Here are just a few reasons to volunteer with LEAN on ME:

“By volunteering with Lean on Me you are able to make a difference in the lives of those people who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
Volunteers retain immense satisfaction from helping the children and patients
Volunteers grow close to the children and teach them new things
Volunteers breathe hope and happiness into the lives of the orphaned children and people they work with
Volunteers play an active role throughout the child's life by visiting, writing and calling on the telephone
Volunteers become the Big Sister/Brother the orphaned child never had
Volunteers Funds are contributed to the orphanage/homes and centres which help fund the good work they do
Volunteers are given a budget to entertain the children and take the children to places that will really excite them
Volunteers have an opportunity to visit places of Interest in South Africa
Volunteers live with and make friends with the many volunteers from other countries from around the world
Volunteers looking for a break from home get to re-discover themselves and learn true values of life

Program Accomodation & Meals

Each volunteer program varies slightly regarding meals and accommodation. However for most of our programs volunteers are accommodated in volunteer houses that are located close to or on the project sites. In some cases volunteers are accommodated at local lodges. In both cases, accommodation is both clean and comfortable. Meals are either provided by the accommodation or volunteers do grocery shopping and prepare their own meals. For all our volunteer programs both meals and accommodation are included in the program fees.

Orientation

The relevant program leader will give all volunteers an extensive orientation, either on the day of arrival or the day immediately after arrival at the program.

THE ORIENTATION SERVES TO:

1. Prepare volunteers for the cultures they will be living with
2. Educate volunteers on South African and African issues of importance
3. Educate volunteers on the HIV/AIDS epidemic
4. Educate volunteers on safety and customs of the particular country
5. Assist volunteers in scheduling their volunteer projects and activities
6. Train volunteers in skills and knowledge that they may need in order to assist in various program activities. E.g. informal HIV counseling, agricultural & architectural skills.

Volunteer Support

Our staff are on 24 hour standby for you. We operate weekly check-ups to ensure you are happy and to find out the progress of your program.

WE ALSO WILL ASSIST ALL VOLUNTEERS WITH:
Counselling
Transportation
Guidance in your program
Assistance in further travel plans
Lean on Me does carry out a monthly inspection of the Volunteer accommodation to ensure that all is well and that the volunteers are looking after the house.

Program Costs

Unfortunately because we are a private organization we do not receive any support from government or any funding at all. Our aim is to use the funds received from volunteers to assist the projects we work with. Program Fees include the following:
All Accommodation
All Meals
All Household necessities
Orientation
Airport Transfers – “on week days”
Daily Transport
Certificate of Completion of Lean on Me volunteer service

(Please refer to the program details below for specific details on each individual program's accommodation and meal arrangements.)