Nyanga Upliftment Project

Highlights

• Giving love to vulnerable children is the best gift you can give; sharing this costs nothing but means the world.
• Learning more about the challenges and lives of children and women in Nyanga.
• Spending your days playing with children.
• Assisting in social welfare programmes to underserved township communities.
• Assisting in the ‘Fit For Life, Fit For Work’ programme, which helps unemployed school leavers to set goals and make healthy life choices to positively impact their futures.
• Experiencing amazing tours and adventures in and around Cape Town.
• Getting personal support from the volunteer coordinator.
• Making new friends from all over the world.
• Half-day option: learn English in the morning – volunteer in the afternoon

Project Information

This project is a registered non-profit organisation that is a multipurpose facility which delivers a variety of educational and social welfare programmes as well as outreach programmes to underserved communities in Nyanga, Cape Town. The organisation was founded in 2001 in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic which was rampant (and continues to be presently) in Nyanga and its surrounding areas. Besides having alarmingly high HIV/AIDS rates, Nyanga is a township that faces considerable social challenges as well as underdevelopment but is slowly improving through the efforts of community members who are working hard to alleviate poverty and create job opportunities.

The project offers services to families affected by HIV/AIDS and, most specifically, vulnerable children infected and affected by the AIDS epidemic.

Since its inception, the project has evolved to encompass a more holistic approach, serving the diverse needs of the communities of Nyanga while maintaining a special focus on women and children. Today, it runs numerous successful programmes including the following:

• Early Childhood Development and Grade R programme caring for HIV/AIDS infected/affected children.
• Youth Development/ After School Care programme (homework support, sports, music therapy, dance, draa and art lessons)
• PowerGirls Programme helping to become proud, strong, responsible and future-oriented.
• Fit For Life, Fit For Work: A women’s skills-development and job-readiness programme.
• Social Work and Community Development programme and OVC (orphans and vulnerable children)
• Nutrition and Home Food Garden programme
• Sewing Training programme in order for women to start their own small business
• Home and Community Based Care programme (providing home-based care, HIV/AIDS and TB education).

Your Role

Full-day volunteers

Monday – Friday, from 09:00 – 16:00.

The children at the project love to have people come and play with them but they do not speak English and so reading stories and communication is difficult for volunteers who do not speak Xhosa. However, it is good to break down barriers and teach the children some English, so we welcome volunteers who are reliable and love children (from birth to six).

Depending on which programme you are placed with, you assist with the following:

• any administrative duties
• kitchen duties, including preparation of meals as well as offering the children breakfast and lunch.
• interacting with the children
• awareness and campaign activities that take place at the project
• gardening: helping with cleaning up the site and surrounds, weeding, composting, planting and watering
• helping with the housekeeping
• helping the project's community builders to make blocks for building, interior painting, etc.

Afternoon volunteering only:

Monday – Friday, from 14:00 – 16:30.

In case you study English in the morning and volunteer in the afternoon, you’ll take part in these two programmes:

• Early Childhood Development and Grade R programme
• Youth Development/After School Care programme

You will assist with the following:

• any administrative duties
• interacting with the children
• helping with homework, education, sports and music
• helping with the housekeeping
• helping the projects with any interior cleaning and painting, etc.

It is important to note that this description serves as an example only. The daily tasks and challenges depend on the volunteer and the work that needs to be done. The final job description can therefore vary substantially from the above.

This project can be emotionally draining. It is important that you are aware of this before applying for this project. We will assist you during your stay to make sure that you are coping with the experience, but you need to be mentally prepared to be open to the challenge.

Accommodation

You will live at the Volunteer House. It is a private house in an upmarket residential area with single beds and twin bedrooms. Volunteers are accommodated in twin bedrooms but may upgrade to single rooms upon request. There are 4 bathrooms to share, a communal kitchen, a dining room, a lounge with TV and DVD player and a beautiful garden with a swimming pool.
Bedding is provided. Towels are not provided.
There is a washing machine at the residence for you to use. It works with tokens which can be purchased for R40 per load.
Please note: The Volunteer House is currently closed for renovations and will be available again from early 2026.

In the meanwhile, volunteers can book the Newlands Residence at no extra cost. This residence is located in the heart of Claremont and offers single rooms with an en-suite bathroom. Bedding and towels are provided and replaced weekly. A communal kitchen, a wellness area with a mini gym, a pool and communal areas guarantee a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to meet fellow volunteers. Wi-Fi is included.
A laundry room with washing machines and tumble dryers is available at the cost of R43 per load. 

Upgrades to a Homestay or any other accommodation option provided by Good Hope Studies are always possible but come at an additional cost. 

Meals
Self-catering except if you choose the Homestay option. The main shopping areas as well as restaurants, pubs, etc. are within walking distance of your accommodation.