Health and Safety in South Africa

From departure to arrival home, your safety is our highest priority.  St. Lucia in South Africa was chosen as our destination because of the location’s security. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a gated community and police patrolled 24/7. We are very aware that for some of our volunteers this may be their first experience abroad, or away from family. We want to assure you that should you have any questions or need any assistance while on project, there will always be someone nearby to help. Never hesitate to ask any question at all! Our leaders and staff are there to ensure that our volunteers have the best possible experience.

Travel

If you choose to travel on the group flight you will be travelling with your fellow project volunteers and soon-to-be friends. Your flight will be met at Durban airport by VESA staff and you will be transferred by mini bus convoy to your accommodation. At the end of the project you will be transferred to the airport and accompanied to your flight. You will travel home with your new friends, a real sense of accomplishment and many amazing travel stories!

Accommodation

You will be living in a shared same sex room in a modern hostel located in the community of St Lucia, in a safe and secure environment with an overnight security presence on the premises. Your facilities will include:

• Dorm accommodation separated into male/female with some double rooms available
• Bed linen and pillows
• Fully equipped bathrooms
• Electricity and internet
• 24-hour security
• Laundry facilities
• Close to shops, supermarket, banks and medical clinics
• Swimming pool

Food and Water

The VESA staff will prepare all your food, the local water supply is clean and drinkable and you will have access to unlimited supplies of bottled water when required.

VESA Group Leaders

You will be accompanied at all times by one of our Group Leaders, including to and from your assigned worksites, and any activities you are involved in will be conducted under the supervision of qualified local tradespeople and/or teaching staff. All VESA Group Leaders are first aid qualified. You will be located within a five-minute drive from the local hospital and within twenty minutes of a private health facility.