What inspired you to go abroad?
I actually live in South Africa and always wanted to get involved with charity work that would help the beautiful children in Africa. I would encourage all young people that want to make a difference in the lives of small children to join in on this program.
Kids having fun!
Why did you choose Hero Holidays Volunteer Programs?
Education is a passion of mine and I believe no country will grow if they do not nurture and educate their children, which is the future of their country. As Soweto is right on my doorstep - living here in Johannesburg - I wanted to get involved in a project that I can re-visit and assist in regularly.
What was your favorite part about South Africa?
I absolutely love the warmth and depth of the friendly people. South Africa also has incredible weather.
What made your experience abroad unique?
Experiencing an environment where someone as great as President Mandela lived and walked... it was a very humbling experience. And he too had a great love for children and he also wanted to improve the lives of the generations where our future leaders will be coming from.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff were all extremely helpful, friendly, and grateful for the assistance throughout the program. And the kids are all incredible. At no point was I unsure of what needs to happen next as the friendly staff was always near to direct me.
Time to eat
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
I wish I could have spent more time helping the children.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
The days consisted of assisting the teachers with the primary school kids - reading stories, playing in the school yard with the kids - washing up and toilet assistance, assisting at the community youth centre, story reading, helping with arts and crafts of the day, sharing entrepreneurial skills, games and sports, and gardening.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
I loved experiencing the local food and hospitality of the warm people in Soweto.
Beautiful skyline of Johannesburg City
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
The accommodation was great and I love a backpackers environment. This way one gets to meet people from all over the world and experience a little bit of everyone's culture and beliefs.
Friends working
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
This program is wonderful, but always remember you are still in a country where you won't understand the language. As in any country where you are a visitor, always remain in groups and don't venture off with strangers. Remember the kids in Africa struggle financially and live in way different conditions to what you may be use to at home. Always be respectful of what they are experiencing and try to make their lives a little bit easier for them in the short time that you are blessed to share time with them.
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
I appreciate what I do have so much more and I realize that there's so many young people out there whose lives are much more complicated than my own and I hope to be able to make more of a difference in someone's life again really soon.
Would you recommend Hero Holidays to others? Why?
YES!! Absolutely. Your lives will be touched in a profound way and you will fall in love with Africa and want to return time and time again to come and help.
What was the hardest part about volunteering in South Africa?
The language barrier and facing the realities these moms have to deal with on a daily basis (we don’t realize just how much we have to be grateful for).
Gathering under a shady tree away from the warm sun
What surprised you most about the experience?
The warmth of the people and how comfortable the children are with strangers in their school assisting.
If you could volunteer again, where would you go?
Definitely one of Hero Holiday’s programs here in South Africa, as the group was incredible and Lorraine is simply amazing in organizing all of this and making sure we were happy and comfortable. I plan to experience all the programs Hero Holidays have to offer.
