Enrolment as a Volunteer

ADHERING TO PREREQUISITES

Qualifications and previous experience isn’t something we necessarily look for; we are looking for people with a passion for nature, desire to want to make a positive difference, a love of animals, a strong work ethic  and enthusiasm for new experiences.  There are however, other mandatory requirements detailed below;

• ENROLMENT & INDEMNITY: There is a mandatory Enrolment Form and Indemnity Contract that all volunteers and visitors must sign in order to be accepted as a volunteer.  This contract and indemnity waivers C.A.R.E.’s responsibility for your health and safety.  You must describe your medications, allergies and insurance.

• You are responsible for your necessary travel documentation; visas, insurance and any medical treatment/immunisations as your doctor advises.

• VACCINES:

  • You must have an up to date tetanus & TB (BCG) vaccination as your doctor advises.

  • When working with animals or in the health care industry some doctors recommend having rabies vaccinations and hepatitis. Please ask your health care practitioner / doctor what they recommend. We have never handled a rabid baboon and none have ever been diagnosed with hepatitis, but there is always a potential risk. Your doctor may recommend other vaccines such as polio, typhoid and diphtheria; you can decide on which advice to take.

• AGE: There is a minimum age requirement of 18 for indemnity and insurance reasons.  Also, South African ports of entry now require a lot more documentation for those travelling under 18 without parents.

• PHYSICAL HEALTH: You must be free from contagious disease, psychologically and physically well.  You must be physically able to help around the centre; lift buckets of food, clean enclosures, use a shovel, walk on uneven, rocky ground.  We get people of all ages and physique and can amend your schedule accordingly; but be aware it is hot in South Africa, the centre is situated with a large hill going up from one side of the centre to “The Mountain Lodge” down to the other side to the Olifant’s River.  The paths are rocky with inclines.  We do get plenty of over 60’s join us and thrive in the exciting environment at C.A.R.E. and we really enjoy having volunteers with a higher level of maturity.

• PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH: You must be psychologically well.  Whilst C.A.R.E. is an incredible place, it can at times make people feel lonely as they are away from home and whilst the place can be healing in some ways; it can also have the opposite effect.  Being in a nature reserve isn’t for everyone; living with strangers, being restricted due to safety as to how far you can roam, not being in control of your own schedule, food etc. can be emotionally challenging and some find it tough.  If you are on any medications, you must ensure the staff are aware and ensure that you have more than enough for the period of time you are with us.  Always have the trip cleared by your doctor if you are on medication and take out the necessary insurances.  It is mandatory that you let the staff at C.A.R.E. know if you are prone to depression and educate them on how to help you.  Never, ever come to C.A.R.E. for healing without taking prescribed medications; always take the advice of your doctor.

•  MEDICATION: If you are on any medications, you must ensure the staff are aware and ensure that you have more than enough for the period of time you are with us.  Always have the trip cleared by your doctor if you are on medication and take out the necessary insurances.  Listing your medications is mandatory.

• ANTI MALARIAL: Phalaborwa borders a malaria zone and the Kruger National Park is referred to as a malarial zone.  Whilst the long-term staff from overseas (UK, Australia, US mainly) do not use anti-malarial medications due to its negative long-term use side-effects, usually your doctor will recommend it for a shorter stay.  Please see your doctor for the latest information for overseas travel advice.  The usual anti-malarial medications used are Doxycycline (which if you have any left-over we’d be happy to take from you as a donation to our clinic; we use it for the baboons for certain ailments) or malarone (more expensive).  It is your choice and responsibility to get all the latest information from your health care practitioner and decide on the best options for yourself.  Always advice the C.A.R.E. staff on your decision; you will have to list all your medications on your Enrolment Form.

• VISA: See visa section

• INSURANCE: It is essential and mandatory for you to have travel insurance whilst visiting C.A.R.E.  You are working with wild animals, in a wild animal reserve; it is necessary to have a plan in place should you require hospital treatment.  We have very good doctors and hospitals in Phalaborwa; but the local private hospital (Clinix) is very expensive and will only treat you with proof of funds/provision of a credit / debit card.  Doctors’ appointments usually cost R300-R500 for a consultation.