11 Amazing Volunteer Projects in South Africa

As I sit here preparing to embark on another volunteer journey with IVHQ I can't believe how lucky I am to have stumbled upon their website six years ago. There is no reason for me to look anywhere else for volunteer opportunities. IVHQ has so many unique programs to choose from in so many destinations. From the very first step of simply researching to the final steps of applying an booking travel their staff was always available and willing to assist with any questions that may have arisen. Volunteering in Victoria Falls with IVHQ was life changing. The local staff is so friendly, knowledgeable, and organized. There was never a moment that you were unsure of what a difference you were making to the Nakavango Wildlife Conservation Center and the local community. Not only was the work that you were doing meaningful it was also so educational. Afternoon were often spent talking with the manager of the conservation center learning about the history of Victoria Falls, the different species of animals, and all of the plans that the conservation center has for bettering the community that they are located in. For sure there was a lot of fun to be had in the moments when you were not shoveling wheelbarrows of rocks and sand to create more passable roadways so the rangers could better patrol the center to watch for poaching activity. Some of the best moments were sitting by the fire on Thursday evenings while camping where everyone would share personal stories about themselves and chat about the work that was accomplished during the day. All of this while watching the most amazing "sun downers" and hearing the wildlife in the background. Have no reservations about booking anyone of IVHQ's wonderful and life changing volunteer trips.

I continuously smiled, laughed, played, taught, sang, and took many selfies with the kids. This program had exceeded my expectations. From the moment I had arrived to Cape Town, I had felt welcomed and felt like this trip would be a life changing experience. I volunteered in the childcare program for 2 weeks, and the teaching program for 1 week in the township of Capricorn. At both schools I had felt very welcomed by the staff, and was able to interact, connect and help with the kids by the first day of volunteering. The local staff for IVHQ were very helpful and kind, and made sure each volunteer had a great experience. Within such a short time I had felt like I had connected with everyone so well, and had fallen in love with the culture of South Africa. I will absolutely never forget this experience as I completely stepped out of my comfort zone, had opened my eyes to a new culture, and had confirmed that I want to become an elementary school teacher.

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Prior to making the decision to volunteer with IVHQ, I did my research and read many reviews that were positive. Now with firsthand experience, I can attest to the organization’s tremendous ability to effectively provide volunteer abroad opportunities for anyone. I volunteered in South Africa for three weeks on the Childcare Project. Before, during, and after, IVHQ program managers have kept an open line of communication; ensuring smooth transitions between the numerous aspects of volunteering internationally. IVHQ made international volunteer accessible and trouble-free. Moreover, teaching, comforting and encouraging children who have little to nothing, yet wear a smile each day, was the best experience of my life thus far. My weeks spent volunteering in a township of South Africa weren’t meant to change the world. Instead, I intended on leaving a lasting impact on each child I came across. IVHQ helped me to do just that.

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I found my overall experience to be a maturing experience for me, since I have never volunteered the way I did with IVHQ. In the childcare program, working with the kids completely opened my eyes and exposed my mind to the extremely harsh living conditions these children grow up in. Despite the difficult start in life, these kids are extremely loving and affectionate, always saying "teacher! teacher! watch me do this" or "pick me up!" Besides the program placement, the volunteer housing placement was very cozy and comfortable. I had trouble figuring out the stove top which was frustrating, but the location is a 10 minute walk from the beach and 15 minute walk from the town center. The other volunteers in my house (and in the program) were from all over the world and were kind and friendly. Similarly, the administration of the program was so thankful for the volunteers' time and show their appreciation quite often. In the afternoons and on weekends volunteers had plenty of free time to do and see all the beautiful sights of South Africa. I saw so many sights I would never be able to see at home, or anywhere else on the planet.

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