Since 2007 we have been working with the Haberdashers’ Livery Company to provide one of the three options for school leavers who wish to apply for a scholarship placement volunteering overseas and experiencing new cultures and new ways of life.
The Wilderness Foundation UK, in conjunction with sister organisations the Wilderness Leadership School and Wilderness Foundation South Africa provide Haberdashers’ school leavers with the chance to undertake a diverse programme in South Africa, ranging from time spent in the wilderness of Umfolozi with our trained guides and facilitators, through to volunteering at our pioneering Umzi Wethu project for orphaned young people affected by HIV and Aids as well as chances to experience and understand the local culture through home visits and community stays, whether that be with the trainees at Umzi or the Zulu peoples in the remote village of Ekutheleni.
For students who are successful in winning a 2009 Scholarship the programme will comprise of:
- Three days of volunteer teaching of IT skills at the Umzi Wethu training academy in Port Elizabeth;
- A home visit with the trainees from Umzi Wethu, led by our wilderness guide;
- Participation in the Pride of Vosburg Hike, Port Elizabeth when they will join with local schools for a day spent outdoors connecting with nature, through walking, talking and exploration;
- Following transfer to Durban from Port Elizabeth, the group will join the guides of the Wilderness Leadership school for a six night Wilderness Trail in the Umfolozi reserve. The trailists will be wild camping in nature, with backpacks, sleeping bags and bed rolls, sleeping under the stars. Everything they need for a truly wonderful experience will be carried into the reserve with them, including all food, utensils and supplies. We leave behind mobile phones, mp3 players and even watches for a truly pure experience in the natural realm of the elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard.
- Returning from the wilderness to Durban, the group will have the chance to volunteer at CROW – the Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife where they can become involved in working with sick and injured animals that have been brought to the centre from the wild.
The programme will take place during early to mid August 2009, with students returning home to England in time to collect their A level results.
This is a highly succcesful programme, providing Haberdashers’ students to pass on the benefit of their education, as well as experience the special environment of wild Africa.
Haberdashers’ students eligible for the programme should contact their school in the first instance to request an application form. Presentations will also be taking place in the Haberdashers’ schools across the country early in 2009. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed at Haberdashers’ Hall in London during March 2009.
