Volunteers joining this multipurpose facility can assist with education and social welfare programmes as well as outreach work focused on health and economic development. This project is set in Nyanga, a township in Cape Town where the need is great.
| Location | Nyanga Township, Cape Town, South Africa |
|---|---|
| Duration | From 2 - 8 weeks |
| Dates | from mid-January to November |
| Requirements |
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| Minimum Age: | 18 |
| Your impact | |
| Documents required | Enrolment form, curriculum vitae, letter of motivation, passport copy, proof of medical insurance, police clearance certificate |
| Day of arrival | Sunday |
| Day of departure | Saturday |
This project is a registered non-profit organisation that is a multi-purpose 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:
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:
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:
You will assist with the following:
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.
You will live at the Volunteer House. It is a private house in an upmarket residential area in Cape Town. Volunteers are accommodated in twin bedrooms but may upgrade to single rooms upon request. There are 4 bathrooms to share, a communal kitchen to cater yourself, a dining room, a lounge with TV and DVD and a beautiful garden with a swimming pool.
Bedding is provided. Towels will not be provided.
There is a washing machine at the residence for you to use which works with tokens which can be purchased for R40 per load.
Jelle from the Netherlands
"I chose to participate in projects in Cape Town, South Africa due to it being a multicultural society, a nice city with great people. I loved the interaction with the kids and the teachers at my volunteer project, and believe my volunteer projects make a positive impact by uplifting the community and helping kids who need it most. I would advise other volunteers to be patient and remember why you are there, its for the kids, not for you. One of my best memories at the projects were the happiness in the kids faces when I brought cookies and muffins."
Mariana Messere
"I had a wonderful time in Cape Town and I will never forget this experience. I had the best time of my life and today I am the most grateful person in the world! I want also to thank all the Good Hope crew, because everyone was so kind and comprehensive."
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