1 www.rcdpnepal.org www.rcdpinternationalvolunteer.org RCDP International Volunteer Program 14 years of Volunteer Abroad Experience Over 14,000 Happy Volunteers “ “ RCDP VOLUNTEER ABROAD Pre-Registration Booklet-South Africa World’s Most Affordable Volunteer Program Fee ■ Pay as low as $154 per week to volunteer ■ Pay directly to the projects and host families in South Africa ■ Over 14,000 satisfied volunteers since 1998 ■ RCDP has gone global, partnered BTCV (UK), AID Camps (UK) and Yeti (US) ■ We’ve worked with various US and UK based volunteer organizations
14 years of Volunteer Abroad ExperienceOver 14,000 Happy Volunteers“ “
RCDP VOLUNTEER ABROAD
Pre-Registration Booklet-South Africa
World’s Most Affordable Volunteer Program Fee
■ Pay as low as $154 per week to volunteer■ Pay directly to the projects and host families in South Africa■ Over 14,000 satisfied volunteers since 1998 ■ RCDP has gone global, partnered BTCV (UK), AID Camps (UK) and Yeti (US)■ We’ve worked with various US and UK based volunteer organizations
Thank you for inquiring about RCDP volunteer program in South Africa. This pre-registration booklet will provide you with valuable information on RCDP volunteer programs in South Africa. It will also give you tips about how to make your volunteer experience rewarding as well as memorable.
In South Africa, you will enjoy the warm hospitality of the local people and enjoy magnificent ruins found all over the country. RCDP International offers various volunteering opportunities in South Africa in Cape Town and the surrounding rural areas.
Many volunteer organizations run programs in South Africa. But RCDP programs are completely different from others in many aspects, most importantly in terms of how low our program fee is and how we allocate the program fee directly to the projects and the host families. In the pdf, you will also find how our meaningful our programs really and how as a volunteer you can empower the locals.
Please remember this booklet is just the beginning of the wonderful support you will enjoy when volunteering with RCDP. You will be helped every step of the way when you volunteer with us and have a meaningful and rewarding. If you have any questions after reading this pdf, please feel free to contact us.
I found out about RCDP on the Internet. How do I know that RCDP is a legitimate organization?
Brief Internet research will confirm the legitimacy of our program. We are registered with the government of Nepal’s Social Welfare Council. RCDP has been running volunteer program since 1998. Since then, we have served nearly 14,000 volunteers. You can find hundreds testimonies, photos, and blogs of our past volunteers athttp://rcdpnepal.org/about_rcdp/testimonies_nepal.php RCDP has been working with many leading UK- and US-based volunteer organizations. Some of our partners include: Experiment in International Living, US (experiment.org/) the British Trust for Nature Conservation, UK (btcv.org.uk) AIDS Camp International, UK (AidCamps.org), Youth Enhancement and Training Initiative, US. If you are still not convinced we would be glad to give you the email addresses of at least 10 volunteers who have joined our program recently.
Why isn’t RCDP based in a developed country like the US, UK, Australia or New Zealand?
Yes, our main office is based in Kathmandu, Nepal. But many UK- and US-based organizations run programs through local organization like us in many countries. Just being in the US, the UK, New Zealand, or any developed countries does not make any organization genuine. As we are increasingly in the Internet Age, why can’t an organization run a program just as effectively from Kathmandu as in New Zealand?
There are hundreds of volunteer organizations every where. Why should I join an RCDP volunteer program?
In RCDP we aim to offer all kinds of volunteering opportunities to all kinds of volunteers. We don’t want affordability to hinder anyone’s willingness to serve humanity. Therefore, our volunteer programs are humanitarian missions. We do not run our volunteer programs to make profit or earn money. We do not get external funding. Our program fees are world’s most affordable, starting as low as $250 per week.
Legitimacy of RCDP andWhy you should join an RCDP volunteer program
“ “I found the orphanage to be run very well and the kids well taken care of. I had an excellent time, working with the children on their homework and playing with them after school. I chose orphanage project because I have never been around children before and it was a great personal challenge to work with 28 kids. Thank you so much for everything.
1. You directly pay your host families and projects
Except in the Nepal office, where we collect program fees and allocate funding to host families, projects, and our ongoing community projects (two orphanages), you pay all of your money directly to host families and projects. In some countries, you pay our coordinators, who will arrange room and food. Otherwise you directly pay your host families and projects, which make sure that your money does not go to middlemen or as a profit for company but go directly to people who deserve it. We challenge you to find any other organization that runs program this way.
