Volunteer Community Building Development Project in South Africa with Projects Abroad

  South Africa

• Cape Town: 
Cape Town (Kaapstad)

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: All year round

Description: Whether you are on a gap year, summer placement or career break, if you want to get your hands dirty and see physical results from your placement overseas, our Community Building Project may suit you.

Based in Mfuleni, a relatively new township, 40 kilometres from Cape Town you would be joining a team of Projects Abroad volunteers and local people constructing simple cinder block homes located in and around the local township.

Voluntary Building Project in South Africa with Projects Abroad

The majority of the community was moved to Mfuleni in the late 1990s following flooding and fires in different townships across the Western Cape. This is a poor township with a number of pressing problems, however, despite this the people of Mfuleni have stayed and worked together to try and uplift their community and make it a better place for all.

Volunteers can play a key role in helping to achieve this by assisting at all levels of building and construction of the cinder block homes for the people of Mfuleni. Within the village and surrounding areas many families live in inadequate accommodation. The housing project allows them to move to new, better-quality homes. Volunteers work alongside the local villagers to help with the construction of houses for families within the community who require assistance.

Volunteering on the Community Building Project in South Africa

The roles that volunteers are involved in will vary but will include digging a foundation in the sand, mixing and pouring cement by shovel and wheelbarrow, placing cinder blocks to build walls and rooms, building a roof, or putting the finishing coat of paint on the completed house.

The building work takes place early in the morning and late in the afternoon so you'll have plenty of time to get involved in township life. Each site is overseen by a qualified builder from the community who will help volunteers and homeowners with the construction process.

You do not need previous building experience to take part in this project; although anyone who does have any relevant skills will be very welcome and will be able to take on a more specialized role. All volunteers should, however, be reasonably fit and physically active, and be prepared for working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

This project is available for two weeks if you don't have time to join us for a month or more. This project has been selected by our local colleagues as being suitable for short term volunteering for both the host community and the volunteer. Although you will gain a valuable cultural insight and work intensely within the local community please be aware that you may not be able to make the same impact as someone volunteering for a longer period.

Cost in US$: USD 1,545 and up

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Open-minded, eager to explore, help, and learn.

Age Range: 16-70

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

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement: As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded: 1992