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HEALING THROUGH HORSES

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HEALING THROUGH HORSES  ZAR14,117.00

Help disabled children experience the freedom of movement!
Combining the love for horses with helping disabled children, this unique volunteer opportunity is a winner.

 

Volunteer

With the assistance of volunteers and trained instructors, children with very little mobility can experience the freedom of their limbs moving while on horse back. Volunteers need horsemanship experience, as well as, a love for children and patience with disabilities. This very, specialised project is highly sought after and only has limited spaces, so book early to avoid disappointment.


This is a voluntary, non-profit organization which provides free riding instruction and other activities associated with riding for people with disabilities.

The Cape Town branch operating from its leased premises in the beautiful Constantia Valley since 1983. This location draws from a large community of volunteers who live in the surrounding suburbs. For the children who come to ride here the location is perfect as many come from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and the safety and beauty of the surroundings provides further benefit to their well-being. We have 15 working horses all of which were carefully selected. The work is hard and it is imperative that the horse has a good temperament. They are directed through specialized training exercises on a regular basis and their health and fitness is vital to the success of the therapy. Our riders have a special relationship with their individual horse and for many it is the first unaffected relationship they have experienced.

Start every Monday - arrival on the Thursday before start date

1 month prior to project start date

Available

South Africa

Western Cape

Cape Town

Town (some shops, a bank and internet cafe available)

Yes

No

Yes - Committee’s anonymous decision and availability

18

Community

The Cape Town centre is fortunate to have approximately 180 volunteers who serve in various capacities: instructors, physiotherapist, helpers with both pupils and horses, as members of management and fundraising committees. This community involvement and co-operation is a special part of the project`s make-up, and both pupils an volunteers benefit from the communication and friendships which develop. Working with horses is incredibly rewarding, volunteers will learn a lot about this very creative form of therapy, and the location of project is very beautiful.

The volunteer adds value to the disabled child`s life by treating them with dignity and giving them confidence to ride on the horse. Without a large number of volunteers (local and international) it would not be possible to offer these horse-riding classes, as some children require 2 adults walking next to them and supporting them while they are on the horse.
Obviously, the horses also need care and grooming, and for their stables and surrounding areas to be kept clean. PLEASE NOTE: Caring for horses is physically strenuous! Volunteers must be ready to work hard! Working hours are Monday to Friday from 08h00 to 12h30 and 14h00 to 18h00

8 weeks

Horsemanship is an advantage, though all new volunteers are adequately trained. There is a lot of physical work involved so one needs to be physically fit. One needs to have a desire to be part of this program as the hour are long. Monday to Friday (08h00-12h30 and 14h00to 18h00)

Intermediate English - you need to understand instructions given to you by staff, particularly while supporting disabled children on horseback.

1662

School holidays: 27 March - 11 April 2010
10 June - 12 July 2010
24 September - 3 October 2010
11 December - 19 January 2011
Public Holidays

Very basic Cabin that sleeps 2 volunteers(same sex) on the project`s premises located in a rural area surrounded by vineyards and forests, in earshot of the Stable Manager`s family home. The cabin is a very simple open-plan container, with a shower, basin and loo, a kitchenette, 2 (lockable) cupboards and 2 single beds (bedding provided)... and very friendly cats.

In the event that volunteers are not `same sex`, one volunteer will be placed with a host family. And, depending on the on the distance of the host family to the project, an extra cost may be involved for transport to and from the project.

The staff and local volunteers at this project are very helpful in taking You2Africa volunteers shopping.
Food is self catering – the accommodation is kitted out with all the necessary facilities, and a food budget will be given to the volunteers weekly.

- No transport needed between accommodation and project as cabin is ON the project`s premises. Unless a volunteer has to be placed in a host family.
- There are bicycles available to get to local shops (approx 15 minute cycle).
- Private taxi`s can be hired to town if volunteers wish to go out in the evenings (approx R300 per trip - return, to volunteer`s account).
- If over 24yrs one can hire a car – highly advisable if the volunteer has high social needs.

- Airport Transfers
- YOU2AFRICA`S CAPE TOWN ORIENTATION: 3 nights accommodation, orientation that covers everything the volunteers need to know about staying in South Africa (from social skills to transport and safety), two meals per day, bus trip into town, lunch (on the Friday), walking tour of the city, a train ride back to there accommodation and day trip (on the Saturday).
- Transfer to project
- All paperwork, placement and liaising with Volunteer Project
- Appointed Supervisor for duration of program
- Accommodation
- Food budget for meals
- Donation per month to the Volunteer Project, to assist in their funding.
- A South African sim card that works on a pay-as-you-go top up system
- Monthly socials for volunteers to get together and meet other volunteers (cost depends on social)
- Certificate & Report on Volunteer`s Program should this be required for studies or other purposes

-The cost of a visa in the case of your volunteer stay being longer than 90 days
- Medical Insurance which must include work, emergency evacuation. Please make sure you understand how your medical insurance works in South Africa as You2Africa will be unable to pay for any doctors accounts or the like in lieu of being refunded by the medical scheme
-Weekend excursions
- Local Transport
- Towels and toiletries
- Accommodation if Volunteer arrives before start date
- Transport to Accommodation if Volunteer arrives before start date

Community Impact `Voluntour`

Yes. There is an element of risk: Horse-riding is registered as an extreme sport by Insurance Companies
Volunteers need to lift children properly(to avoid back strain)

Not a good environment for those suffering from allergies and asthma. All personnel are to assume that anyone at the centre could be HIV positive. Precautions are to be taken when handling blood in the event of an accident.