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Our community based tours
were formulated during the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainability.
With
the assistance of TEP Tourism Enterprise Program, then a division of Business
Trust Sun and Sandals spent years researching and visiting community based projects.
The aim of the tours are to introduce foreigners to South African communities
along the lines of arts and crafts, housing, greening, drama. Areas
identified and studied for community tours include:  | | Khayaletsha. | | |  | Soweto. | | | Ekurhuleni. | | | | Maraisburg. | | | Hillbrow. | | | | Boksburg. |
Who
should go on a community based tour? | | Schools
and Universities. Learn about South Africa's culture, heritage, current stories
as well as new innovative ideas toards environmental sustainability through visiting
our community based projects. | | | | | | Businesses
and Funders. Visit projects beyond embryo stage which are successful and ongoing
in their mission to uplift surrounding communities and clean up the environment. | | | | | | Volunteers.
Allow us to introduce you to viable projects so you can volunteer time and services. | | | | | | Tourists.
Looking for authentic arts and crafts? Many of our prjects produce dynamic quality
goods which look stunning in homes and offices. | | | | | | Event
Participants & Destination Wedding Couples. Combine a wedding service with
an authentic community touch. We can arrange community choirs, dancers, singers
and performers for your special event! |
What
is the importance of socially aware tourism? The
Power of Socially Conscious Tourists: 67%
of global citizens now want companies to go beyond their role of making a profit,
paying taxes and employing people. They want companies to contribute to broader
societal goals as well (Global Millenium Poll). 65%
of UK tourists would like to know how to support the local economy and preserve
the environment so they can behave responsibly when they go on holiday (Worlds
Apart, Tearfund). 71% of UK tourists think it is important that their travel arrangements
benefit the people living in the destination - through jobs and business opportunities
(Worlds Apart Tearfund). 52%
of UK holidaymakers say they are more likely to book a holiday with a company
that has a written code to guarantee good working conditions, protect the environment
and support local charities (Worlds Apart, Tearfund). 53%
of American travelers say their travel experience is enhanced when they learn
as much as possible about local customs and culture. (USA Geo-tourism Survey).
95% of Swiss
tourists consider respect for local culture to be highly important when choosing
a holiday (Switzerland Travel Writers and Journalism Club).  Our
tours concentrate on
initiatives which offer a solution to both community and environment, whilst tying
in South Africa’s history with the current Constitutional process to offer “thinking
tours” showing the depth, scope and complexities of a democracy in action. These
are “hands on” experiences, a chance to physically encounter the community on
a one to one basis. You will be able to meet with courageous, vibrant, talented
South African communities of all ages, from all walks of life.
Hear
the sounds of Township living; laughing children rapidly moving, hooting
taxis; friendly vendors; hair dryers of numerous colorful hair salons or the Rural
sounds of; crickets, piet-my-vrou's, African drums and cultural songs whilst rural
women sit in community circles making pots, mats, beadwork. You are invited to
join the circle. Amongst residents meet well respected elders and projects which
aim to reintroduce and save threatened indigenous knowledge, work with community
projects where the artists are AIDS sufferers or handicapped. These communities
are keen to share their views, opinions and thoughts and offer their advice and
solutions. PREFERRED
PROJECTS.  | | MES:
Metro Evangelical Services. Our Vision: To change the heart of the city.
Our Mission: MES is a community based Christian organisation that initiates and
facilitates activities to empower people holistically to live independent, sustainable
and meaningful lives. | | | | |  | | Sparrow
Village. Sparrow Village is an interdenominational Ministry of Help not
associated with any specific church. We take care of the destitute, terminally
ill adults and children with HIV/AIDS. We primarily function as in in-patient
hospice facility offering comprehensive medical, nursing, psychological, social,
spiritual, educational and occupational care - through a multidisciplinary team. | | | | | | | Saint
Francis Care Centre. Father Stan Brennan OFM, a Franciscan priest,
founded St Francis Care Centre in 1992 after he was deeply affected by the neglect
and ostracisation of people affected or infected with HIV/AIDS whilst visiting
homes and hospitals in the 1980's. St Francis Care Centre provides a sanctuary
for the terminally ill where they will be nursed in a professional and comfortable
environment whilst their physical, spiritual, emotional and social needs are catered
for with care and dedication. | | | | |
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