Here at Hands up holidays we are always trying to find new ways to help you make the world just that little bit better. So, one member of our team decided to investigate a fascinating project in Swaziland. Here is what he had to say:
“In Swaziland, I had the privilege of spending a week in a former mining town that is now being transformed.
The mine was shut down in 2001, and virtually the whole town was made jobless overnight. Many left, and the few that remained eked out a living until a remarkable Canadian donated his skills and energy to creating sustainable sources of employment for this community.
Fortunately the community is nestled amongst hills and valleys in an alpine-like setting, with wonderful hikes and mountain biking trails. So, tourism is set to play a significant role in his vision for providing the entire community with meaningful employment.
However, not content with just revitalizing a town, this energetic Canadian also has his sights set on improving the lives of 2000 orphans (many of these have been left without parents due to Swaziland’s dreadful AIDS crisis).
Growing this ambitious orphanage will take time, money and labor. So, prepare to roll up your sleeves and lend a hand anyway you can: building, painting and decorating. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to get stuck in and improve the lives of these children.”
Unfortunately, you can’t book this trip just yet, but when it is up and running you can easily combine it with a fabulous game viewing safari in nearby Kruger Park or the exclusive private concession of Sabi Sands.
Watch this space! – Or send us a note, if you would like to be notified when the trip goes live.
Heart warming story in Africa
Our Hands Up Holidays colleague then crossed the border into South Africa and also spent time with volunteer communities around Cape Town. Here is just one of his remarkable stories:
“I want to share with you some details of one other project that struck my heart: 14 months ago, Veena, Irene and Michael, were part of the long term unemployed, an issue that blights South Africa. They lived near each other, and heard about a project where they could learn organic gardening skills, so they took the initiative to find out more.
Upon completion of the training, they approached the local school, which agreed to lease them some land they were not using.
14 months later these three are now regularly saving money in the bank (they never even had the need for a bank account before), they are selling their produce to an organic supermarket, they are feeling so much healthier as they now eat properly, and they have discovered an amazing sense of purpose and fulfillment.
More importantly the message is spreading and they have inspired their neighbors to do the training and cultivate their tiny plots of land. These are now bursting with carrots, cabbages, spinach, peppers and herbs.
One woman, Gloria, insisted I take her photo with her cradling a bunch of silverbeet, much like we would treasure a bouquet of roses.”
Take part and see for yourself the changes that are happening in peoples’ lives …be the change!
Opportunities here include teaching, sports education, assisting at a dog and cat shelter or for those with medical skills, there are opportunities at a medical clinic.
The Holiday Season in late December/early January is a superb time to be in South Africa, and we would be delighted to prepare an itinerary for you that suits your exact requirements.
Travel trivia
We have all sat on a plane eating something that looks rather unappetizing and tastes rather bland. Well, a recent study in “Food Quality and Preference”, reported that it may not be entirely the airlines fault.
It seems that our sense of taste and crunchiness could be impaired by the “white noise” of the engines.
Be a Seed for Change 