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Cape Town is known as one of the best cities in the world, boasting fantastic shopping, excellent restaurants, miles and miles of wine estates, adventure activities, extreme sports for the adrenalin junkies and superb beaches.
Although the weather is not a huge influence when choosing dates to visit Cape Town, it can get pretty cold and wet in winter (June – August). One of the Cape's most characteristic climactic phenomena is the famous “Cape Doctor”, a southeasterly wind that buffets the Cape and lays Table Mountain's famous 'tablecloth' (a layer of cloud that covers Table Mountain). It can be a welcome breeze in summer, but it can also be a wild gale, particularly in spring.
 After arrival at Cape Town International airport, Ruth (pictured) or a colleague will meet you and take you to your accommodation ready for your 4-day induction with all the other volunteers who have also just arrived. The induction will provide you with all the necessary information for living in Cape Town, after which, you’ll be introduced to the project.
The project works with young men (aged 17 – 25) from troubled backgrounds, who are offered a chance to make something of their lives. Typically these young men are too old to qualify for Child Benefits, but too far behind in their education to be able to support themselves. Run as a family, this home is a safe environment where young men are supported while they complete their schooling and get ready for the job market.
There is a strong focus on reuniting the young men with family, and volunteers could assist the Social Worker in establishing contact and visiting families. There will be a certain amount of filing and other admin related to this, which volunteers may be expected to help with too.
The volunteer’s role is to arrange activities for the youths, to boost the ratio of youth to adult so that each youth can receive more attention. To offer Internet and computer assistance, especially for research purposes. To be a big brother or sister by being positive, supportive and someone who challenges the guys to be the best they can be. Cook meals with the guys, play football, sit at flea markets with them selling their T-shirts and other goodies, arrange social events and outings for them, and go surfing with them on Friday afternoons!
The project runs 3pm - 9pm, Monday to Friday and there are weekend activities that volunteers can get involved with too, such as outings, camping trips and social events. The project is quiet during the mornings while the guys are at school or college. There are some routine tasks to do, like fundraising, housekeeping and assisting social workers with reuniting the guys with their families.
It is important to relax and get to know the guys, to build friendships, and realise that your being there is more important than set tasks you are doing. Through friendships and sharing your own life experience you will be a positive influence.
Accommodation and meals are provided in a local hostel during the induction period. During the volunteering stage of your programme there are 2 options available:
- Living with a host family gives you the opportunity to play an active role in the household, and a true understanding of South African culture. You will be provided with a food allowance and self-catering facilities. Certain meals are also taken at the project at no additional expense.
- 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).
Please note that this option is subject to a supplementary cost and availability.
- Minimum duration 8 weeks up to a maximum of 1 year.
- You can join the programme on the first Monday of each month throughout the year
An interesting sightseeing or activity tour of the Cape Town region is included in your programme. You could cycle around Table Mountain, go wine tasting in the Winelands, watch whales, seals and penguins or explore a township community.
- Flights are not included
- An arrival transfer is included if you arrive on the Thursday that your induction 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)
- Door to door transportation from your host family to the project is provided with a private shuttle for 150 South African Rand per week. This shuttle bus is included if you take the Volunteer House option.
- Alternatively, if you wish to have greater independence, a hire car is a great option.
- 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.
- Our local partner provides 24 -hour support.
- Comprehensive insurance is available for each of the volunteer placements.
- Minimum age 21 yrs
- Ability to communicate in a warm and simple way, and meet the guys at their level
- Basic counseling and conflict management
- Educational skills would be an advantage, as well as computer literacy
- Emotional maturity is essential.
Please be aware that in addition to covering your accommodation costs, a portion of your programme fee is contributed towards supporting the on-going efforts of the project, and these funds are vitally important to the projects who are largely reliant on donations.
- 8 weeks: £1,100
- 1 week thereafter: £120
- Volunteer house option. Price per week: Twin Room: £60, Dorm Room: £40.
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Youth Action Africa
