Project Description
The focus of the Cape Town Orphaned and Vulnerable Project is to educate, support, and empower disadvantaged, orphaned, and vulnerable children through a sustainable approach to community development. Lack of basic amenities, infrastructure, and learning resources exist with children often coming from devastating backgrounds. As a volunteer, you are an essential part of the African Impact team, assisting our efforts in providing children and youth with a better education and a brighter future. The many townships in and around the Cape Town area, including Khayelitsha (second largest in South Africa), are a melting pot of different cultures, ethnicities and languages. Yet across these differences, there are many parallels such as poverty, unemployment and HIV/AIDS. Locals live in a vast range of housing types from shacks built of wood and iron to larger permanent buildings. Centres are often over-crowded with minimal financial support or qualified workers. The townships are an eye-opening experience where a communal standpipe for water and blocks of individual toilets shared among a number of families is the norm. It is also a wonderfully vibrant community where the streets are filled with smells of mealie (corn) cob and meat from makeshift grillers and the sounds of kwaito music blur from taxi windows!
South Africa’s education system is ranked 133rd out of 142 Countries in the world by the World Economic Forum. Lack of basic amenities, infrastructure and learning resources in exist with many children coming from families affected by poverty, hunger and parents with little or no education themselves.
The many townships in and around the Cape Town area, including Khayelitsha (second largest in South Africa) are a melting pot of different cultures, ethnicities and languages. Yet across these differences, there are many parallels such as poverty, unemployment and HIV/AIDS. Locals live in a vast range of housing types from shacks built of wood and iron to larger permanent buildings.
Schools are often over crowed and short on qualified teachers. Visiting this township is an eye-opening experience where a communal standpipe for water and blocks of individual toilets shared among a number of families is the norm. It is also a wonderfully vibrant community where the streets are filled with smells of mealie (corn) cob and meat from makeshift grillers and the sounds of kwaito music blur from taxi windows!
Location Highlights
Cape Town is nestled in the shadow of Table Mountain overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The city is truly cosmopolitan with a mix of East and West, old and new, a vibrant nightlife and diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
The city is rich in history and scenic splendor worth exploring with Cape Point a scenic drive away and Robben Island just a boat trip over the water. Further out you can wander the wine farms and explore the vast mountain ranges.
How We Make An Impact
Emergency care home for abandoned and orphaned children
This home was established to care for abandoned and orphaned children aged between 0 and 8 years in Khayelitsha and the surrounding areas. This area of Cape Town has been hugely affected by HIV/AIDS and is thought to have the highest rates in the Western Cape. The home’s main aim is to place the children into foster care as soon as they are ready. On average 40% of the children taken into the home are HIV+, therefore the first stage of the home’s process is to nurse the children back to health. Once the children are medically and emotionally stable, the home will look to recruit a foster family so the children can be reintroduced into a family environment. Your role at the home is to help implement a fun plan of activities to help the children with their basic development needs which will enable them to grow and learn. The program works mainly with the younger children (0 – 3 years) and covers developmental areas such as social play, gross motor skills, language, numeracy and rhythm. One-to-one attention for these children is also essential for them to develop and enable them to progress into pre-school.
Or Additional Part Time ‘Design Your Own’ – choose from:
EITHER ……. TEACHING
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT
Abuse against children is most common in the immediate after-school hours when caregivers are not yet back from work. With this in mind, African Impact has partnered with organizations that facilitate after-school care programs. Volunteers help to plan and implement fun and educational games which always have an emphasis on developing important life skills such as teamwork and leadership. Some examples of the types of activities include fun games like ‘Capture the Flag’, ‘Buddies up Buddies Down and ‘What Time is it, Mr. Wolf?’ Other activities include homework support, craft-making, gardening and reading clubs. Your input and ideas are always welcomed as new inspiration
You may also be involved in workshops which aim to provide a platform for sharing information and skills with the wonderful team of Grandmothers that help to run the aftercare programs. In return, you will also be taught a skill or craft which you can take home with you. This encourages our ethos of cross-learning and is based on the ‘Each One Teach One’ model what was implemented by Nelson Mandela and his inmates during their time on Robben Island.