2. Our services
RCDP feels proud of its efficient communication and prompt delivery of services. RCDP guarantees an efficient and accurate reply to your email within 48 hours. If you send your telephone number, we guarantee that you will be called within 48 hours. From our many years of experience, we have learned the importance of quick communication. Please drop us one email and see how efficient we are!
3. Program quality
■ Do you believe that by just charging you $2,000 for two weeks of volunteer program, good-quality services are guaranteed?
■ Do you believe that volunteer fees are very high for many US and UK volunteering organizations because of expenses such as salaries, or profiteering?
■ Do you believe that many UK- or US-based organizations that run their program through local partners (like RCDP) keep a large chunk of your fee as profit?
■ What would you feel when you meet many volunteers from leading UK, US, Australia, New Zealand organizations working in the same orphanages or teaching projects, and living in the same host families, basically getting the same shelter and food, but paying nearly 1,000% more in program fees?
You may associate low program fees with low program quality. This should not be done. Since 1998, we have been running extremely affordable, safe, and yet high-quality programs serving nearly 14,000 volunteers. Please read our testimonies or please ask us for the references of volunteers who have joined our program recently and find the quality of our program. As a humanitarian organization, we aim to grow and serve humanity. This is only possible if we win your trust. Therefore, we want to provide you with the best volunteer experience with the cheapest price possible. When you land in developing countries and when you find every thing so cheap, you might wonder where all of your program fee is being spent. With RCDP, payments are directly made to families, to get the best experience and best value for your money.
Legitimacy of RCDP andWhy you should join an RCDP volunteer program
“ “RCDP have helped in many ways to ease the problems or difficulties that volunteers face. All in all, I had a wonderful time; I have learnt a lot and hope that students and teachers at my school have learnt some worthwhile things from me too.
4. Experienced staffers/host families and screened projects
When we started our volunteer program in 1998, nearly 100 enthusiastic volunteers from different parts of the world joined the RCDP-Nepal program. In the first year, we understood the importance of having an organized program, dedicated service, meaningful projects, and concern for safety. Ever since then, RCDP has been a respected and recognized name in the field of volunteering. We are committed to maintaining our reputation.
When we develop a new program in a new country, we do not just do it by email correspondence. We travel each country and spend at least one month time recruiting local staffers, visiting many host families and projects. We select a few host families and projects which have worked with or served the volunteers from UK- and US-based organizations. This way, we ensure the safety and quality of the program. RCDP feels proud of our staffers and host families. All of them are socially respected, experienced or worked with international volunteers, and believe in making your volunteer experience wonderful.
5. Flexibility—customized projects
We understand that every volunteer has different needs and expectations. Therefore, in each location, we have developed partnerships with different kind of local projects like orphanages, schools, healthcare centers, HIV/AIDS programs, women’s empowerment projects and NGOs working in different areas. Therefore, we can tailor your need and meet your expectations. We know that some volunteers want to work many hours while some want to travel more. Some enjoy rural areas and some need cities. Some volunteers want to stay in host family for cultural experience while some prefer living with other volunteers in a hostel. Therefore, before assigning any project or host family we carefully read your application, try to understand your needs and expectations, and match the best placement for you.
6. Ongoing Support
From the day we receive your email, we take care of you. We work hard to make sure that you are getting all support. Our support structure is varied.■ When we get your email, we reply within 48
hours ■ When we get your telephone number, we call
you within 48 hours ■ Before you apply, we send you a pre-
registration package ■ When we get your application, we guarantee
placement within four weeks ■ Before your departure, our country coordinator
will email or call you to answer last-minute questions
■ Before your departure, you get a comprehensive booklet
■ Our coordinator and staffers come to welcome and pick you up at the airport
■ Our coordinator introduces you to the projects and host family, and gives a short orientation about country
■ Our coordinator meets or calls you every two week to find how things going
■ If you need any help our group coordinators are always there for you
Legitimacy of RCDP andWhy you should join an RCDP volunteer program
Like your parents, we are concerned about your safety. Safety is the first priority of RCDP volunteer programs. We ensure your safety in many ways.
■ Our pre-departure booklet explains many safety issues
■ RCDP places you in trustworthy, screened projects where volunteers from other organizations work
■ We screen host families carefully and place you with a host family with high social status and previous experience with volunteers
■ Our country coordinator will visit or call you regularly
■ We train our staffers, host families, and project workers about the importance of safety
■ Our offices are available 24/7 for you ■ If you prefer, we guarantee that you will live and
work with other volunteers
8. A sense of family and friendship
RCDP volunteer programs are humanitarian missions. The RCDP founder, staffers, host families, project workers and volunteers are all considered to be a family working for the noble cause of serving humanity. Many host families and volunteers develop strong ties of friendship. We recently launched a Facebook website where you can see our growing family. It is our sincere hope that our program will develop a friendship between you and RCDP and help us to grow and better serve communities in future.
