Swaziland Medical Volunteers

Nursing Volunteers

Swaziland Medical volunteers offer a programme where volunteers can help the people of Swaziland and at the same time experience the culture and hospitality of the Swazi people.

For 2010 the Swaziland Medical Volunteers programme involves 3 weeks working at the hospital and one additional, optional week visiting Mozambique and the Kruger National Park. (Additional week not included in cost)

The Location

This project is based within the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital, one of the 5 major regional hospitals in the country. RFM, as it is locally known, is run by the Church of the Nazarene. It has 350 beds with an occupancy rate of 65-70% per month. Around 400 clients visit the outpatients department on a daily basis. It provides medical, surgical, pediatrics, obstetrics, emergency and rehabilitative services. You will work closely with resident RFM doctors and other health professionals during your time at the hospital.
 

The Volunteer Work
Volunteers will be encouraged to work across all of the wards though the greatest shortages of skilled staff are in maternity, emergency, internal medicine and pediatrics. Work undertaken will be dependent on the skills and qualification of the volunteer. For students, there will be staff to work closely with you. You will not be left alone to carry out any medical/nursing duties. Prior to arrival, Dr Pawelos will discuss with volunteers for RFM where best their skills and expertise can be utilized.

The Accommodation

Accommodation will be provided at Myxo’s Place, situated 6.5km from Manzini, in an indigenous forest. It is a double storey residence consisting of a living area downstairs (including fully equipped kitchen) 2 dormitory style bedrooms and 3 private bedrooms upstairs and 2 toilets and 2 showers There is also a balcony upstairs for relaxing and watching the spectacular sunrise. All bedding is provided.
Dinner and breakfast will be provided daily however volunteers are expected to assist with food preparation. The emphasis will be on local cuisine though special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. You will need to organize your own lunch.

The Transport
Transport to and from RFM will be provided either by a bicycle or driven.

The In Country Orientation
In country orientation will be provided on arrival by Myxo.
This will include Swazi culture and tradition, do’s and don’t’s, presentations from doctors regarding health care and related issues in the Swazi context, tour of RFM and basic siSwati language training, including medical terminology. siSwati Language training will be for one hour per day over a period of 5 days. Whilst English is the official business language in Swaziland it can make a big difference in developing relationships with people if you have the siSwati basics as English is not widely spoken in the rural areas. A language manual will be sent to you prior to your arrival so that you have the chance to begin practising before you get to Swaziland. The orientation will also include an overnight stay in a rural village at Kaphunga with Swaziland Cultural Tours
kaPhunga is renowned for its stunning sunsets and breathtaking vistas and is of historical importance in Swazi and Zulu folklore. Many of the locals still live in accordance with many long-held traditions, practicing time-honored Swazi methods for farming and traditional architecture and living within customary Swazi culture. Accommodation will be in traditional beehive huts and there will be the opportunity to interact with the friendly locals as well as visit a rural clinic.

The Costs
This is a unique opportunity that has been rated by others travellers as one of the highlights during their time in Swaziland.
Total cost is R10,500.00 for 3 weeks.

This includes:
* Breakfast and dinner 7 days a week (lunch not included)
*Transport to and from the hospital
* Accommodation
* In country orientation
* Overnight stay at KaPhunga Village

Optional additional week (not included in costs)
* 4 night/5 day visit to Kruger National Park and Mozambique

The cost excludes:
* Airfares
* Lunch
* Travel/medical insurance
* 4 night/5 day visit to Kruger National Park and Mozambique

All the fees should be paid in full one month in advance.

Payment can be made by credit card. Card details must be sent via email to confirm the booking or calling +268 6044102 for security reasons.
Bank Transfers can be done into the following Bank details.
Woza Nawe Campsite And Tours- Account Holder
Account Number- 0140019666801
Branch Code – 66 50 64
SWIFT Address- SB IC SZ MX
Bank Name – Standard Bank, Manzini
Telephone- 0268 502411

The Benefits

* A unique opportunity to live and work in a different culture and working in a third world country- gain experience with African diseases
* The chance to further enhance your own professional and personal skills and knowledge within a developing country
* The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution by helping strengthen the capacity of the local healthcare systems and staff
What other information do I need to know?

Additional Information
The sole cell phone network provider is MTN. Sim cards and air time are readily available at numerous outlets.
PS:Myxo can arrange for you a very cheap way to call home and be in touch with your family.
Whilst much of Swaziland is malaria free, anti malaria medication is recommended for the lowveld and Mocambique. It is available in the country.
The official currency is the lilangeni (the plural is emalageni). It is pegged to the value of the South African rand and rands (with the exception of coins) can be used in Swaziland and Mocambique. There are numerous ATMs and rands can be obtained from local banks.

Optional Additional Week
An additional, optional week can be spent touring the Kruger Natioanal Park (South Africa) and Mozambique.
All interested individuals should book ahead for the Kruger Park tour and all the details of the tour can be sent on request. This extra week is not included in the costs of the volunteer programme.