Volunteer at a sanctuary for rescued farm animals near Greyton, South Africa

Details

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  Description

  Our Farm Animal Sanctuary is based on a private farm seven kms outside the village of Greyton which lies in the foothills of a vast mountain range. The views from the sanctuary are breath-taking. We offer a permanent home for rescued, orphaned, sick, abused or retired farm animals where their every need is met for the rest of their natural lives. Vets attend the farm regularly and every individual is named, known and given all that they need for a full and happy life, including lots of cuddles and love.
  
  The animals, currently numbering 210, comprise pigs, sheep, goats, cows, geese, chickens, peafowl and ducks. We also have six dogs and seven cats. The sanctuary gives our volunteers a chance to see how special farm animals are, how they want to live and to enjoy their natural behaviours for their normal lifespan. We have two very popular outreach programmes, Pigs to Plants, which helps backyard pig farmers transition to growing vegetables, and Humane Education, where we help teachers to teach with compassion and creativity.
  
  We live off the grid in our self-built, straw bale homes. Volunteers become part of our family and every evening we enjoy a communal supper in the founder's house. There are volunteer hang-out areas where you can relax. There is good wi-fi throughout the farm and we welcome digital nomads, providing they can fit in the hours and abide by the necessary routines of the farm. Greyton offers a range of activities including mountain hiking, wild swimming, pub life, music, events, dancing, yoga, pilates - and more!
  
  We do ask for a commitment to following a vegan lifestyle whilst at the Sanctuary as we do not bring any animal products on to the farm out of respect for our residents. Because of the huge fire risks we are unable to accept smokers.
  
  PLEASE NOTE: Anybody susceptible to an allergic reaction to cats or insects may find our space a challenge. We do everything we can to combat fleas, ticks and other pests. Spring and summer are high risk for pests but in autumn and winter they are not so much of an issue. As we say, in our handbook, sent to volunteers in advance of their stay, if you have a skin that is susceptible to flare ups (red headed and very light skinned people seem to be the most at risk) then please think carefully before applying.
  
  Volunteers should allow for an expense of up to US$5 a day to purchase their own food. We do not take money from volunteers for food but expect you to look after your own meals.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Art Projects

  Help with Eco Projects

  Teaching

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  Hospitality/Tourism

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Interests

  

  Farming

  

  Movies & TV

  

  Events & social

  

  Sustainability

  

  Vegetarian or vegan

  

  Culture

  

  Pets

  

  Charity work

  

  Writing

  

  Plant care

  

  Music

  

  Gardening

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Blogging

  

  Art & design

  

  Animals

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Nature

  

  Mountain

  

  Hiking
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  All aspects of caring for animals, meeting fellow compassionate volunteers from around the world, farm living, plant-based and sustainable off the grid lifestyle, working alongside South African people from all sectors of the community.

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  Help

  Animal feeding and caring, feed preparation; collecting, washing of feed troughs and bowls; keeping feed prep room spotless; special care of young and compromised animals (full training will be given and supervision). Volunteers are welcome to share special talents such as gardening, building, maintenance, social media, filming, education etc.
  
  We also look for: Ability to work in all weather conditions (it can get very hot in South Africa in the summer months - November to March), ability to perform physical labour, willingness to follow detailed Animal Sanctuary’s work protocols, commitment to our goals and programmes. It is essential that volunteers are very tidy and well organised as our animals' health depends on strict hygiene, regular cleaning and prompt clearing up of feed bowls etc. Previous animal care experience preferred but not required. Familiarity with farm and/or country life is also an asset.
  
  Volunteers need to be fairly fluent in the English language as we rely on accurate understanding of instructions so that both human and animal safety is not compromised.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  Single bed in caravan. Double bed in Shepherd's Hut. (these two have access to a shower block with gas heated hot water showers and compost toilets. Small cottage with solar heated water (being converted to gas soon), double bed, kitchenette, bathroom with shower and compost toilet. Barn, open plan with double bed, living area, kitchenette, separate bathroom with flush toilet, bath and gas heated hot water.

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  What else ...

  Greyton is currently the South African Town of the Year. It sits in the foothills of the spectacular Riviersonderend Mountain range and has two rivers running through it.
  
  Greyton owes much of its charm to the fact that its Cape Vernacular architectural heritage has remained largely intact. It is an extremely popular weekend and holiday destination for visitors who enjoy its combination of old-world charm and modern conveniences. Many of town’s original buildings and features have survived, including the original leiwater(irrigation) system of street furrows, the town kraal and dipping tank, a blacksmith's house and forge and the extensive public commonage crisscrossed by walking, hiking and cycling paths that surround the town. There is a lively coffee and pub scene. Greyton is popular with artists, many of whom have made their home here.
  
  Approx 3 kms before reaching Greyton lies the historic town of Genadendal (Valley of Grace). Genadendal has a rich spiritual history and was the first mission station in southern Africa. It is also the site of South Africa's first primary school (still in existence), first printing press and first teacher training college.
  
  In 2011 the Founder of the Animal Sanctuary, Nicola, established South Africa's first ever Transition Town, part of a worldwide movement of over 3000 cities, villages and towns committed to bringing their communities together to find local solutions to the global challenges of peak oil and climate change.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  We can, providing they can work around feed times and also be mindful of other volunteers, especially at night when we prefer to have peace and quiet after 10 pm.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We have plenty of space for campervans but we can't guarantee hooking up to power or to sewage.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  This host charges a fee

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  Why does Workaway allow some hosts to charge a fee?

  
  

  Workaway provides opportunities for non-monetary cultural exchanges where hosts provide food and accommodation in return for help from Workawayers. In some exceptional cases, a small fee/ donation request (typically no more than 5 dollars per day) may be approved for hosts such as registered charities with a history of positive volunteer feedback. Any fee must directly go to the charity and can only be used to cover the volunteers' food costs. This will be clearly marked on the host's listing.
  

  Listings by agents, "middle-men" or projects that appear to profit from a volunteer's stay are strictly prohibited. Any fees must be discussed and approved in advance by the Workaway team.

  $5USD a day towards food costs

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