REACH! for SA is a registered 501 (c) 3 non-profit relying entirely on funds raised or donated. 

We offer the opportunity for a maximum of 12 volunteers, yearly (2 Jan -12^th Jan), to join our team for this transforming service project. REACH! will provide you with a hands-on experience helping to improve the lives of rural South African children in the Eastern Cape. Volunteers will meet the local community and their tribal leaders, and be exposed to Xhosa culture, food and traditions.

Volunteer work involves but is not limited to: basic carpentry, painting, packing, organizing supplies and toys, playing with young children.

100 % of REACH funds are allocated to the preparation and delivery of a new preschool in the rural Eastern Cape, one of South Africa’s most under-served communities. REACH provides school supplies, play structure, toilets, water catchment system, teacher training, and sometimes, teacher stipends when government funds are not forthcoming. 

We invite you to join our team! However, in order to fulfill our mission and maximize resources to the children, teachers, and schools, REACH! requires volunteers to cover the following costs:

Flights to and from East London, South Africa

$750 (refundable before October 31) Non-refundable November 1^st onwards.

• Fee covers for 10 days:

       ° All transport

       ° All meals-breakfast, lunch, dinner

       ° Accommodation 

• (Fundraising is an option. REACH! will provide you with an official letter stating the reasons for your fundraiser.) 

• Provide and bring toys and supplies from an assigned list. 

Your REACH! experience begins in Gonubie: (Day 1-6)

• After pick-up from East London Airport, hosts will drive guests to Gonubie where we will stay in a four-bedroom home and cottage on premises. The property and surrounding area includes: 

• Work area and workshop for converting and painting the container with all materials and tools provided. Volunteers will be divided into groups for the following tasks: carpentry (building shelves, tables, easels, play blocks), painting; sorting, packing, organizing toys and supplies.

• Large kitchen for shared cooking

• Swimming pool

• Two family friendly dogs

• Stunning view of Gonubie River valley

• 3 Ocean beaches and stunning estuary close by for swimming and surfing after work. 

Water is drinkable. No immunizations required

Your REACH! experience continues with container delivery that will include the following: (Day 7)

• Five-hour drive following prepared container on flat-bed through rural Eastern Cape, transportation provided

• Arrive at new school site, meet local Chief, community, teacher and children.

• Help set container, unload supplies and toys, stock container, set up classroom centers, instruct/play with kids, interact with community.

Your REACH! experience following container delivery will include the following: (Day 8-9)

Kob Inn: (2 nights)

• About a 1-1/2-hour drive from the schools, Kob Inn is a century old 3-star family hotel located right on the Wild Coast, all meals included, friendly staff, stunning walks/runs along beach. It is an ideal location to unwind and reflect, and enjoy one of South Africa’s most pristine coastlines.

• Staff are mainly Xhosa from the surrounding area.

• REACH! uses the hotel as a base for maintenance work and visiting other schools and teachers on the second day. (Voluntary)

Your final REACH! experience back to East London will include the following: (Day 10)

• Drive back to Gonubie for last night. Pack up and goodbyes. Transport back to East London airport the next day.

Are you interested? Consider these things:

Are you generous of spirit, open minded and curious? Are you eager to offer your time and skills to help those less fortunate? Do you have good people skills, do you like children, are you easy to get along with, are you interested in learning about a new culture and language, do you like travelling, do you like hard work and hot sun? If this sounds like you…

How to sign up:

• Fill in the application form below. In the case of family or group, one application per candidate. 

• REACH! will respond regarding space availability

• Once space is confirmed, a $750 expenses fee is required to secure a position (refundable up to August 31) This fee covers the cost of food, accommodation, transport during the ten days of service work. 

• You will be assigned a list of toys/supplies that you will be required to purchase and bring. 

Last bits you are responsible for: 

• Any special medical needs

• Medical insurance

• Spending money

Once the group is finalized, there will be a series of meetings to answer any questions, coordinate logistics, give you any additional information. The next time we meet will be at King Phalo airport in East London!