Eswatini Build A Future Volunteer Project

As a volunteer, on the build a future program you will be in the communities, building classrooms and structures for the children and maintaining existing infrastructures, with the aim of giving a good shelter for these children and a suitable schooling environment. You may also assist with the development
and maintenance of gardens which provide a source of nutritious food to the children.

You will use local techniques of making mud bricks, then lay foundations, complete plastering, flooring, windows, doors, and roofing under the supervision and direction of a local builder. Then decorate the structure! You will have the opportunity to meet with local community members and provide support to needy families and children while working on the building.

Some of the activities you will get involved in include:
- Making clay bricks
- Clearing and preparing land for structures to be built
- Digging of foundations upon which to build
- Fencing & developing gardens to provide nutritious food for the children
- Painting structures
- Upkeep swings and other play equipment

*Please note that the activities listed above are based on availability and may vary by season. These are samples of activities that volunteers are likely to participate in.

get yourself started for the day with breakfast!
08:15: Travel to your placement and get ready to begin your day.
09:00: Participate in your building project alongside our Building Project Manager and any other volunteers.
12:00: Lunch hour! Time to return to the lodge for lunch and a break.
14:00: Most afternoons you will be assisting with homework club for Primary school children at the NCPs.
16:00: Return back to your accommodation and share your day’s adventures with other volunteers - maybe even a quick swim in the pool!
18:30: Enjoy a delicious evening meal and relax!

IMPORTANT NOTE: For the building work you will need appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes or boots and work gloves and overalls or old clothes. When you work with children at the afternoon homework club, you will be in the rural areas where modesty will be an important factor. Please make sure you dress appropriately - failure to do so may result in you missing a day of volunteering. More information in the dress code will be provided in the pre-flight guide.

Day 1: Fly into OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg (more details in “Arrivals” section in the Swaziland Destination Brief) where you will be met by All Out Africa staff members who will transfer you by road from Johannesburg to the Kingdom of Swaziland. It is approximately a five hour journey from the airport to you to your accommodation in the Ezulwini Valley (Valley of Heaven). Arrive in time for dinner and spend the evening settling in and getting to know fellow volunteers.

Day 2: The second day begins with an informative presentation that will brief you on all you need to know about the culture and country, and how to effectively contribute during your volunteer experience.

Day 3-5 and other weekdays for the duration of your stay: You will spend these days volunteering on your project.

For 4-Week Option
Day 29: Return home. Sadly all great adventures must come to an end and on your final day you will leave the backpacker lodge in Eswatini and transfer by road to Johannesburg to catch your flight*.

For 4-Week+ Option
Day 29 Onwards: Continue with your volunteer project as described on days 3-5, giving you more time to contribute to your project and experience beautiful Eswatini. Sadly all great adventures must come to an end and on your final day you will leave the backpacker lodge in Eswatini and transfer by road to Johannesburg to catch your flight*.

*Airport transfer is included and facilitated by All Out Africa if on the designated departure day.

Weekends are free for you to relax or to see more of the scenery and activities!

Many of our projects work with school-aged children. Because of this, our projects may vary from the project brief descriptions during public holidays and/or school breaks. Our project coordinators will arrange additional activities for volunteers to work on during this time, or you may assist on another project during these times until work returns t the daily norm.

Arrival transfer
Accommodation
Three meals a day
24/7 support from All Out Africa staff
Projects specifically designed to enable you to make an active contribution during your stay.
In-field supervision by the All Out Africa staff
Comprehensive orientation to country, culture, and your role upon arrival.

- Minimum age of 18
- Police Clearance Form

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.