Description

Located on the southern tip of the African continent, South Africa is a country of rich natural resources and stunning landscapes. Though despite its emergence as a strong economic power, the country sadly still shares many of its neighbors' issues of high unemployment with vast numbers of the population living below the poverty line.

The infamous townships are full of people desperate to create a better world for their children. Since unemployment is high at almost 40%, these poorer areas are full of basic social problems like alcoholism and domestic violence. Parents are not eager to have their children affected by their surroundings and attempt to keep them busy through creches, schools and after school activities, though this is not easy with limited or no funds.

Projects Abroad provides much needed hands on support to these creches and after school clubs, which enables them to keep their costs low while still providing a safe and stimulating environment for these children to grow up in.

Whatever your age, abilities, or level of experience you are welcome to join a volunteer Care Project in South Africa. All we ask is that you have enthusiasm and commitment to the work, staff team, and of course the children.

Projects Abroad has links with a number of creches in the townships and poorer suburbs of Cape Town to provide much needed care for disadvantaged children in the area. We also have a project working in a center for children with special needs.

Volunteers can also spend some time as part of a team working on community projects like building new classrooms and playgrounds or painting and decorating children's wards. Community projects are typically under-funded and under-resourced so our volunteers are always welcome.

Highlights

Volunteers working in the care centers and creches help the children to learn basic but important life skills, and make sure the children are fed, washed and dressed. Structured work is vital, to help prepare the children for school and create a calm and constructive environment.

You'll work alongside your project supervisor to create a work plan that you and the children will follow. In addition to this, sports, art, music and drama are always popular activities on these placements. Start a choir, put on a play or organize a sports day!

Local staff are often highly overworked and don't have the time to give the children much one-on-one attention. You could be the one to make the difference by inspiring the children and maybe even the carers too.

All of the volunteer care projects in South Africa are eager to have volunteers with fresh ideas and energy to help the permanent staff. We try to take advantage of all of our volunteers' talents and skills that can contribute to the care and rehabilitation of the children, so let us know how you can help.

Qualifications

None

Languages

• Afrikaans
• English
• Xhosa

Cost in US$:

Please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The price of each placement includes all your food and accommodation, transfers to and from the airport, full travel and medical insurance plus support and 24 hour back-up from our staff based around the world.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• Community Development
• Culture
• Orphans
• Volunteering
• Youth

Typical Volunteer

Open-minded with a desire to travel.

Age Range

16-80

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992