I've stayed in Jeffreys Bay for three weeks and
worked as a volunteer at one of the schools in the township. The
children at the Creche were very adorable and the two teachers were
just amazing in their dedication to educate about 40-50 children
every single day. They could definitely use some helping hands and
their appreciation for me investing three weeks of my time in
helping them was enormous...........Read
more
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Great White Sharks Volunteers South Africa
Introduction: Roaming
the worlds oceans, the Great White Shark is undoubtedly the greatest
predatory force of the seas. Cloaked in myth, misunderstanding and fear,
this awesome animal remains a mystery to man. The Great White Shark
Project is a unique opportunity to view the Great White Shark in its
natural environment, either from a boat or an underwater cage. You'll
also see other wildlife species, including Cape Gannets, Bryde Whales,
Cape Fur Seals, Dolphins and Jackass Penguins. On this project you'll
learn a lot about the Great White and then you'll put that knowledge to
use by assisting in conservation and research into this awesome animal.
Sharks are intelligent and vulnerable, deserving of sympathy and
respect. Education helps people to lose the Jaws phenomenon and gain the
realization that sharks are a complex and precious species, living in
the water - just doing their best to survive. White Shark Projects is a
world leading organization focusing on the Great White Shark. Founded in
1989 purely as a research center, since 1989 it has grown and broadened
its services to include an excellent film department, diving and viewing
center and a separate conservation and educational department.
"Everything we do we aim to do in harmony with nature and the
environment we are working in." The dedicated Shark Team have been
conducting population dynamics and behavioral research since 1991.
 Location:
The program will run out of Gansbaai, South Africa. The White Shark
fieldwork will take place around Dyer Island and possibly other shark
locations. Dyer Island (Shark Alley!) is possibly the best place in the
world to see Great Whites. Gansbaai is a seaside village, which depends
on fishing and tourism for its survival. It is situated approximately
two hours south east of Cape Town. The shark team document a lot of
shark activity using aerial surveys of the island. On one of the main
research sites, Dyer Island, many other wildlife species can be viewed
from the boat. It is the breeding ground for Jackass Penguins, Cape
Cormorants and Gannets, whilst Geyser Rock opposite, is a breeding mecca
for Cape Fur Seals and currently home to approximately 20 000 seals. In
season Whales and an occasional Dolphin can be spotted. This is a
perfect habitat for the Great White.
 Project:
Your Programme Welcome and induction by team leader Daily lectures on
the above topics Boat and cage inspection Participation in data
recording and weekly collation On bad weather days, local excursions
could include Cape Aghulhas, Hermanus, Betty's Bay, and the Birkenhead
on certain days, the boat is chartered exclusively for you The programme
is traditionally 28 days, but volunteers can stay for longer, we
recommend that you spend at least 14 days with us. The programme runs
from the 1st & 15th of every month throughout the year. You receive Two
volunteer T-shirts Our White Shark Projects cap Your welcoming pack Your
White Shark Field Book. You need to bring Pocket money in the region of
R3 000 - R5 000. Some clothing which you will not mind sacrificing.
Please bring 3 pairs of shorts / slacks as part of our uniform when on
our boat. A rain jacket or plastic windbreaker will be good to have and
some warm clothing as it can be quite cool on land and on the water.
Non-slippery shoes to use on the boat - we recommend welllington's or
'crocs' Camera and Note book. You will be working at our Recycle Swop
Shop on Tuesdays, if you want to bring some contributions, it will be
greatly appreciated. We supply all other diving equipment
Animals: Great white
shark, whales, dolphins, penguins and seals.
