Overview
Volunteer in an Orphanage in Cape Town, South Africa

This volunteer project is in the heart of a township just outside Stellenbosh and only 45 minutes from Cape Town city centre. The project involves volunteering with children from birth to 8 years old who have been orphaned. Volunteers will be involved in implementing an educational program which focuses on fun, interactive activities in an informal environment. These activities will enhance the children's development in basic English conversational skills, arts, music and drama as well as their gross and fine motor co-ordination. This project will ensure that these children will be able to develop to their full potential in a safe, creative and caring environment. When volunteering at the orphanage there are also many opportunities to explore this beautiful part of South Africa.

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I was looked after from the minute I landed until I took off again which was really great as it was my first time travelling. The projects were great, we were valued at them and made to feel welcome. The side trips were well organised and reasonably priced.

Emily Kilgannon, UK Volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

GVI have paired up with a small but rapidly expanding children's home that caters for orphaned children. GVI are designing and running an educational program to be implemented by GVI volunteers. Before we started, no such program existed. There is a desperate need at the home for extra hands and skills to help deliver and run these educational activities for the children.

Highlights

Volunteer and live in an attractive coastal village close to Cape Town and Stellenbosch, with direct exposure to local culture and communities. Optional side trips are available to Robben Island, Table Mountain, Cape Point and Penguins, Cape Town wildlife safari, wine tasting in Stellenbosh. For those travelling onwards there is easy access to the Garden Route and cheap domestic flights to Kruger National park from Cape Town.

Location

Gordons Bay is a picturesque coastal village nestled at the foot of the Hottentot Hollands Mountain Range, just outside Stellenbosch 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 modern apartments with typically no more than 4 people per room and 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.