Overview
Orphanage Volunteer Project in Cape Town over Christmas

Volunteer abroad this Christmas to help out at an Orphanage in Cape Town, South Africa. This program is in the heart of one of the townships just outside Stellenbosh and only 45 minutes from Cape Town city centre. The placement involves running a holiday program for children with no family, during the Christmas period. The ages of the children range from birth to 8 years old. These children have been orphaned due to their parents having HIV/Aids or because their parents have abandoned them. Volunteers will be directly involved in running this holiday program with a focus on fun interactive activities in an informal environment. These activities will include drama, crafts, sports and beach days as well as some fun outings with the children and side trips including Table Mountain, Robben Island, a surf lesson and nature hike. This program will ensure that these children will have fun activities to keep them busy and give them something to look forward to during the festive season, and allow you to explore the best of Cape Town.

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My time at the village and with the children has been an unforgettable experience. I have taken away memories I will always cherish!

Josie Wait, GVI Volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Orphaned children in South Africa as a result of the HIV/Aids pandemic is a part of every day life in this country. GVI have paired up with a small but rapidly expanding childrens home that caters for these orphaned or disabled children and will be assisting them this festive season with a holiday program which will provide these children with fun activities and outings to look forward to. There is currently no such program in place and a desperate need at the home for extra hands and skills to help keep the children active and happy during the holiday season.

Highlights

Work and live in an attractive coastal village close to Cape Town and Stellenbosch, with direct exposure to local culture and communities. Side trips to Robben Island and Table Mountain are included. Optional side trips to Cape Point and a penguin colony, a Cape Town wildlife safari and wine tasting in Stellenbosh Winelands are also available.

Location

Gordons Bay is a picturesque coastal village nestled at the foot of the Hottentot Hollands Mountain range, just outside Stellenbosh and 45 minutes from Cape Town. The area is home to beautiful swimming beaches, magnificent wine farms and popular restaurants and bars. Gordons Bay is also the beginning of the scenic and well known Garden Route making this the perfect base to explore the best sites and activities the Cape has to offer.

Field Conditions

Your accommodation will be in shared dormitories with shared bathrooms but within walking distance of the beach, shops and restaurants. There is electricity, hot and cold showers, and flushing toilets. Access to the internet is available nearby. Food is simple and nutritional and will be prepared for you each day.