Volunteer Handbook
The following outlines some useful information for volunteers. As well as accomadation, food and local information, we outline how a typical day runs and some of the extra activities available on the weekends.
- Accommodation
- Eating Arrangements
- Security
- Internet / Telephone Access
- Laundry
- A Typical Day
- Shopping
- Extra Activities
- Testimonials from recent volunteers
If you have any more questions please Contact Us. Click here for information about the progam cost.
Accommodation
The Jetty: The Jetty is a relaxed and peaceful family home set on the Umzimbuvu River. Three of the Amapondo Project's coordinators, Luke, Dianne and Don, live at the Jetty along with Luke's son Daniel and Dianne's daughter Rachel. In the evenings, after a hard days work, you can go canoeing, cycling or walking and all equipment will be provided free of charge. The Jetty has a warm homely feel and you will be made to feel very welcome.
Eden Cottage This beautiful cottage is conveniently situated less than a minutes walk through the banana trees from Sisonke School. It has a stunning veranda with panoramic views of the river and the Indian Ocean. Depending on the season you can walk out the door and pick a variety of fresh fruit including avocados, lemons, oranges, mangoes, bananas and paw paws... it really is paradise.
Eating Arrangements
The Jetty: Your dinner will be provided every evening at around 6.30pm and everyone takes it in turns to help out in the kitchen. Dinner is eaten together around a large table and stories are shared from the day. In the morning you make your own breakfast from the goods provided for you in the volunteer's kitchen. There is always lots of fresh fruit, home made jams, bread and cereal available. You also have the option of packing a lunch from goods provided by Diane, such as freshly baked bread and fresh fruit.
Drinking Water: It is safe to drink the tap water in Port St. Johns, although some people do find that they get a bit of an upset tummy if they are not used to the difference from their water at home.
Security
The Jetty: The Jetty is a very safe place to be and most guests keep all of their belongings in their own room. If you do feel nervous about doing this, however, there is a small safe available in which you can keep your valuables, such as your passport or video camera etc. Most guests sleep with their room doors open and they are left open throughout the day.
Internet / Telephone Access
The best way to contact home is by using The Hub internet café in Port St Johns' town centre. It is managed by Stefan, a project coordinator, and part owned by Don. It costs R35 for 1 hour or you can buy a R100 coupon for 4 hours of internet time. Both the Jetty and Amapondo Backpackers have a telephone that you can use, but you should purchase a local phone card to enable you to make cheap overseas calls.
Laundry
Please leave your washing outside the office / reception before 9am in the morning. It will be returned to your room washed and dried the same evening, as long as the whether is fine.
A Typical Day
While we find there is no such thing as a typical day working here, the following is an example of the schedule we try to stick to on the weekdays:
08.00 – 08.30 Leave for your project
08.30 – 12.30 Morning Projects
12.30 – 13.30 Lunch (this time is subject to change)
14.00 – 17.00 Afternoon Projects
18.30 – 19.30 Supper is served & plans are made for the following day
Remember to take breaks as and when you need them. The sun can get extremely hot so please take care and apply plenty of sun block, SPF 30 or more, before setting off in the morning. Take your sun block out with you also so you can reapply throughout the day.
Shopping
Everything you need to get by can be found in Port St Johns' town centre on the main streets:
| Grocery Stores | Pick n Save or Boxers |
| Chemist | Lubanzi Pharmacy, for sun tan location, mosquito spray or medicine |
| Doctors | There are many doctors in town, get the aid of any coordinator to assist you |
| Banks | Absa or Standard Bank, both have cash machines (ATMs) |
| Internet | The Hub, on the main road |
| Post Office | On the main road, beside The Hub |
Airtime / phone credit can be bought at the Post Office, Boxers or Pick n Save
Extra Activities
Saturdays and Sundays are your free days and activities are often coordinated for the weekend. You can look forward to visiting the Mud Caves for a natural Spa, the beautiful Magwa Falls, Second Beach, the Blow Hole, and the pretty village of Poenskop. Weather in Port St Johns can change quickly, however, so activities can be subject to last minute cancellations. All of the day trips are free of charge for our volunteers.
Pop to amapondovolunteers.co.za and follow the link to a goggle map of the area showing the location of the local hikes and attractions, as well as the some of the projects.