Volunteer Orphanage in South Africa

  South Africa

Johannesburg

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Throughout the year

Description: This children's orphanage was established as a place where abandoned babies can be nurtured in a secure home environment; providing security, stability and ongoing support for their well being.

The volunteer orphanage provides family and structural support systems where these children can properly be mentored as well as catered for and integrated into society; empowering them with valuable life skills coupled with an education, enabling them to be enlightened and active citizens of South Africa.

The orphanage children needs your assistance in the general running and development of the project. The children are in need of your individual attention, love and tender care. This is mainly due to the difficult paths their young lives have already trodden.

This volunteer with children program provides yout the opportunity to give something back and experience something different. You will mainly be working with children as well as helping out on the farm from time to time. They need an extra pair of hands and energy that will help them keep the project moving forward.

Highlights: Volunteers will have a two day induction period.

On the first day you will be given a tour of the farm and find out about its history. You will learn about the mission of the project, why it was started and where it most needs help. You will meet all the children and the workers and learn about their previous life experience. You will then be taken on an outing to the city of Heidelberg to get the weekly groceries.

On your second day you will be given tips, suggestions and ideas about how to work with the children in the pre-primary school. You will learn about the teaching philosophy and the needs of the children. Day two will consist mainly of general observation of the school, children and running of the farm. The induction will close with an opportunity for you to give an insight into your own strengths and the area of the project you can focus on.

Volunteer Orphange volunteer project. Your typical day is as follows:

On your first shift you will help the children get ready for school. You will then walk the children over to the school and settle them in by helping them take off their shoes, put their bags in their lockers and go to the bathroom. During school hours you will work with the children on a one on one basis, your personal attention is vital here. The children require love and encouragement as this is fundamental to helping them develop into well-rounded adults. You will also work together with the rest of the children until 1pm when the school closes and your shift ends. You are welcome to relax and enjoy the farm environment...break time!

Your second shift will involve taking the children for walks on the farm, painting and general playing. This is free play for them so we encourage walks, gardening, horse riding, general interaction and fun! 4pm children get ready for bath time, this needs to be supervised and once the children are ready they need to be walked back to the farm house. You will help with bathing the children and supervising dinner time. After dinner, your time will be spent playing and interacting with the children, preparing them for bed and supervising their bedtime routine.

Once the children are asleep, you are welcome to chill and relax in front of the TV or in the entertaiment area.

Qualifications: - You do not need to have any formal training or experience to participate in this volunteer with children program, but whatever experience you do have will be taken into account.
- Minimum age 18yrs.
- A genuine love of children a must.
- You need to be an English speaker.
- Be open to foreign cultures.
- International volunteers are welcome.

Cost in US$: From 500 GBP

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

Twin Group - Work and Volunteer Abroad's Mission Statement: To provide the highest quality and the best value services to students, clients, suppliers, agents and partners in the worldwide delivery of language courses, travel, training and employment services.

Year Founded: 1993