 Program:
You'll receive training in White Shark biology, research, behavior,
conservation, changing attitudes, shark attacks, basic seamanship
(includes anchoring positions, wind directions, underwater filming,
still photography and shark tourism. Weather permitting you will go to
sea frequently. At sea, you'll get involved as much as possible with all
aspects of sea work. This will be focused on working with the sharks
from above and below the water. Much emphasis will be placed on
observing behavior and the interactions of sharks around the boat. You
will be taught how to get in and out of the cage and how to remain
secure and safe in the cage. Participants in the cages will record
observations of the White Sharks. This will include sex, size, markings
and behaviour. This training is designed to educate you to a level of
competence of a field assistant. During the training, you will be
evaluated on how you handle teamwork, take your own initiatives, take
interest in the work and activities, show interest in learning.
Program may include:
Social development is as important to White Shark Projects as conserving
the sharks and our marine environment. Without healthy development in
local communities, our business is neither responsible nor sustainable.
Our commitment to social upliftment goes further than providing
equitable employment; it extends into the social fabric of the local
Masekhane community. One of our most recent projects is the Masekhane/White
Shark Projects swop shop. It combines conservation, social improvement
and education in a unique way. The children of Masekhane collect
bottles, tins, plastics and other recyclables and bring them in bags to
the White Shark 'Swop Shop'. In return, they earn buying points that
they 'spend' in the shop. The shop opens at two on Tuesday afternoons,
but the children gather long before that, lining up to earn their
points. Happy chatter fills the air as they wait their turn to trade in
their points for something from the Swop Shop. For example, one bag of
tins might be traded for a bar of soap, two might be worth a pencil,
four a second-hand t-shirt and so on. Or the children can 'save up' for
something more expensive like a toy they have their eye on. The shop
carries only worthwhile stock such as stationery, simple clothing, and
food basics, and relies completely on donations. In this way, the
children learn valuable lessons about caring for their environment: They
learn that it's important to recycle resources and at the same time,
they learn to care for their environment by picking up litter. Not only
does their village look nicer, but they also earn something through this
care. Conservation, they see, has many values. The underlying vision of
the Swop Shop is to empower these historically disadvantaged children,
helping them grow into self-sufficient, contributing adults. By
encouraging them to use what they have around them, they see that in
small ways, they can improve their lives.
Includes: -
Accommodation - Activities as part of the programme - Trips on the boats
- Programme materials - Transport from and to Cape Town - Welcome pack
of: 2x T-shirts 1x Cap There will be necessities in the house such as
coffee, tea, cereals etc.
Excludes: Flights, Beverages, Insurance
Applicants: This project
is open to anyone over the age of 18, fairly fit and in good health.
This placement would suit... People with an interest in research and
conservation, who aren't afraid of working closely with great white
sharks! And a good adventurous attitude and an active outdoor lifestyle
is essential!!Freetime:
There is a wealth of activities in the local area with Cape Town
offering everything you could ask for.
Volunteers Feedback:
Volunteer - Claudia Dahmer When
someone asked me how the Volunteer Programme was, I told them they
should take a look at my legs, covered in bruises, or my hands, full of
cuts. Or even told them I thought I would never stop smelling like Chum.
BUT, it was all worth it!
Volunteer - Sandra Castro I love
spending time on boats and so this programme was ideal for me. Working
as volunteer crew on the boat was hard work but great fun. We were out
on the boats on most days, sometimes one trip and sometimes two trips a
day.
Volunteer - Teresa Allen I have always
watched documentaries and read books about Great White Sharks, but
nothing can describe the feeling of seeing them in the flesh.
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Min 2 weeks but we suggest 4
weeks. You can extend for any length of time.
All Rates
Quoted in South African Rands on sharing accommodation.
Currency Converter
ZAR
R4000/week
Rates based on min two weeks
- Accommodation
- Activities as part of
the programme
- Trips on the boats
- Programme materials
- Welcome pack of :
2x T-shirts
1x cap
- There will be necessities in
the house such as coffee, tea, cereals etc.
1st & 15th of every month
throughout the year
This project is open to
anyone over the age of 18, fairly fit and in good health.
The Project is located
near Cape Town at Gansbaai.
Work days will be
weekdays from 7-5 with one day of per week to relax or explore the area.
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