in. This involves being tolerant to varying approaches, including customs regarding the consumption of alcohol.
6. Be aware of different attitudes towards sexual relationships. Be extremely vigilant with your own health, South Africa has an incredibly high level of HIV/AIDS positive people.
7. Treat all people with respect and dignity.
8. Dress appropriately at all times with regard to the culture you are living in.
9. Do not engage in political demonstrations or illegal activities.
10.Understand that the project and accommodation booked is non-changeable in the country without the prior approval of YOU2AFRICA Head Office.
11. Keep your support worker informed of your plans concerning trips out of Cape Town
AT THE PROJECT
1. Keep a positive mental attitude throughout your placement.
2. Be a team player with other volunteers and the staff at project. You are relied upon as a dedicated member of staff – without volunteers most projects can’t operate.
3. Abide by the rules of the project at which you are working and respect them.
4. Do not accept payment of any kind for the work that you are doing.
5. Work hard to achieve your own personal goals, but also those of the project.
6. Listen to and follow the instructions of your supervisor at the project.
7. Inform your supervisor at the project if you are at any time unable to fulfil the duties to which you have committed yourself.
8. Be careful with all materials and equipment that you use during your placement.
ACCOMMODATION
1. Respect local customs & abide by rules of the accommodation where you’re staying.
2. Check with the Host Family/Accommodation Manager before inviting anybody to visit.
3. Be aware that overnight visitors are strictly not allowed.
4. Respect the accommodation you’re using and pay for any damage that you cause to the property.
5. Keep your room clean and tidy.
6. Do not smoke in your accommodation.
7. Stay at the accommodation allocated to you. You are not allowed to make your own accommodation arrangements for security reasons.
8. Settle any outstanding bills before leaving the accommodation.
9. There will be no refunds for food or accommodation if you decide to go on trips or leave early.
