Helping Children in a Cape Town Orphanage

  South Africa

• Cape Town: 
Cape Town (Kaapstad)

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Flexible start dates are available all year round

Description: Play an active role in the development of young children at the world famous Baphumelele Children's Home based in Khayelitsha township close to Cape Town. AVIVA volunteers have played an important role at this home since June 2004, and have collectively contributed much to Baphumelele's ongoing transformation...

Baphumelele houses approximately 150 children ranging in age from new born to 18 years (volunteers work mainly with the 0-5 years age group) and provides a safe haven and loving home for these children who would otherwise face a life on the streets. Unlike other Homes, Baphumelele does not discriminate against children on age or medical grounds, accepting all children who are in need.

Visits from singers Beyonce Knowles, U2's Bono, Sir Elton John and the Manchester United Football team have provided Baphumelele with much needed publicity, though they still have a real need for volunteers who are able to assist with looking after the younger children (0-5 yrs), particularly with child development, laundry, washing, feeding, food collection and a variety of other support tasks.

This is a very special project that will suit emotionally mature volunteers who are looking to make a positive difference to a wonderful group of young children.

Volunteer testimonial from Lauren Ochsenreiter - 20 from the USA

"Traveling to South Africa and working at Baphumelele was the most incredible experience of my life. You go there to help, to make any small difference you possibly can, and you leave changed in ways you didn't think possible. I think of and miss the children every single day, look at their pictures regularly and am often brought to both laughter and tears in doing so.

Living in Obz/Cape Town and working with an international group of volunteers was an invaluable experience and provided a once in a lifetime opportunity to get to know people from around the world while at the same time exploring everything (and there's lots!) Cape Town has to offer. My six weeks there was not nearly enough time for me, and I know I will be back.

AVIVA offers a truly unique travel and volunteer experience and does so incredibly professionally while also offering personal attention and assistance in every way possible. I can not say enough about the service that the AVIVA staff provides; they genuinely want to ensure that you have the best experience possible while in South Africa, and in my opinion they succeed tremendously at doing so."

Qualifications: No previous experience is required.

Cost in US$: USD 1800 for your first 6 weeks, USD 190 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 and exploring new lands. 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 the planet. 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.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to South Africa in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 5-6

Application Process Involves:

• Other

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