Volunteer in SWAZILAND
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Saswati, English
POPULATION: 1.14 million (2007)
GDP per CAPITA (PPP US$): Swaziland $4,705 Canada $36,687 (2008)
% of Population BELOW POVERTY LINE: 60% (2008)
United Nations Human Development Index (HDI)
The HDI measures the average progress of a country in human development. It provides a ranking of 179 countries based on three dimensions of human developemnt: living a long and healthy life, being educated and having a decent standard of living.
SWAZILAND Country Ranking 80
WHY VOLUNTEER IN SWAZILAND?
Swaziland has the highest rate of HIV and AIDS in the world. In 2004, Prime Minister Themba Dlamini declared a humanitarian crisis due to the combination of drought, land degradation, increased poverty and HIV/AIDS. Most Swazi people realize they will not live past the age of 40. Volunteer Participants provide hope by building Care Points, community centres and homes for blended families composed of children orphaned from HIV/AIDS. This experience offers incredible satisfaction as volunteers substantially improve the quality of life for families who depend on subsistence agriculture and the minimal availability of periodic employment, in just two weeks of service. Developing World Connections long term commitment is to help improve the community members' life options and to increase their self-sufficiency.
Click here to watch a video created by a group of mostly UBC students who began building a community care point in Mbabane, Swaziland. They volunteered with our Host Partner, SOS Children's Village, and local community members in 2008.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Volunteer abroad! Our host partner, S.O.S. Children’s Villages, has been caring for children around the world since 1949 and operates two children’s villages in Swaziland. You will help build much needed community centers and sustainable housing for child-led families. No special skills are required. We invite people who cannot give the gift of time to donate to Swazi projects and programs through Developing World Connections. Visit the Donate page or contact us for more ways to be of service.
WHAT CAN I SEE?
Upon completion of the volunteer experience, we recommend you experience the storytelling and communal meal of a traditional African homestead, visit Blyderiver Canyon and view the spectacular caves, rock art and wildlife of the Komati Valley, Hlane Royal National Park and the famous Kruger National Park. You can chose a range of activities that include canoeing, mountain biking, swimming and visiting craft markets and cottage industries.
WHEN CAN I GO?
| 2012 - Volunteer Experience Schedule |
| MAY 5 TO JUNE 2 (Student) |
| JULY 7 TO JULY 21 (Short Term) |
| SEPTEMBER 29 TO OCTOBER 13 (Short Term) |
Note: Schedule is subject to change depending on flight arrangements and suitability for host communities.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
For one week, the Program Cost is $1,600 and for two weeks it’s $2,000. This includes the cost of in-country food, transportation, accommodation, project costs and a substantial direct donation to the host partner and project.This does not include flights or costs outside of the 2 week experience. It’s 100% tax deductible.
