Work with orphans and disadvantaged children in townships in Cape Town

There is so much I could say that I don’t know where to start.  I gained knowledge, confidence, experience, and friends.  There was much and more I didn’t know about South Africa before arriving on its soil.  While in South Africa I travelled to Cape Town and went on two township tours through GVI.  I left South Africa with a deep appreciation of its culture, people, and land.  I was weary to travel on my own to a country in which I didn’t know anybody. After getting myself through various airports, layovers, and checkpoints I have a confidence in travelling abroad that I did not have prior to my trip.  Along with that confidence I gained experience.  Every experience brought with it knowledge and confidence, every day at the orphanage, every tour, even every trip to the local store. I wasn’t making those trips alone though.  It is impossible to stay with GVI two weeks and not come away with friends to share lesson ideas with, the costs of a cab, and memories that will never grow old.

I have just got home from 4 amazing weeks in South Africa where I was doing the Volunteer in an Orphanage in Cape Town, South Africa programme, based in Fish Hoek. It was the most incredible experience I have ever had and if I could fly back I would do so in a heartbeat. I was allocated to the ‘Rainbow Centre’, which is an Edu-care centre run by a member of the community who has given up her time and home in order to provide a safe environment to care for and educate a large number of children in the Township. The time spent at Rainbow would include the very important and sometimes challenging task of feeding the babies and toddlers at breakfast and lunch, as well as planning and delivering lessons for the older kids based on topics chosen by Cornelia, singing, dancing and playing with the children. I also spent the afternoons at a Safe House, assisting 4 girls with their homework, as well as baking, playing games and generally having an amazing time with them! The ‘house mother’, Rachel, was the most amazing, incredible, loving and most selfless person I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and I know that through her upbringing, and the help of GVI and volunteers like myself, those girls will grow up to be extremely clever, talented and lovely young women. GVI has opened my eyes to a whole new world and I feel honoured to have been a part of the GVI experience. I will definitely be returning in the future.

I was lucky enough to have been born in a country of bounty.  Everything I desire is at my fingertips, available whenever I want it.  I well  understand that I am one of the fortunate ones and that I needed to find a way to give back.  And so, I began to look around for an opportunity to say thank you for all the blessings I have.  The GVI South Africa Orphanage appealed to me immediately.   My two weeks at Ikhaylethemba Village  was an experience I will never forget.  I thought I was going to be teaching English, but I learned much more than I taught.  Yofesa taught me that everyone needs someone who has his back.  Masithembe taught me that silliness is an important part of life.  Aseza showed me that hunger is a failure we all share.  Nombulelo confirmed that a child’s smile is sometimes all we need to get through the day.  These children have become a part of me and I hope they will never forget the English words to “Who Let the Dogs Out”.  Education is the most  incredible opportunity we can give these kids.  Volunteer experiences are an incredible opportunity we can give ourselves.  We all win!