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
- Shopping
- Extra Activities
If you have any more questions please Contact Us.
Information about the progam cost.
Accommodation
The Village: These traditional Rondavals give volunteers the opportunity to stay in the heart of the village, a true South African experience. You can wake up to watch the sun rising over the ocean, a view like none other, and a perfect way to start your day. After a self serve breakfast, you'll be ready to spend the day in the gardens, making bricks, cooking or whatever the day shall bring. When lunch time comes, experience a traditional meal cooked by the local ladies in the village. In the afternoons after a hard days work, you can cool down at the beautiful Umngazi Beach, participate in a yoga class, or simply relax in your comfortable rondavel. before enjoying a home cooked dinner, fresh from the permiculture gardens. At night marvel at the bright night sky by the fire before falling asleep to the silence of the village around you.
Village accomodation
Rondavals
Sunset
Eating Arrangements
The Village: Your dinner will be provided every evening at around 6.30pm. You will usually always find something on the table that you have helped prepare that day, for example fresh humus, chutneys, bread etc. Dinner is eaten together and stories are shared from the day. In the morning you make your own breakfast from the goods provided for you in the kitchen. There is always lots of fresh fruit, home made jams, bread and cereal available. Lunch is served around 12pm, and is always something delicious cooked my Mamma Pat and the ladies in the village.
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.
Evening meal
Homemade homegrown produce
Preparing lunch
Security
The Village is a very safe place to be and most volunteer's keep all of their belongings in their rooms.
Internet / Telephone Access
The best way to contact home is by using The Hub internet cafe in Port St Johns' town centre. It costs R35 for 1 hour or you can buy a R100 coupon for 4 hours of internet time. There is skype available at the Hub for making calls, or alternatively there are pay phones in town which you can use with an international calling card.
Laundry
The Village: Washing will be done 3 times a week for you, provided the weather is okay.
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.
