Home of Hope - Caring for Abandoned, Abused & HIV Babies in Cape Town

  South Africa

• Cape Town: 
Cape Town (Kaapstad)

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Available throughout the year

Description: Home of Hope is a very special home, which provides an interim place of safety for babies and young children for a short period of time until they can be placed in a suitable home. The children come from diverse circumstances, some abandoned in dustbins, others abused, neglected, raped or infected with HIV.

As a Home of Hope volunteer, you will be involved with the daily care giving of the children, helping with preparing breakfasts, lunch, snacks, dinners and formula feeds; cleaning and sterilising the bottles used during the day; feeding babies and toddlers; giving medication; recording and evaluating babies and toddlers according to their milestones; changing nappies, bathing; stimulating babies and toddlers according to our set out programme and much more besides!

This is an especially rewarding project for emotionally mature volunteers, who will be able to see the positive difference their contribution has made to the lives of some very special babies and young children.

Qualifications: No previous experience is required as all training and supervision will be provided.

Cost in US$: $1,620 for your first 6 weeks, $220 per week thereafter

* Cape Town Airport collection and drop-off.
* A comprehensive welcome brief from a member of the AVIVA team.
* A Welcome Pack complete with many useful items that will help you settle in and an opportunity to let your friends and family know you have arrived safely.
* An embroidered AVIVA Fleece.
* Accommodation at AVIVA House (in Table View, Cape Town).
* Self-service breakfasts for the duration of your stay.
* Transfers between AVIVA House and Home of Hope.
* A donation to Home of Hope (payable by AVIVA).
* A full-day Peninsula tour which includes lunch, visits to Hout Bay, Chapmans Peak Drive, Cape Point, Simons Town, Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and much more. An incredible day rich with history and some of the worlds most beautiful scenery.
* A half-day Cultural tour, a fascinating introduction to South Africas recent political history before and after Apartheid. Includes highlights of Khayelitsha, South Africas second largest township after Soweto.
* A full-day tour to the Cape Winelands including the Paarl, Franschoek and Stellenbosch regions. Wine tastings and lunch are included.
* Advice and support from our experienced team during your stay.
* Our booking service for attractions, events and tours.
* An attractive certificate recognising your contribution to the Home of Hope Project.
* If required, extra nights can be added to your stay to meet your flight dates for only R120 per night. This may help you to take advantage of any cheaper flights that arrive in Cape Town before your planned arrival date.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A typical AVIVA volunteer is open to experiencing new cultures and meeting people from around the world; is tolerant and respectful of others, no matter what their beliefs or background; looks forward to broadening their horizons; is flexible and adapts well to new situations and environments; is self-disciplined with a sense of independence; sees that volunteering provides them with a rewarding way in which to develop their own personal qualities and character while giving something back to others; is pro-active and looks for opportunities to experience their new surroundings; acknowledges that South Africa in many ways is still a developing country and thus will provide them with a wide range of new experiences and challenges.

Age Range: 18-35 yrs

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 3-6

Application Process Involves:

• Disciplinary Clearance Form
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

AVIVA - Volunteering in South Africa's Mission Statement: AVIVA is committed to supporting sustainable community, wildlife and conservation projects while providing you with a positive, life changing experience in South Africa. We believe that volunteering promotes self-growth, cultural understanding, and provides you with a unique opportunity to really experience a country first hand. We work with grass roots projects that have evolved to meet real needs - so you can be sure that you will be contributing your time to a worthwhile and rewarding cause. From 16 year old students to 70 year old retirees, we have hosted volunteers from a wide range of nationalities and backgrounds, and our dedicated support team (the largest in Africa!) are here to ensure that your volunteering experience not only matches, but exceeds your expectations. Like many previous volunteers, you can open your eyes to new adventures, new friends, and an experience that will capture your heart and mind... Come and join us, we would love to see you in South Africa soon!

Year Founded: 2002