OR ……. SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
AFTER-SCHOOL CARE
In 1994 post-Apartheid, the South African government removed Physical Education from the school curriculum. Whilst this has now been reintroduced, it only forms a small part of the Life Orientation syllabus and as a result, student involvement in physical activity is very low. Organizing sports activities at several after-school care clubs is therefore fundamental to children’s development and improves essential skills such as teamwork and leadership. Some examples of the types of activities include fun games like ultimate Frisbee, baseball, cricket, and American football. This is a great chance to bring your interests to South Africa and teach the kids, grannies and your fellow volunteers a new talent. You may also participate in workshops which aim to provide a platform for sharing information and skills – in the past, we have had a session on nutrition as well as on Kayleigh dancing.
YOUR 4TH OPTION ……. THE GIRL IMPACT
The evidence is clear – investing in adolescent girls will not only help them realize their human rights, but is essential to reducing poverty and improving health, and future economic growth. Securing the rights of adolescent girls and their access to health, education, and protection from violence and abuse, ensures they have the chance to achieve their potential and can go on to become empowered women who can support their families, communities, and countries. In post-Apartheid South Africa, girls are in real need of support; issues surrounding access to and staying in education, restricted access to healthcare, high abuse rates and a patriarchal system where men hold primary authority all mean that girls are often left behind.
The Girl Impact initiative aims to provide opportunities for girls, and create support networks within their communities, so they can make more informed choices as they grow up, have the chance to achieve their potential and go on to become empowered women who can support their families, communities, and countries. Volunteers will be involved in three main areas to help achieve the UN Global Goal of Gender Equality. Youth support group for a mixed group of 10 – 19 year old adolescents, exploring key issues the youth face today. Girls’ and boys’ club, building positive relationships with vulnerable children and helping to create a space that encourages trust. English language lessons for the ‘Mamas’ at an emergency care home, offering invaluable support. This is fundamental in enabling them to communicate more effectively with social workers, visitors to the home, volunteers and the wider community, as well as educating the children in their care in English.
Why You Should Join
- Assist with local homes and organisations to integrate children into their care and immerse yourself in progressing the children’s early learning development
- Use your creative side and work with the children on their fine and gross motor skills
- Become a positive role model for the children through one-on-one guidance, mentoring and attention; something they wouldn’t otherwise have access to
- Make a difference with a population of at-risk youth, allowing them to feel safe and comfortable in their home environment
- Be part of an amazing afternoon club run by dynamic Grandmothers determined to keep children safe and increase their social skills with a completely inclusive environment
- Don’t stop at just one volunteer project, Design your Own by combining the best fit for your interests and skills.
- Judge for yourself why Cape Town is the number 1 place in the world to visit
- Immerse yourself in the Capetonian culture by visiting the many diverse local markets, restaurants and beaches.
- Make friends for life with other international volunteers!
Other Activities
During your stay, you will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the incredible attractions Cape Town has to offer. These excursions are also a great time for volunteers to interact and get to know each other better.
Popular Outings:
- Aquila Safari – a “Big 5” private game reserve (minimum of 4 people)
- Cape Point Peninsula Tour including a visit to the penguins at Boulders Beach
- Abseiling down Table Mountain
- Shark Cage Diving
- Sky-diving
- Hop-on, Hop-off Cape Town City Sightseeing
- Take a hike or cable car to the top of Table Mountain (cable car)
- Surfing lessons
- Experiencing fine wines and warm hospitality at Constantia and Stellenbosch wine farms
Details
Duration: 2 – 12 weeks
Countries: South Africa
Experiences: Volunteering
Ages: 16 and up
Experience Requirements:
- Genuine love and concern for people and the environment
- Enthusiasm, and interest in wildlife and the natural environment
- You must be in good physical health, as you will be expected to participate in physical activities
- Ability to work as part of a team, be flexible and cooperative
- **Note: Patience and enthusiasm are essential for this project J (a laptop is highly recommended).
Project Starts: Every other Sunday (see scheduled dates below)
Dates: 12 & 26 March | 9 & 23 April | 7 & 21 May | 4 & 18 June | 2, 16 & 30 July | 13 & 27 August | 10 & 24 September | 8 & 22 October | 5 & 19 November
South African School Term dates:
During school holidays activities may differ from the usual schedule but the work will be equally engaging and rewarding. The school terms for Cape Town for 2018 are as follows:
Term 1: 17 January – 28 March
Term 2: 10 April – 22 June
Term 3: 17 July – 28 September
Term 4: 9 October – 12 December
During the holidays the schedule can look different but rest assured, your time with us will still be rewarding and the work you will be doing will be meaningful and necessary.
