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South Africa -Combination Programmes

Activities : Care Work / Childcare / Community Projects / Conservation / Combo Placements / Animals
Company : Gap and Career Breaks
Country : South Africa
Region : Various
Duration : From 29 days.

Info

Why not try something different, work on a private game reserve and then follow it with a project in a childrens home. We can also offer you a language course first learning African if you so wish. We have many similar programmes to offer you.

PRIVATE GAME RESERVE:-
Set on 1000 hectares of superb bush and grassland, the sanctuary was started, and is run, by Percy and Sandy, who were originally farmers on the current piece of land and has lived there for over 25 years. Having always had an interest in the rehabilitation of orphaned and injured animals, they decided to retire from farming and concentrate on building a larger sanctuary where they could take in and look after animals that needed a home.

The owners boast the most incredible animal enclosures and aviaries in which they house the many species brought to them by the public. Nearly all the baby animals in the sanctuary are orphans that have been rescued from elsewhere and brought to the sanctuary for safety and, where possible, to be released back into their natural habitat in the wild.

They currently accommodate some wild cats, crocodiles, impala, kudu and other buck species, marmoset monkeys, emus and wallabies, and even some giraffe and zebra.
They also have over 150 species of birds, including some Spotted Eagle Owls. Apart from the wildlife, there are also domestic animals (rabbits, tortoises, etc.) and the owners have six dogs who have the run of the property.

CHILDRENS HOME:-
This children's home is strongly focused on developing skills in order to empower children to develop their full potential and to live independent lives. They offer life skills programmes and run a variety of projects encouraging the children to develop hand skills and to practice entrepreneurship. The Children's home also has an educational programme where children become temporarily involved. They also arrange sports training and sports activities to advance their physical and social development.

Handicapped and special care:
During 2001 the Children's Home launched a pilot project, financed by the Department of Social Services, to care for severely handicapped children. They have 25 handicapped children who receive 24 hours medical care as well as stimulation activities provided bay an occupational therapist and a voluntary physiotherapist.

Babies are placed in the care of satellite parents to provide more loving care in a family setup. Satellite parents are carefully recruited and selected and are constantly monitored and supported. This placement is temporary until the baby is returned to its parents or is placed with foster parents.

They also care for children with HIV/AIDS who are integrated into the normal programmes at the Children's Home.

We have many similar combination programmes available.