SERVICE PROJECTS & PARTNERS:

Viva Safaris, our main host serves as our liason for The Sihlekisi Primary School in Acornhoek, South Africa

The Children of Acornhoek & Our Service/Culutral Exchange Program:

Acornhoek is located in the semi-arid, but scenic, Eastern part of South Africa, a few kilometers away from the Orpen Gate and Numbi Gate entrances to the famous Kruger National Park. From 1984 - 1986, a half-million refugees fled the neighboring country of Mozambique trekking 200 miles on-foot, through the wild Kruger National Park and made themselves a home in villages such as Acornhoek.

The majority of these people are from the Shangaan Tribe and their main language is Shagaan. Post Apartheid, the South African Government built them a school and houses of cinder block with tin roofs with electricity and running water. The Shangaans are poor but proud people who place much importance on family.

Although the government provided a school and hired teachers, students cannot attend unless they buy a uniform and given that many of the parents do not have expendable income, this factor continues to be a challenge.

English is taught as part of the curriculum however due to the fact that the children are shy and do not have an opportunity to practice their English, they are not able to excel.
The school itself consists of a brick building and a few poorly lit classrooms that are drab and without character. The only amenity is a soccer field and a garden, which is without plants, flowers and trees due to there being no budget for beautification and improvements.
The children range in age from 6 – 12 yrs and the school is co-ed.

Our mission will be to interact with the children and teach them English, land sports, games and to beautify their school with painting, landscaping and building projects. From planting mango trees to painting desks and building playground elements and a volleyball court, we are sure to make the children happy.

And in return for our efforts, the children will teach us their local language, their version of games and land sports and they will join us in all of the above service projects. Our finale will include an afternoon of skits done by our students and their children in the opposite languages. Overall we will make new friends in a far away land and change their lives as they change ours forever.

Animal Rehab Center:

Visit the Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Center where various different species are treated for injuries incurred in the wild. This center is unique in that it serves all of the Big 5. You will enjoy a 3 hour guided tour which allows you to see all of the animals up close that make this center their home. The guide will provide information on the habitat, diet and daily life of the respectful animal and in some cases you will even have a chance to safely pet and feed some of the patients.

Kruger National Park

Kruger is one of the largest national parks in the world and has and incredible diversity of animal species!

Have you ever heard of the “Big Five?” Elephants, leopards, rhinos, buffalo and lions abound in this wildlife haven, and you get to scout for all five on our day-long bush walk and 2-day safari!

Experience true African art and culture by learning local song, dance and drumming rituals. Try your hand at raft-building on the Klaserie River. Stargaze in the South African bush land where there is no light pollution and you can see the unique night sky of the southern hemisphere. Learn survival techniques, swim, kayak and embark on an adrenaline-pumping white water rafting trip!

Cape Town Finale

After our incredibly rewarding 2 weeks of service and adventure in and around Kruger National Park, cap off our visit to South Africa with 6 days in trendy and beautiful Cape Town! The laid-back atmosphere combined with the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain and the surrounding beaches, makes this the ideal place to conclude our time together.

Learn to sand board down immense dunes! Mountain bike along the beautiful Cape Peninsula and visit an Ostrich farm and Jackass Penquins along the way. Journey back in time in a local township and learn how to cook (and enjoy eating) an authentic African meal. Partake in drumming lessons at the community center and enjoy dance and music with villagers. Gaze out from atop Table Mountain for incredible views of this amazing city. At our final banquet, look back with true amazement at all you have seen and all we have accomplished together!