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.

Volunteer Testimonial from Claire Le Cras - 31 from Guernsey

"The Home of Hope project is the most amazing placement! I had such a good time and of course fell in love with all the babies! AVIVA is a fantastic organisation and really made my trip special. I can't wait to go back to Table View and Home of Hope!"

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

Cost in US$: USD 2030 for your first 6 weeks, USD 250 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 beautiful mountains of the Cape Winelands including the Paarl, Franschoek and Stellenbosch regions. Chocolate, Cheese & 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: 18-40 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: Widely regarded to be one of the world's leading volunteer organisations, AVIVA is committed to supporting sustainable community, wildlife and conservation projects while providing international volunteers with rewarding, life changing experiences in South Africa. AVIVA provides full in-country support, all in-country transfers, accommodation, meals on most projects and a wide range of other benefits. Pre-arrival support is also second to none, with quick response to all enquiries, and expert assistance from their Cape Town based team every step of the way. AVIVA is the only volunteer organisation that provides a free personal trip planner & comprehensive fundraising assistance for volunteers. Previous experience is not required as all necessary training and supervision is provided. Since 2002, AVIVA have hosted volunteers of all ages and backgrounds from over 50 countries. So whether you are a student, taking a career break, or have retired and are looking for a way to travel & make a real difference, the AVIVA team would love to see you in South Africa. Visit AVIVA's web site to learn more, or make a no obligation application using their online booking form...

Year Founded: 2002