Rural Healthcare and Education in South Africa
July 2019
Through this program you'll enjoy living and volunteering in St. Lucia, South Africa, a small coastal community surrounded by beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife - a UNESCO World Heritage location. Surrounding the beautiful area of St. Lucia are rural villages inhabited by thousands of people with scarce healthcare resources. Working alongside community health workers, care givers, and medical professionals, you'll provide both direct treatment as well as awareness and prevention of HIV, tuberculosis, and lifestyle/social issues such as family planning and nutrition. This project gives you the opportunity to engage with people – young and old – to make a positive impact while at the same time undergoing an unforgettable, life-changing experience.
In South Africa there are plenty of myths surrounding the issue of HIV/AIDS. Education is vital in preventing the spread of infection and breaking down stigma. Not many people know how to prevent infection, and even fewer people know how to deal with the virus once they have it. Many South Africans still lack the education that could help fight many of the effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, including how to prolong their lives by practising healthy living and taking medication in the right doses. Discrimination against those who are HIV positive is also still prevalent, which perpetuates the cycle of infection. In addition to HIV/AIDS awareness, the project also addresses numerous other health and nutrition issues through education, prevention, and treatment.
In addition to rewarding volunteer work, participants enjoy social and cultural activities in the local community, and optional sightseeing tours and trips in the area's abundant parks and reserves. Volunteers are supported by staff who look after their daily needs and project work, as well as a cook and house keeper at the volunteer accommodations.
Details | |
Name of Program | Rural Healthcare and Education in South Africa |
Destination country | South Africa |
Destination city | St Lucia |
Project partner | CISaustralia |
Program Start Date | July 2019 |
Program End Date | July 2019 |
Discipline | Bachelor of Health Science |
Cultural Excursions | Not part of the program but student volunteers can get involved in a variety of excursions, including Game drives, snorkelling, wildlife encounters, cultural tours and markets. |
Accommodation | Volunteers stay at a large, comfortable, fully-furnished project house equipped with a lounge, barbeque area, garden, and swimming pool. The house is situated in the middle of St. Lucia, in a safe residential area, a 5 minute walk to town and 30 minute walk to the beautiful St. Lucia beach and river estuary. Volunteers share rooms with 1-5 fellow volunteers, split according to gender. Volunteers should note that at times St. Lucia does experience electricity black-out periods and hot water showers may not be available all the time. There is no wifi available on site at the accommodation, however, free wifi is regularly available at most local restaurants. The volunteer house is staffed with a cook and house keeper, and all bedding is provided (please bring your own towel). |
Is academic credit awarded for this program? | Yes. To be negotiated on a case by case with students, but particularly suited to award students credit for placement hours in work placement units. |
Scholarships and Benefits | |
In an effort to support your participation in the program we have identified a few opportunities for financial assistance. Note that you will only need to apply for these once you have been accepted into the program. Option 1: Western Sydney University Student Mobility Travel Grant The university offers students participating in a short course up to $500 to support their travel. All necessary information can be found on the Before I Go. Option 2: OS-Help Loan OS-HELP is not a grant/scholarship, but it is an option that we would like to bring to your attention. Eligible students can receive a deferred loan for $4000 or $8149 which is added to your existing HECS-HELP debt. Further information can be found on the OS-HELP webpage. | |
Cost | |
The 3-week program cost is $2998 and includes:
You pay extra for:
While on your study tour, you will also be covered by Western Sydney University's student travel insurance. | |
How To Apply | |
STEP 1: Register Your Interest
STEP 2: Apply for Academic Approval
STEP 3: Apply for OS-HELP
STEP 4: Complete the 'Before I Go' Online Checklist
For more details about the program please see CISaustralia (opens in a new window) or contact Dr Arianne Reis at a.reis@westernsydney.edu.au or (02) 4620 3136. |
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