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Social Welfare Volunteering Program - South Africa

  • Africa, South Africa, Cape Town
  • |
  • Duration : 4 to 12 Weeks

Program Highlights

  • Help with food preparation and serving for the children.
  • Have fun playing with kids.
  • Help with transporting the children to and from the center.
  • Volunteer with daily walks for kids' health and development.
  • Help with basic sports coaching, education, and fitness training.
  • Explore Cape Town’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes!

UN’s Sustainable Development Goals:

No Poverty Quality Education

This program is ideal for

Volunteers who are highly motivated and constantly trying to spread happiness and love. Keep in mind that to be able to engage with children and adults you have to be very patient and kind. As your tasks will vary based on various factors, you should be open to helping out in any kind of activity that is prioritised while you’re there.

We have partnered with and currently work with, many social welfare projects in the communities that surround Cape Town – these include homes and centers that cater to children with special needs, schools that cater to children with Autism and other learning challenges, etc.

 

The Sunrise Special Care Centre is a great example of one of our Social Welfare projects. Here is a brief overview of this facility.

 

History & background:

A group of parents of children with severe and profound intellectual disabilities formed Sunrise Special Care Centre in 1988. The reason for forming this centre was due to no daycare facilities for children who require specialized care. The centre has to overcome various challenges on a daily basis (running costs, staff/patient ratios, transport, meals, etc.) but through hard work and commitment from staff, parents, and volunteer helpers, they are able to provide quality care to 30 children and adults with severe disability.

 

About the children:

The children at Sunrise Special Care Centre have profound intellectual and physical disabilities and require round-the-clock care. Basic skills like feeding themselves, going to the toilet, walking, talking, and playing are all very challenging tasks. The children will never be completely independent, and total care will be required for the rest of their lives. The children are transported to the centre every day, from various surrounding local communities, on the school bus and this can also sometimes prove to be a huge logistical process, requiring many hands.

 

Daily program:

Children and adults are cared for between 07:30am and 15:30pm. The centre provides exciting, stimulating, and much-needed programs. Continual staff development programs, educational workshops for staff, and ongoing support and guidance from therapists ensure the staff provides the best care they can, however, a shortage of teaching aids, equipment, and staff places ever-increasing pressure on the facility. Two cooked meals are provided to each child daily, with some children requiring special care like tube feeding.

Volunteering in South Africa offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a diverse and vibrant culture while making a positive impact on the community. During your free time, there are various activities you can engage in to make the most of your experience. Here are some popular options:

Wildlife Safaris: South Africa is renowned for its incredible wildlife. Explore national parks and game reserves, such as Kruger National Park, and go on safaris to see the "Big Five" (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) and other exotic animals.

Hiking and Outdoor Adventures: South Africa boasts stunning natural landscapes. Hike in the Drakensberg Mountains, explore the Garden Route, or go rock climbing, abseiling, or white-water rafting in various locations across the country.

Beach Relaxation: South Africa offers some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Whether in Durban, Cape Town, or along the Wild Coast, you can relax, swim, surf, or simply enjoy the sun.

Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in South African culture by visiting local townships, attending traditional dance performances, or participating in craft workshops. You can also learn about the country's history, including the apartheid era, at museums and historical sites.

Volunteer Social Events: Many volunteer programs organize social events and gatherings for volunteers. These can include cultural exchange evenings, community dinners, and excursions, providing a chance to connect with other volunteers and locals.

Community Engagement: Use your free time to continue helping the community. Participate in local community projects, teach, or offer your skills to support local initiatives and organizations.

Learn the Local Language: South Africa is a diverse nation with many languages. Take the opportunity to learn some basic phrases in the local language, such as Zulu, Xhosa, or Afrikaans, to better connect with the people.

Visit Local Markets: Explore local markets and craft fairs to discover unique South African crafts, clothing, and artwork. These markets often offer a chance to interact with local artisans.

Food Exploration: South African cuisine is rich and diverse. Try traditional dishes like bobotie, bunny chow, and boerewors, or visit local restaurants and street vendors to sample a variety of flavors.

Volunteer Reflection and Planning: Use your free time for self-reflection and planning for your volunteer work. Consider your impact, discuss strategies with fellow volunteers, and set goals for your remaining time.

Remember that your free time activities should align with the ethical guidelines of your volunteer program and respect the local culture and customs. South Africa has much to offer in terms of exploration and cultural experiences, so make the most of your time while contributing to a worthwhile cause.

Your Volunteering journey simplified

Select a destination & project.
Apply for free.

Directly talk to us & your selected organisation.

Pay a 15% deposit fee to secure your place at the volunteer program.

That’s it! Get ready to volunteer aboard. We’ll support you every step of the way!

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