Price:
10-Days – $1,372.00
2 weeks – $1,524.00
3 weeks – $1,935.00
4 weeks – $2,345.00
5 weeks – $2,755.00
6 weeks – $3,165.00
7 weeks – $3,575.00
8 weeks – $3,985.00
9 weeks – $4,395.00
10 weeks – $4,805.00
11 weeks – $5,215.00
12 weeks – $5,625.00
A Typical Volunteer Week
| Mon | AM: Work on children’s development at an emergency foster care center. Lunch at the Lion House
PM: Support an after-school care program. Volunteer welcome night |
| Tues | AM: Work on children’s development at an emergency foster care center. Lunch with the Community you are working at.
PM: Support an after school care program. Tours talk and free time. |
| Wed | AM: Work on children’s development at an emergency foster care center. Go and be adventurous tasting some local delicacies
PM: Support an after-school care program. Workshop on topical issues and free time. |
| Thu | AM: Work on children’s development at an emergency foster care center. Dine with a local view.
PM: Support an after school care program. Events Night. |
| Fri | AM: Work on children’s development at an emergency foster care center. Lunch at the Lion House.
PM: Planning Party. Weekend Begins! |
| Sat – Sun | Explore Cape Town and the surrounding areas on a day safari, wine tour or Peninsula trip.
Spend your morning Shark Cage Diving and your afternoon exploring Table Mountain through hiking. Abseiling or the more leisurely cable car |
Please contact us if you have any questions!
Accommodations
Cape Town is an internationally renowned destination and has something for everyone. The Mother City is home to iconic Table Mountain, beautiful beaches, stunning vineyards and the people will leave your heart fuller. Enjoy some of the most scenic drives, a beautiful mountain backdrop, spot stunning marine life and sample some of the eclectic restaurants and markets which has seen Cape Town recently been named the No. 1 food city in the world! Plus, you have the Garden Route on your doorstep ….. !
You will be staying in a fully furnished house situated in Observatory, a charming bohemian suburb close to the Cape Town city center. ‘Obs’, as it’s known by the locals, is an artsy district filled with quirky restaurants and relaxed bars with live music. There are plenty of shops within walking distance.
We call it The “Lion House” because of the gold lions that welcome you at the front door.
It boasts a central lounge area with comfortable couches for socializing and relaxing, as well as an outside space in the sun to relax, prepare for your next day or chat with fellow volunteers.
The Lion House offers 7 bedrooms that can sleep between 4-6 volunteers per room. We can cater for a large number of volunteers but you will always have your own space and private storage.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Airport Collection and drop off on arrival and departure
Wi-Fi available for an additional fee (± R20 per week) but you will need your own Wi-Fi compatible device.
Laundry @ R60 per load
All your daily transport to the project sites
3 meals a day (Monday to Friday) from our team of great chefs
A full-time housekeeping service and 24-hour support
Comfortable shared accommodation
A great experience with the opportunity to make new friends!
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Items of a personal nature, personal insurances, visas and gratuities
Gratuity
Optional extra activities, not specified above
Optional Tours and Trips
Cape Town is known as one of the most stunning cities on the globe! The beaches are beautiful white sand and there is a wealth of activities to keep you busy during your time off like Robben Island, the heritage site of Nelson Mandela’s prison home and of course Cape Town is also the gateway to the stunning Western Cape Winelands.
Here are some guideline prices for popular activities in and around Cape Town, which we can help you arrange once you have arrived.
- Cape Point Peninsula Tour including Boulders R750.00
Cape Point is the most South Western Point of Africa… We will take you to Cape Point and the Good Hope Nature Reserve, Hout Bay, Seal Island, Simons Town and more!
- Hop on Hop off Cape Town Sightseeing Bus R170.00
Explore Cape Town with informative audio commentary about all our major attractions in 15 different languages (and a special kids channel), City Sightseeing tours are the easiest and most fun way to see the sights.
- Hike or take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain R275.00
Go and see the amazing views from the well known Table Mountain and explore the top with numerous walks
- Surfing lessons (Muizenberg) R580.00
Try your hand at surfing in Muizenberg – a beautiful stretch of beach surrounded by numerous little restaurants.
- Shark Cage Diving R1850.00
A breathtaking experience that will leave you wanting more! See the sharks up close and personal in Kleinbaai and you will have memories to last you a lifetime
