Caring and loving volunteers help the staff at this unique organisation empower vulnerable children. The focus is to provide quality education and developmental programmes so that children reach their full potential and grow to become leaders in their communities.
| Location | Plettenberg Bay, South Africa |
|---|---|
| Duration | From 2 weeks |
| Dates | All year round from mid-January to mid-December |
| Requirements |
|
| Minimum Age: | 21 |
| Your impact | |
| Documents required | Enrolment form, curriculum vitae, letter of motivation, passport copy, proof of medical insurance, police clearance certificate |
| Day of arrival | Monday |
| Day of departure | Monday |
The project has been active for over 25 years and is based in the thriving township community of Kwanokuthula, Plettenberg Bay. This project ‘s Child & Youth Care Centre (CYCC) provides residential care for 50 girls and boys, all of whom have been found by the Children’s Court to be victims of abuse, and need statutory care and protection. The project's Drop-in Centre (DIC) provides a comprehensive range of prevention and early intervention services in the hope that the child will never need to be placed in statutory care.
The children at the Child & Youth Care Centre are provided with resources to have a dignified life, including clothing, three meals a day, school support, homework supervision, therapeutic counselling, camps, art lessons, sports activities and outings. Those children who do have a family to go back to, are helped by social workers who work on rehabilitating the children and then re-uniting them with their respective extended families. Once a child has left the centre, the staff continues to engage with the family and school to make sure all is well and provide any assistance if needed.
The Drop-in Centre has an open-door policy, allowing children who are not coping, or who are experiencing further difficulties, to return on a daily basis. These children were potential, or actual, street children but, with a lot of love and care, the project has managed to get them all to go to school every day. These are children who really did not want to be on the streets but had no other option.
The project has developed services in two areas:
You volunteer from 08:30 – 14:00/16:30. It may happen that you will be asked to stay after 16:30. Times depend on the needs of the centre and what activities are planned for the children in the afternoons.
Daily tasks at the CYCC could include:
Daily tasks at the DIC could include:
It is important to note that this description serves as an example only. The daily tasks and challenges depend on the volunteer, the time of year 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.
Volunteer accommodation is located in the heart of Plettenberg Bay, one of South Africa’s most stunning coastal towns. The house features three bedrooms, with volunteers sharing a comfortable two-bedroom room. You’ll have access to high-speed Wi-Fi, a cozy lounge, a fully equipped kitchen, and laundry facilities—ideal for settling in and feeling at home. With one of the best views in town overlooking the ocean and mountains, the home is just a few minutes from both the beach and the local shopping centre.
Adding to the warm, homely atmosphere are two resident dogs and four cats who will quickly make you feel part of the family. Kayla, the gentle old girl, and Quinn, a playful and energetic five-year-old mixed breed, are always happy to welcome new faces. The four cats—Fluffy, Wildy, Rafiki, and the shy little Sumo—each bring their own charm and personality to the house.
Meals
The accommodation provided is fully fitted for self-catering. Breakfasts, dinners and weekends are fully self-catering. Volunteers are responsible to purchase their own groceries. The Market Square Shopping Centre distances only 17 walking minutes from your accommodation.
For lunch, you will be provided with a hot meal in take away containers from a menu provided to all residents at the project facility.
Tairis from Brazil
"I was looking for a meaningful trip while in Brazil and as a pre-school teacher, I wanted to do something related to kids. As soon as I read about the 'protecting the children" project in South Africa, I knew this project was the one for me! I had an amazing experience with the kids. They received me very well and were full of love to give. I thought I would be the teacher for them, but they were the ones who taught me a lot. The place where I stayed (Rocky Road) was also amazing. I've met people from all over the world and was able to listen their stories. It has helped me open up my mind to traveling more and to follow my dreams. I believe everybody should have such an amazing experience like this in life. Being away from home made me realize how big the world is and how much we should help each other, if possible. I am sure I have a second family in South Africa and I will keep the special moments I have in my heart forever!"
Amanda from Brazil
"I discovered how important attention is to children, it makes all difference to them. When you give it, they return to you the most simple things in the world, and there is nothing that can pay or buy it, (I like to call love) like a big smile, hugs, joke, affection...they make all difference in my small world... for free , and I hope I could give some moments of happiness to them."
Isabela from Brazil
"About my experience as a volunteer...it was incredible. To look the sincere smile, to receive the best hug and to feel the amazing energy from the children was one of the best experience of my life. After all, I'm sure I received much more than I gave. Thank you so much for give me that opportunity!"
Jessica from Brazil
"Africa was such an awesome experience for me. Thanks for all the support. All days I remember the children and I really miss to spend my time with them, to wake up and know that I gonna see them and receive their love and attention. This experience was really grateful to me. I want to donate my time and myself to people more and more now. I also gonna get in at a project here in Brazil with a NGO that takes care of children too. So this experience also gave me the necessity to continue helping people. And I hope that I never stop."
Paulo from Brazil
"I loved the experience so much. I really felt a part of something good. I learnt a lot with those kids and I'm sure we become very special to them. These children also helped to show me what the important things in life are! It was an amazing experience."
Melyne from Switzerland
"I was a volunteer at this project for only ten days. However, you get attached to these children. Most of them have a hard background, but the joy which lights up their faces will shower you with smiles and happiness. I'm studying education and teaching ability in Switzerland. It was interesting for me to see what was different and similar between such different places! This experience was rich and I learned a lot! This gave me more of an understanding about essential real life lessons. Thank you!"
Jose from Brazil
"For me, a 63 year old man, even in a short period of time (only two weeks), it was a great experience to participate in this project. Te be welcomed by all, but especially by children from 2-7 years old, it was wonderful as well. I could also help with some activities and suggestions for improvement."
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