The information in the gapyear.com placement database is provided by each individual company. Gapyear.com claims no responsibility for inaccurate, misleading or libellious information. Please ensure that you check all details with the specific organisation before booking or accepting placement.

GYC2960 - Community work with orphans Country: South Africa Cost: £1295.00 Please note: £100 per week Cost Includes: The price includes accommodation, kit and pickup from airport but does not include flight, insurance, food or visas     Duration: 4 weeks (4 - 12 weeks) Company Rep Nearby: All the time 0845 344 7592 or

 

	This placement would suit... those who love working with children to get involved with youngsters who will really benefit from your time and effort. The children at the centre have not had the best start in life and can sometimes be demanding for your time and attention so you will need to be patient and understanding. You will be working with a large age range so bring some imaginative ideas in order to keep everyone amused! Experience with children will be highly valued but is not required. . The stunning diversity of South Africa means volunteering in South Africa is an amazing experience full of countless opportunities. Working at a residential home for orphaned, neglected and abused children in Cape Town's Athlone suburb, this is a great chance to improve the lives of youngsters who haven't had the best start in life. You'll need to have a genuine love of children and a willingness to get involved in all aspects of their daily life, from playing games and organising activities, to feeding and changing nappies. TEFL certification is included to give you ideas for activities and help you make a real impact on these unfortunate yet enthusiastic children's lives. Project details: The home provides full residential for care children between the ages of 0-5. At the time of writing there are 50 children in the home but numbers will vary. The home aims to provide a healthy and nurturing environment for orphaned, neglected and abused children. The children have often had to deal with the stress of loss, abuse or neglect and so need lots of love and attention. The ultimate goal of the project is to re-home the children with a family in the community. The older children attend an on site creche where they can learn basic colours, shapes, numbers etc. The centre is also able to provide specialized attention for any children that show behavioural problems but as local occupational therapy students also spend time here. Why the project needs volunteers: South Africa has an increasing number of orphaned and abandoned children this is one of the prices of the large numbers of adults infected with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. It's a rare opportunity to add to the lives of these needy children. The children at this centre haven't had a good start in life and this is your chance to make a difference to them. Your role as a volunteer: The centre provides full care for the children under their charge so you must be prepared to get involved in anything and everything. You may find yourself assisting with games and activities for the various age groups as well as bathing, feeding, changing nappies, wiping noses and playing with them. Where the project is based: Orientation is at Kommetjie, about 45 minutes from Cape Town centre on arrival. The project is based in Athlone, just a ten minute drive from Cape Town, one of the world's most beautiful cities. Accommodation is at a volunteer house in Fish Hoek, approximately 25 kilometres from Athlone and you will travel by train daily. Please book your flight to arrive into Cape Town (airport code CPT) before 11am on the advertised arrival date to ensure your airport pickup. Our users say: I came into this experience with ideas of what Christine Revell Orphanage would be like, what the country would be like and the kinds of things I would encounter, but I never anticipated the people I met or the friendships I'd make insuch a short time, I hate its time for me to go home. "for those of you that are going to th orphanage - WOW you are going to have an amazing time! you cant help but fall in love with each and every kid! - you made the right choice with your project! Danielle and Charlie: Community work with orphans near Cape Town, South Africa 0845 344 7592 i-to-i: We pride ourselves in a high level of service to ensure that all our gap year travellers get the most our of their meaningful travel. With Teaching, Community Development, Conservation, Sports, Media and Health placements in 24 countries, we can offer you the meaningful gap year that you want.