Description

As featured in the UK's BBC TV series 'WAGs, Kids & World Cup Dreams'
Play an active role in the development of young children at the world famous Baphumelele Children's Home based in Khayelitsha township close to Cape Town. AVIVA volunteers have played an important role at this home since June 2004, and have collectively contributed much to Baphumelele's ongoing transformation.

Baphumelele houses approximately 150 children ranging in age from new born to 18 years (volunteers work mainly with the 0-5 years age group) and provides a safe haven and loving home for these children who would otherwise face a life on the streets. Unlike other Homes, Baphumelele does not discriminate against children on age or medical grounds, accepting all children who are in need.

Visits from singers Beyonce Knowles, U2's Bono, Sir Elton John and the Manchester United Football team have provided Baphumelele with much needed publicity, though they still have a real need for volunteers who are able to assist with looking after the younger children (0-5 yrs), particularly with child development, laundry, washing, feeding, food collection and a variety of other support tasks.

This is a very special project that will suit emotionally mature volunteers who are looking to make a positive difference to a wonderful group of young children.

Volunteer testimonial from Lauren Ochsenreiter - 20 from the USA

"Traveling to South Africa and working at Baphumelele was the most incredible experience of my life. You go there to help, to make any small difference you possibly can, and you leave changed in ways you didn't think possible. I think of and miss the children every single day, look at their pictures regularly and am often brought to both laughter and tears in doing so.

Living in Obz/Cape Town and working with an international group of volunteers was an invaluable experience and provided a once in a lifetime opportunity to get to know people from around the world while at the same time exploring everything (and there's lots!) Cape Town has to offer. My six weeks there was not nearly enough time for me, and I know I will be back.

AVIVA offers a truly unique travel and volunteer experience and does so incredibly professionally while also offering personal attention and assistance in every way possible. I can not say enough about the service that the AVIVA staff provides; they genuinely want to ensure that you have the best experience possible while in South Africa, and in my opinion they succeed tremendously at doing so."

Qualifications

No previous experience is required.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

From USD 215 per week

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country

Program Fees Include:

Your Baphumelele Project inludes:
* Cape Town Airport collection and drop-off.
* A comprehensive welcome brief from a member of the AVIVA team.
* Accommodation at AVIVA House (in Table View, Cape Town).
* Self-service breakfasts for the duration of your stay.
* Transfers between AVIVA House and Baphumelele.
* A donation to Baphumelele (payable by AVIVA).
* Advice and support from our experienced team during your stay.
* Our booking service for attractions, events and tours.
* An attractive certificate recognizing your contribution to the Home of Hope Project.

If required, extra nights can be added to your stay to meet your flight dates for only R130 per night. This may help you to take advantage of any cheaper flights that arrive in Cape Town before your planned arrival date.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Volunteering is for everyone - Although more than 70% of our volunteers are females aged between 16-25 years old, we have hosted volunteers of all ages (16 - 72 years), backgrounds and nationalities. These include students, career gappers, retirees, doctors, nurses, policewomen, teachers, social workers, vets, pilots, lawyers and just about any career or profession you can imagine.

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Dormitory

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 5-6

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 working day

AVIVA - Volunteering in South Africa's Mission Statement

AVIVA offers international volunteers the chance to make a vital contribution to underprivileged children and endangered wildlife while having a hands-on, life changing experience in South Africa.

Year Founded

2002