MOZAMBIQUE RURAL PRE-SCHOOL, ORPHAN CARE AND TEACHING PROJECT
VILANCULOS, MOZAMBIQUE

The coastal town of Vilanculos is the centre for this project which provides a fascinating insight into the lives of the people in this beautiful area of Mozambique. Volunteers become involved in many of the initiatives being developed in this community including teaching at the pre-school learning centre, orphan care, rural home building and sports coaching projects. This project offers something for everyone!

	Location:	VILANCULOS, MOZAMBIQUE	Dates:	Any date throughout the year.
	Fees:	£845 - 2 weeks £1,195 - 4 weeks	Payment:	£180 deposit at time of booking – balance of project fee due 8 weeks before departure
	Reference:	AV010

General Information

Highlights

• Teaching in a rural pre-school through songs, games and crafts
• Local orphanage involvement and assistance
• Working on outreach projects and assisting sick people to gain skills that will enable them to achieve a sustainable income
• Helping to rebuild traditional houses for disadvantaged and disabled villagers - destroyed by Cyclone Favio
• Learning the basics of the local language
• Coaching a local youth soccer team
• Experiencing local Mozambican culture - volunteers may get to experience the the local lifestyle including traditional food, dancing, drumming and singing (once a month)
• Make friends for life with the other international volunteers on the programme 
   

Rural Pre-School Learning Centre

Volunteers will visit the pre-school each morning to support the local teachers in educating the local children, bringing their creative talents and ideas to the classroom.

Activities might include:

• Singing and dancing with the children in both English and local languages
• Developing the children’s creative skills through crafts such as painting, drawing and colouring
• Playing games with the children who often don't have these opportunities at home
• General upkeep of the school to keep it a pleasant environment in which to learn

Community Projects  

Orphan Care Work

Volunteer Involvement at the Orphanage

• Building development at certain times of the year
• English and Portuguese lessons with the children using visual aids and the help of a translator
• Playing with the children helping them to learn new games
• Constructive sports games such as soccer
• Giving the orphans the one on one care and attention that these enthusiastic children so deserve
• Craftwork such as making rag rugs, shell mobiles, pot decoration etc using materials often found by the children in the local community 

Rural Home-Building

• Assist with rural home-building for local disadvantaged and disabled villagers made homeless by Cyclone Favio which hit the Mozambican coast in February 2007. 

Currently one home is completed every 2-3 weeks - these are simple and rustic structures of the same style as the local community and provide shelter for individuals who would otherwise have nowhere to call home. The work is sometimes hard but always rewarding and offers an amazing insight into rural Vilanculos and the chance to interact with locals.

Football/Soccer Coaching (optional)

Volunteers can help train the local boys football/soccer team as well as coaching the younger children who are keen to be involved and learn. The youth football team was started about a year ago to help keep disadvantaged young people out of trouble and off the streets.   For those volunteers who want to be involved activities include basic exercises and team-building drills such as running/fitness, stretching, as well as team work.   Volunteers who are not particularly interested in football/soccer may enjoy the chance to work with the younger children using the soccer field as a stage to teach them life skills and enhance their sense of self-worth.  This is extremeley rewarding and great fun!

Teaching English

English is being taught at the orphanage, to the teachers at the pre-school, the soccer boys and the wider community, as well as two sessions a week to students and adults who live just outside of Vilankulo town. Volunteers are responsible for making the interactive lesson plans, using flash cards, games and work sheets.  Active participation from the students is encouraged and volunteers enjoy this exciting work as they are able to give these local people an opportunity to widen their horizons and communicate beyond their borders.  If volunteers would like they can choose to work on a one-to-one basis with weaker students or those with learning difficulties.

Mozambique Travel Highlights

• Open Water 3 day PADI Certified Scuba Diving Course US$410 (can be incorporated as part of project)
• Dhow Safari to Islands US$60 per day (includes snorkeling equipment, National Parks fee and lunch)
• Deep Sea fishing excursions US$300 for full day
• Snorkeling excursions
• Horseback rides on the beach US$35
• Eating out at numerous restaurants and bars that can either give you a taste of Mozambique or of home

Please note that these prices are subject to change

I feel much more content with my life and can't help smiling whenever I think of the many memories I have taken away. I enjoyed the experience so much that I'm trying to work out a way to come back as soon as possible ... I cant put into words everything that I have gained from this experience but it has affected every aspect of my life.
Claire Rourke, Age 29, UK

I didn't think that the whole experience would have such an influence on me. I know that the programme goals are to help people who need it and to try to make a difference, but at the end has changed me completely. Now I appreciate life in a different way and I know that having a lot of money and things that you can buy mean nothing compared to the emotions and sense of achievement that you get by helping others.
Teja Kolar, Age 31, Croatia

Support

Support and advice is available from your Project Managers whilst on the project and from the UK Amanzi Travel Team.

Find out more about Amanzi Travel support

Orientation

A comprehensive information pack will be sent to all our volunteers upon booking their trip and further advice and information will be provided via telephone and email before departure. A full orientation will be provided when you arrive at the project by the local support team including information on the current status of the projects and familiarising you with the local surroundings.

Accommodation and Meals

You will be staying in rustic comfortable thatched bungalows, located 100m from the beach. Bungalows include: 2 triple bedrooms and 1 bathroom with toilet and shower; kitchen lounge/dining area garden and BBQ area and pool with deck.

You will be provided with three meals a day. Breakfast is on a help-yourself basis and usually consists of cereals/porridge, toast, tea and coffee. Lunch and dinner are full meals, and will be cooked for you by the volunteer cook at the bungalow.

Getting There

Fly directly into Vilanculos International Airport where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your accommodation. (There may be a number of ways to reach your destination airport - for further information or advice please contact Amanzi Travel)

Let Amanzi Travel arrange your flights for you

Project Fees

What is included

• A contribution to the projects themselves eg teaching materials, sports equipment, supplies, etc
• Transfer from Vilanculos Airport to the volunteer accommodation and daily transport to and from the projects
• Orientation and introduction to the project
• "On-the-job" educational activities and support from volunteer co-ordinator and local staff
• All accommodation including 3 meals a day

What is excluded

• Travel insurance (to include cover for repatriation)
• Return flights to Vilanculos Airport
• Personal items eg clothes, travel goods Buy your travel goods though Amanzi
• Use of internet (email) and telephone, soft drinks, wines and spirits.
• Visas and any trips/activities undertaken other than in the planned expedition