Help Build Brighter Futures for Children in Cape Town

  South Africa

• Other Cities in South Africa: 
Rural Areas
• Cape Town: 
Cape Town (Kaapstad)

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Placements are available throughout the year.

Description: Masigcine Children's Home offers a place of safety to abandoned and orphaned children in the Mfuleni township area near Cape Town.

As a Masigcine volunteer, your time will mainly be spent with young children and babies (one month to 6 years). During the day you will take part in various activities assisting the caregivers with their daily tasks such as:

* Preparing feed bottles and cooking meals
* Feeding babies and toddlers
* Changing nappies (gloves are provided if required), helping with potty training and taking children to the bathroom.
* Helping the children with teeth brushing, getting ready for school, and bath time.
* Providing structured play for the children.
* Washing up, hanging out the laundry, and changing bed linen.

The children are referred to the Children's Home because of desertion, abandonment as well as gross neglect due to a lack of parenting skills. Other reasons include mothers that are too young; the child may come from parents who have passed away as a result of HIV/AIDS and other related illnesses. Some of the children who are admitted are still babies and because of complications and deficiencies during pregnancy, which are a result of alcohol foetal syndrome; HIV/AIDS; malnutrition etc. they may require special care.

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 young children.

Highlights: Volunteer Testimonial...

Amanda Watchorn - 20 from Canada
"I went to South Africa to make a difference, to change someone's life, and I hope that I did. But what I didn't expect is how much my life would change as well. Volunteering at Masigcine Children's Home was the most rewarding and most impacting experience of my life, and AVIVA made it all possible."

Qualifications: No qualifications or previous experience is required as all training will be provided.

Cost in US$: USD 1,600 for your first 4 weeks, USD 200 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 Observatory, Cape Town).
* Self-service breakfasts for the duration of your stay.
* Transfers between AVIVA House and Masigcine Children's Home.
* A donation to Masigcine Children's Home (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 Masigcine Children's Home 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 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 independance. * 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+ on arrival

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

Participants Travel to South Africa in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of Maximum of 5

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