9. Our Experience
RCDP has been running its volunteer abroad program since 1998. So far we have successfully placed more than 14,000 volunteers. Nearly 99% of our volunteers were very happy—please ask us for the references of the past volunteers. We offer a thorough, well-rounded, and successful volunteer program which often exceeds the expectations of participants. RCDP volunteer programs are not just a simple volunteer placement services. We aim to offer meaningful abroad programs which include language courses, cultural immersion, volunteer opportunities and amazing travel experience, ensuring that volunteers do not miss out on a single lifelong memory. RCDP programs consist of language and cultural immersion programs, volunteer service projects, and excursions.
Legitimacy of RCDP andWhy you should join an RCDP volunteer program
“ “I would recommend RCDP for other volunteers looking for a rewarding volunteering experience. My advice would be to make sure you can stay long enough- I have only been here two weeks and if I could do things over again I would stay for two months or longer. There is so much to learn, see and do.
Discover a country of stunning beauty and help the disadvantaged with our affordable and meaningful programs. From Table Mountain to God’s Window and with mountains, forests, coasts and deserts, South Africa will feast your eye and lift your spirit. The cultures of different races that have settled in South Africa over hundreds of years make the country a very colorful and a fascinating place to visit. South Africa also has one of the strongest economies in Africa and it is also one of the strongest democratic countries in African with free press and independent judiciary. Despite all this, South Africa has gone through a series of racial and social struggles and this has created many socio-economic problems including the huge economic gap that exists between the rich and the poor. Many grassroots communities are very active in trying to tackle this problem. Join RCD’s program in South Africa and volunteer to help the disadvantaged. You will gain an extraordinary experience and return home with memories that will stay with you forever.
On-going volunteer programs in rural and Cape Town:
• Work in Orphanages (Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Albertinia, Knysna, Oudtshoorn & Riversdale)
• Help Rehabilitate Street Children/Youth at Risk (Cape Town)
• Teach English in Rural Schools (Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Albertinia, Knysna, Oudtshoorn &
Riversdale)• Work in HIV/AIDS Projects (Cape Town)• Work for Social Services Projects (Cape Town,
The volunteer projects are located in Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa, and in other places like Stellenbosch, Albertinia, Knysna, Oudtshoorn and Riversdale. Cape Town is the quintessential melting pot: it is a city alive with creativity, color, sounds and tastes. While walking through the city’s streets and meeting its people, you will fall in love with its natural beauty, creative freedom and incredible spirit. Stellenbosch is located about 50 km east of Cape Town and has a population of just over 100 hundred thousand. It lies in a hilly region and is sheltered in a valley at an average elevation of 136m. The area around Stellenbosch is known as wine country and has a very lush environment.
Start and Duration of Programs
All the programs start every 2nd and 4th Monday of each month. Volunteers can choose to volunteer for 1 to 12 weeks.
Skill and Qualification Requirements
Volunteers/interns interested in joining our volunteer health program must possess healthcare certification, such as an ID as a medical student, EMT or paramedic certification or nursing or physician’s credentials. Other than that, volunteers need not hold extra skills or qualifications to work in our projects. You should just come with a willing heart and dedicated mind.
Various social-economic problems like poverty, disease and neglect have turned many South African children into helpless orphans. The orphanages looking after the children are doing a good job of raising, feeding, clothing and educating the children. But most of these orphanages face shortage of funds and volunteers to help raise the children. Assistance is urgently required. RCDP International has been working in collaboration with local orphanages in South Africa to give quality life the orphaned children deserve. The orphanages need dedicated volunteers to help their work more effective and successful.
Help Rehabilitate Street Children/Youth at Risk
A lot of children in South Africa can be found in streets roaming hopelessly. Many of these children are without parents, doing drugs, and are sometimes caught up in petty and serious crimes. These children can be rehabilitated back to their families and societies. RCDP International runs street children/youth at risk project in Cape Town and has been helping these children pursue normal childhood. Through this program, we provide love, care, life skills and a feeling of acceptance to these children.
Teach English in Rural Schools
Schools in deprived area of South Africa need assistance as they lack enough funds and resources to provide quality education. English is the most widely spoken language in South Africa, therefore, students must learn it from their early years. But schools attended by children from poor families often lack the necessary environment to give quality education to the students. Teaching English Project aims at enhance written as well as spoken English language skills of these children. Volunteers can assist by taking classes, preparing curriculum or organizing various activities for the children to participate in.
