Description

Malaika (Angel) Orphanage Center was established in 2005. The Founders with the community members wanted to do something for underprivileged children in the area after seeing the hardship first-hand when caring for an abandoned child Amina Mathoho. Amina was severely disabled and left to fend for herself. Osman Ssengendo and his wife took her in and have been caring for her in their home ever since, she is now 7 and is receiving physio and speech therapy as she still cannot walk or talk. It is unfortunately far too common for children with special needs to be abandoned, as parents don't know how and don't have the resources to help.

Currently, after just six years, the center is now helping 135 children in the Jo burg area.

The charity provides support in three main areas:

* Housing and financial support to provide the most basic needs of food, shelter, clothes, sanitation and care for children without a home and under privileged families.

* Daycare for those children not yet at school and an after school club (school finishes at 1pm), providing additional education and recreational activities.

* Establishing youth groups to give emotional support to caring families and provide supplementary education on HIV / AIDS and other local issues, by sharing their views, knowledge and positive attitude in the areas of difficulty.

The Government only give 170 Rand (less than 20 Pounds!!) a month for an Orphan or 470 Rand (less than 50 pounds!) for a child with special needs. This barely allows for milk for the younger children, let alone food, shelter, clothes, transport, etc. Fortunately, the local communities are extremely generous and take in children as their own with support from the center, along with other donations of clothes, blankets, toys, school materials..etc.

The charity currently survives with local support and generosity and it helps as many children as possible. But there are lots more in need and lots more that Malaika wants to do. They are constantly canvassing local businesses for sponsorship and support and continue to do all they can to improve the lives of these children and give them a future.

The Malaika Orphanage volunteer opportunity targets people of any age capable of making a difference, caring for and educating the children, providing fund raising ideas and support and participating in the programs that help the communities have a better future. With your help and our combined efforts, we can make a difference.

Highlights

* The opportunity to work and improve the lives of underprivileged, enthusiastic children of all ages. Who really want to learn!
* Living and working safely within the local community, giving you a better understanding of how life really is and how you can help enhance it.
* Getting involved in local and international fundraising projects to give the centre a more sustainable future
* Local activities. Trips to historical sites of Soweto (Nelson Mandela Museum and Soccer City) and optional at extra cost visits to National Parks (Kruger or others), Joborg Zoo and local football / rugby matches (subject to availability).

Qualifications

Malaika Orphanage welcomes all types of volunteers qualified and non-qualified. You need an open mind, a big heart, lots of patience and a will to make a difference to the children's lives.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

500 per month

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Living stipend
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

All transport to and from the airport, accommodation with local families, local meals and all organized tours as part of the program are included. Our staff guides will ensure you are always safe and feel at home. They are experts in language, local orientation, culture and will provide help with all your local travel needs for the duration of the program.

The fee for Malaika Orphanage is only to cover the costs of accommodation, food and transport, we keep costs low as we want to open this opportunity to as many international volunteers s possible. If you wish to contribute more we would be more than happy for you to provide additional financial support while you are here.

We shall also have free time for our volunteers to explore and tour Johannesburg including Soweto to find out more about local culture and history. They will also have a chance to visit Kruger National Park and other highlights at their own expense.

Salary/Pay

None

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Age Range

16 +

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Home-stays
• Other
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of according to the program .

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week_ 8 months

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Malaika Orphanage Center's Mission Statement

To empower vulnerable children in the African communities and give them a brighter future, by providing them with basic needs and building their life skills through early childhood development activities.

Year Founded

2005