Muffty Day at Chintsa East School
How did the idea of volunteering in South Africa come to life?
I love travelling and I'd been in South Africa the year before and noticed a lot of info in the various backpackers I stayed in about various volunteer projects.
Why did you select VA32 for your volunteer program?
It was teaching and working with children in a township school, which I thought would be challenging and rewarding. Also the location, accommodation, and provider seemed to be just what I was looking for.
What was your favorite part about completing volunteer work in South Africa?
It was a coastal town and our accommodation was a five minutes walk from a breathtaking beach. Also there were local shops next door, a small restaurant and bar, and a backpackers across the river. Also, the school where we were working was only about two kilometers away; we really felt part of the community.
What sets VA32 apart from other volunteer organizations?
The VA32 team themselves. The support they gave was excellent, from the moment we arrived to when we left. At the time, they were running three school projects, an environmental and ecological conservation project based at a nearby game reserve, and an animal project working with a local horse and pony rescue centre. All these projects had volunteers and were kept running smoothly. The passion and dedication of the VA32 team is outstanding and I would recommend them to anyone who wants to volunteer in South Africa.
Story time with the nursery children at Chintsa East School
Overall, how supportive would you say the local staff were?
They were outstanding.
What is one thing that surprised you about volunteering in South Africa?
What surprised me most about volunteering with the Wild Coast Schools Project in Chintsa is just how much I loved teaching. I'd never taught before, I'm a shy person and really don't like the focus of attention, but working with the kids was a delight. It was a pleasure to be with children who wanted to learn, were grateful for your help, and had a healthy respect for adults; the complete opposite to the experiences of some of my teacher friends in the UK.
As result of my experience in South Africa, I completed a English language (CELAT) and PTLLS course, and I now work with adults teaching literacy, numeracy, and ICT skills, among other things. After 20 or so years working in arts administration this is quite a change and I love it. The other surprise was meeting lifelong friends, not only among the other volunteers but the VA32 staff as well.
What was a typical day like for you in South Africa?
We'd meet at the VA32 offices after breakfast and go over the day with our team leaders before heading out to the schools. At the schools we'd work from 9 a.m. to about 1 p.m. teaching ICT skills and English to all the different classes, and one morning a week we'd help out at the nursery school. We also provided art and sport activities for the kids, and after school on Tuesdays we'd meet with them on the beach for football and netball.
Flowers for the teacher on Valentines Day
What did you do in your freetime?
Socializing with my fellow volunteers and new found friends from the local community, walking on the beach, swimming. The VA32 team also organised weekend breaks (e.g. to Addo Elephant Park and Hogs Back).
What was your accommodation like? What did you like about it?
There were seven of us sharing a bungalow. It was basic but very comfortable, with a bathroom, separate shower, open plan kitchen and living area, a garden, and a veranda. It was situated right on a green near the small shopping area in the town; it was also only five minutes walk from a breathtaking beach and 20 minutes walk from a backpacker lodge. Everything we needed was right there.
Before arriving, how should future volunteers prepare for volunteering abroad?
I'd been in South Africa for three months in the year prior to my time in Chintsa, so all I'd say regarding preparation is to learn as much as you can about the country, culture, and language of your destination so you have an idea of what to expect when you get there. Otherwise go with an open mind and an open heart and you'll have the time of your life.
How much has volunteering in South Africa impacted your life?
The program has made a huge impact on my life, in that I've had a complete career change around. After years in arts administration, I now teach adult literacy and numeracy. It also boosted my self confidence and self esteem, and gave a new found thirst for learning myself and an urge to teach others.