Project Descriptions
“ “The staffs in the school were equally kind and arranged activities for entertainment outside school hours. I observed teachers the first day and then taught alone. Before arriving I feared that my presence would be unnecessary in the school; I might be assisting only. I was glad to see however that I was needed while I was there.
- Aisling Marron, Ireland
“ “I volunteer at an orphanage and it was really a very nice experience. The children were great and I was made to feel at home there. I also felt I was able to make a difference in their lives even if it was only for a short period of time.
Large scale HIV/AIDS infection has adversely affected South African communities. Many families have broken down and many children orphaned. RCDP International’s HIV/AIDS project facilitates educational outreach and supports terminally ill patients (adults and children) with at-home care and offers counseling and emotional support to affected family members. This project is fully supported by schools, churches, local clinics, social services and the district office for social development, as well as UNICEF.
Work for Social Services Projects
Volunteers working in Social service projects work with disabled people, students in need of special education and senior citizens. You will have to assist disabled people ranging in age from 5 to 44 years who suffer from various physical and mental disabilities like cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, water heads, hemiplegic, hearing, speech, sight, autism, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and tuberculosis. Likewise in special education group, volunteers assist students who struggle with various learning disabilities and challenges. And for senior citizens, volunteers will assist their day to day activities and take physical stimulation classes.
Assist in Day Care Centers in South Africa
Many underprivileged families and working mothers cannot provide adequate care to little children. Therefore Day Care Centers are vital in South Africa. Volunteers can assist in those centers by feeding these children, keeping them clean, playing with them and teaching them. English speaking volunteers might also assist by teaching spoken English to the children.
Project Descriptions
“ “
My host family is lovely. It was an interesting experience to stay in a real home in a host country, seeing how everything works, sitting with the family and joining in the meal, talking and laughing. The experience allows total immersion in to daily life. The food was good and serving generous. My accommodation was really good-comfortable, private and everything I required there. The family was really lovely and made me feel at home.
Schools in many areas of Cape Town are underfunded and understaffed and the students need help to make sure they get quality education. English is the most widely spoken language in South Africa; therefore, students must learn it from their early years. But schools attended by children from poor families often lack the necessary environment to give quality education to the students. Teaching English Project aims at enhancing written as well as spoken English language skills of these children. Volunteers can assist by taking classes, preparing curriculum or organizing various activities for the children to participate in.
Sports Program
Sports is a wonderful medium for kids to get motivated, keep physically fit and keep them in school and away from harm’s way. But the facilities in the school where the kids study are rarely utilized and the school does not have the necessary funds to hire sports teacher and run the program. When you volunteer in the project, you will be helping the school run the program and organize games. You will work with the kids and get to the join the game.children to participate in.
Work in HIV/AIDS Projects
The aim of the project is to increase access to basic healthcare, decrease the prevalence of endemic disease and improve overall health by providing public health projects and promoting health education. This is a wonderful opportunity for volunteers to help the poor people of South Africa.
Work in Orphanages in South Africa
Minimum stay 4 weeks
Cape Town is one of the largest cities in South Africa. There are people in the city who live luxurious lives there, while there are also people who toil every day to survive and children who do not have parents and must depend on orphanages for their survival. Various social-economic problems like poverty, disease and neglect have turned many South African children into helpless orphans. The orphanages looking after the children are doing a good job of raising, feeding, clothing and educating the children. But most of these orphanages face shortages of funds and volunteers to help raise the children. Assistance is urgently required. RCDP International has been working in collaboration with local orphanages in South Africa to give the quality of life the orphaned children deserve. The orphanages need dedicated volunteers to help their work be more effective and successful.
Conservation Program
Cape Town is known all over the world for Table Mountain and its dramatic landscape and the coast. Cape Town is also a very modern city with world class infrastructure and large multicultural population. The city enjoys many attractions including various reserves. To main this attraction is the long term priority of the City and for that it needs the help of the residents and dedicated volunteers. The project works in the Southern Suburbs and along the False Bay Coastline to maintain the wonderful beauty, landscape and marine life. Join the project now and experience conservation work in one of the most beautiful place in the world.
RCDP is responsible for looking after the accommodation and the meal of the volunteer during your program in South Africa. Volunteers will stay either in a hostel (volunteer house) or with host family as decided by our local coordinators. The volunteer house provides a home base type of environment where you can mingle with other volunteers. It is also a safe and secure place for our volunteers to stay. You will get a dormitory accommodation and volunteers will get 3 meals a day but not on weekends. Volunteers working in central Cape Town will stay in a volunteer house, but the house does tend to fill of fast.
