 Heart for Orphans South Africa
|
 |
 |
|
The project now cares for approximately 50 children who have been abandoned, abused or neglected, many of which are HIV+. The home is a halfway house between the traumatic situation they have been rescued from and a stable foster home life. It can sometimes take years for children to be adopted and the home is a lifesaver. It is vital for a child’s emotional, physical and mental development that they cared for in a loving and interactive environment.
This project aims to re-unite children with stable members of their own families, where possible, and offers parenting education for parents who are struggling. The project is blessed to have local families who foster the children over the weekend, and take them on outings. This contact with normal family life gives the little ones a sense of belonging.
 Interested in a safari as well? Please click here for more information! (PDF 173 KB) |
The orphanage is located on the outskirts of Cape Town in the middle-income suburb of Athlone. The closest shops are approximately 15 minutes walk away.
Typically volunteers are required to work a 5 day week, although this may include a weekend, although you should normally have 2 days off per week giving you plenty of opportunity to recharge your batteries and visit places of interest in and around Cape Town.
Your daily duties at the orphanage will cover a wide range of activities, both working directly with the children and general duties around the home. Much of your time will be spent in the beautifully kept crèche where the toddlers and older children engage in creative activities and games. Volunteers can also get involved with making the home more child-friendly, by painting bright murals and helping to maintain the bedrooms and crèche. On hot days, paddling pools are set up on the lawns outside, for the children to splash around in. The children love to sing and dance, so music and drama skills will always come in handy, as will any simple child-friendly games a volunteer may have up his/her sleeve.
There is limited accommodation at the orphanage in a shared room with shared bathroom and toilet facilities. If this is not available then accommodation will be arranged in a local host family.
On the days you work, lunch will be provided at the home, but is your responsibility on your days off.
If you stay in the accommodation at the home, breakfast and dinner is not provided but you have access to a fully equipped kitchen to prepare your own meals.
If you stay with a host family, your breakfast and dinner (but not your lunch) is provided by the host family.
Your accommodation starts from the first Monday of your programme. If you arrive earlier, please book alternative accommodation. Click here to book.
Volunteer House Accommodation in a trendy part of Cape Town close to city centre, making it easier to go out at night. Highly recommended for party people and independent travelers. Accommodation will include self service breakfast, evening meals prepared for you, regular cleaning of the house and laundry services. Twin and dorm rooms are available (12 beds per dorm). Click here for further information (PDF 167 KB).
- From 4 weeks to 1 year
- The programme starts on the 1st Monday of each month
An interesting sightseeing or activity tour of the Cape Town region is included in your programme. You could cycle down Table Mountain, go tasting in the winelands, watch whales, seals and penguins or explore a township community. Read about the tours here and then make your choice on the online application form.
- Flights are not included
- An arrival transfer is included if you arrive on the Monday that your programme starts.
- If you arrive earlier, we can arrange an airport transfer and hostel accommodation until your programme starts (transfer £15, single room £15 per night).
- If you stay with a host family, all attempts are made to ensure you are close to the project, however, if you choose to use public transport this is at your own expense.
- All of Twin’s volunteer placements are in partnership with recognised Charities, Non Governmental Organisations (NGO’s), government ministries or registered agents, giving you the confidence to work with reputable organisations.
- 24 hour support is provided by our local partner.
- Comprehensive insurance is available for each of the volunteer placements, please click here for full details.
- Minimum age 18 yrs
- A love of children is required to join this programme.
- There are no specific skills required to participate on this programme, however, any experience of working with children is beneficial.
- The greatest attribute you can posses is flexibility and a willingness to get involved.
- Knowledge of Afrikaans or Dutch is beneficial but not essential.
Please be aware that in addition to covering accommodation costs, your contribution is vital to support the on going efforts of the project.
- 4 weeks: £1100
- 1 additional week: £120
|
