Description

South Africa has gone through a huge process of development in the last decade, putting the dark days of apartheid behind it and making strides in reducing social inequality. The scars inflicted by that period will take a while to heal though and problems continue to linger. This project operates a day care center for mentally and physically handicapped children from a local South African township. The center is run by a former i-to-i volunteer to the project, so say hi from us! Your job will be to offer sensory stimulation through a variety of activities such as game playing and arts and crafts as well as assisting staff in the general running of the center. Well provide you with all our support to make sure you are ready and raring to go.

* What does the project do?

A group was started up in Masi due to families wanting their children to go to the sister project; Ocean View special care unit. As Ocean View was full it was decided that there was a need in Masi for the children there. So, in 2003 a group was started which ran two mornings a week. Both projects have now been combined and the group runs out of a nursery, although there are plans to move to bigger premises. It now runs Monday to Friday with the children's ages ranging from one to fourteen years.

* Why does the project need volunteers?

Volunteers are needed at the project to help assist the local staff. The activities and trips are limited by the staff members as the children often require high levels of help and care. There is little government funding for these types of initiatives and the brunt of the work falls on volunteers while the local community supports the project.

The children also need care on a daily basis to help stimulate their minds and bodies in way that can help them with their disabilities. Also the project is about having fun with the kids.

Highlights

* Knowing that you're making an immediate positive impact on the children's lives
* Getting under the skin of South Africa - you'll learn more than a tourist ever will
* Enjoying the sites and sounds of Cape Town and the surrounding area - the best place in the world?

Qualifications

The only qualifications you need are a love for children, patience, an imagination and a sense of fun!

Your role as a volunteer:

On a daily basis you will interact with the children by playing games, helping with arts and crafts and sensory stimulation. You will also assist staff in the general running of the center and help with excursions and day trips. You may also get involved with the adult workshop, allowing disabled people to perform productive work.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 1649.00 for 4 weeks, USD 175.00 for every week thereafter

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodation: Shared dormitory room in volunteer house
* Food: Food is not included; you will need to purchase your own food (budget approximately USD 50 per week)
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure help desk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range

18-80

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Volunteering's Mission Statement

i-to-i Volunteering provides unique opportunities for you to travel, work and volunteer abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 16 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations. With over 130 projects on 4 continents, across 22 countries you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching English, community development, conservation, home building, and working with animals.

Year Founded

1994