Early Childhood Development in rural communities in South Africa

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Our Rise Creche, is for the most vulnerable children (many from broken families) who's parents could not afford school fees. These 66 children for 2024 come to the preschool daily for three meals and developmental learning.
Started in 2016, our Rise Creche program (kids from a few months old to 5/6 years old) focuses on Early Childhood Development, through play based learning specialized on Sensory integration and using GROW learning programs.
The program is focused on play based learning to provide the best development opportunities.

Our playground is built with different materials, shapes, textures to stimulate our baby's brain. The best way to learn is by having fun!
We believe we can improve someone's life by giving them the best opportunity possible, and it should start with a good education and as early as possible.
For us, Early Childhood Development is the best way to grow a better tomorrow!

We are always more than happy to welcome people who are interested in learning about a new culture, doing research or aiming to learn a new skill.

We offer 2 options:

- A Nourish Immersive Experience (volunteering) is based on your chosen field, and immersing yourself into the day to day operations and running of the programmes. To have a better understanding of what we do, and how an NGO here in South Africa works.

- A Nourish Internship is divided between an individual project you will complete based on your chosen field, and immersing yourself into the day to day operations and running of the programme associated with your chosen field. You will also be studying a course in the UN Sustainable Development Goals and completing worksheets and a report as to how our program and your project contributes towards sustainable development.

At Nourish Eco Village our goal is to create sustainable change - and have long-term impact in the spheres of sustainability, conservation and community resilience. We believe that by working to grow resilient wildlife communities that are healthy, educated, and have access to employment opportunities, we can break the poverty cycle and thus impact the poaching coming out of rural areas.

We have a programming structure as follows:

- Green Kidz (our environmental education programme - We support 11 elementary-schools around the area)
- Social Enterprise, where we support and grow small businesses through an incubator
- Agro-Ecology training, very similar to permaculture, but more suited to African conditions
- Rise creches (Our Early Childhood Development programme. We support 6 pre-schools around the area)
- Eco Village (this includes our recycling programme and our general day to day outreach into the village around us).

You will be immersed into the project as one of the team members to engage in the planning and running of the programs. You can combine our projects during your time with us or focusing on one (your choice).
You will have the opportunity to explore our amazing area during the weekend (extra cost - We can organize it!)

Volunteers/Interns will stay at Shik Shack Backpackers situated on the same property that Nourish Eco Village. You will spend your day working with the team, learning from them and having an amazing experience!
The work is very hand-on, so expect to be busy but remember to have fun! This opportunity is like no other, as you are based at the project and will experience Africa like you never have before.

We can't wait to have you join our Family!

The community of Sigagule and the surrounding rural villages in the Acornhoek area of Mpumalanga struggle daily with even the most basic elements of life. Access to running water, and electricity is a difficulty most face daily. There is a high unemployment rate, many children have access to schooling, but education levels are extremely low at schools, and the biggest economic contributor to the area - tourism - is out of reach for many. It is in this context that Nourish works. Our projects are all interlinked and holistic, in order to help a community grow in all aspects. Our programming focuses are Education, Enterprise and Tourism.

High­lights

• Make a real, lasting difference in small children's lives through your participation in our early childhood development projects.
• Gain valuable hands-on experience in play based learning.
• Experience the amazing learning opportunities from a completely different cultural perspective.
• Visit Kruger National Park and get the chance to see an elusive leopard or experience the gentleness of an elephant.
• Enjoy an authentic South African experience in food, culture and wildlife together with staff, locals and other volunteers from around the globe!