In a host family, volunteers will get the opportunity to experience local culture. Our host families will have hosted many international volunteers beforehand. You will have a private room with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. Many host families may not have running hot water. You can ask someone to do your laundry for a small fee. The arrangement depends entirely on you and the host family.
During the project, we will constantly monitor your progress and inquire if you are happy with the project or not. Our local coordinator lives close to the project and you will have access to his mobile phone number 24 hours.
Project Details
“ “Our time spent on the conservation project was time well spent. Working with team leader each day made it even more enjoyable. He included the volunteers in all aspects of the project and he is a lot of fun to work with. The RCDP staffs were friendly and helpful, as was the orphanage staff.
When you join our program, we will make sure that all of your money goes to the projects and host families. Part of your fees also helps us cover our expenses. The program fee is divided in as registration fee of $269 and weekly fee for room, food, coordination, and project donation.
In south Africa, Weekly fees are divided between room plus 3 local foods a day (50%) and project donation/support of local project staffers (50%). This allocation may differ depending on location, project type, etc. Our coordinator will explain these issues before you pay the fee. Below is the breakdown of costs in a weekly basis.
*To convert Rand into USD or another currency, please visit: http://themoneyconverter.com/ZAR/USD.aspx* Volunteers will do payments in Rand when they arrive in South Africa.
* Comprehensive Travel Insurance $3.49/day
What the program fee covers■ Airport pickup■ Transfer to hostel or host family (one way)■ Accommodation and food (3 meals a day)■ Support from local staffs■ Orientation upon arrival■ Customized volunteer placement■ Regular visit or call (1-2 week intervals)
What the program fee does not cover■ Airfare, visa and visa extensions■ Daily transportation (between project and host family, if required) ■ Return/transfer to airport, airport taxes■ Any personal expenses■ Mineral water and soft drinks■ Gifts to project staffs and host family■ Laundry, telephone, immunizations
The safety of our volunteers is our top priority. There are many layers of support for you in South Africa. You will get support from the country coordinator, project directors/staff, the host family, your embassy, and our South Africa office. However, your main support comes from our in-country coordinator. Our in-country coordinator is a full time position created to support and help our volunteers (at any point for any reason). In South Africa, we work with terrific country coordinators. They are mature, educated, socially respected, and have long history of working with international volunteers.
Communication:
The internet is widely available in Cape Town. There are many internet cafes that rent computers by the hour and most hostels or hotels will have internet rooms. However, internet access is sporadic in rural locations. Please confirm access before you count on it.
International phone calling at Private Phone Centers is pay in cash phone calling from widely available locations. The phone facilities are good, but expensive. Volunteers can expect international calls to cost around $1US per minute.
Post offices are open weekdays with reliable but very slow service. Try not to mail anything of value, but sending a postcard or letter home is definitely an option, however it may take weeks to arrive!
Visas
Before departing for South Africa, RCDP International requires volunteers obtain a tourist visa. A tourist visa is an entry permit into the country and is required for travel into South Africa. Your local South African embassy to learn more about the proper steps in receiving a visa, visa fees and visa extensions; or contact our offices with questions.
Volunteers are solely responsible for obtaining their South African visa. RCDP International cannot be held liable for delays in the visa process.
Vaccinations
We suggest vaccinations against public health threats and other communicable diseases. Please refer to CDC website:wwwnc.cdc.govtravel/destinations/Ecuador.aspx
Following vaccinations are recommended. ■ Hepatitis A■ Hepatitis B■ Rabies■ Typhoid■ Malaria ■ As needed, booster doses for tetanus-
If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected] Office
First Step: Please submit your application using online application system. A $50 refundable application fee is
needed to apply.
Second Step: Once we receive $50, we will immediately forward your application to country coordinator for processing.
Our coordinator will visit the project and confirm the placement for you. We will also make necessary arrangements for rooms/foods. Once everything is confirmed and arranged, we will send you a confirmation letter and placement sheet through email. This process may take up to 2 -4 weeks. Once you receive the confirmation letter, you can start to prepare for the trip as it means you have been accepted in our program. Your preparation includes vaccination, visa, ticket, collecting information about South Africa etc.
Third Step: Once you confirm your flight itinerary, you will pass the information to us. When you arrive at the airport,
one of our staffs will be waiting for you. You will pay the weekly project fee directly in the orphanage in the first day. Then start your project without any worries as we will take care of your every need during your stay.
3-Step Application Process:
If you want to volunteer with RCDP International and gain incredible experience of helping grassroots communities thrive, please apply online at www.rcdpinternationalvolunteer.org/apply.php
Please make sure you know which program you are volunteering and how long you want to volunteer before filling up the form. For details, please visit www.rcdpinternational.org
