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.

GYC3037 - Heart for Orphans Country: South Africa Cost: £700.00 Cost Includes: The price includes accommodation, food and pickup from airport but does not include flight, insurance, kit or visas     Duration: 4 weeks Company Rep Nearby: Various 0845 344 7569 or

 

	This placement would suit... Anyone with the energy and enthusiasm to help these orphans The home was originally a Dutch Reformed Church Mission that was caring for un-wed pregnant women who were willing to put their un-born children up for adoption, but has been used as an orphanage since 1975, when a community worker started caring for children who were waiting to be adopted. The project now cares for approximately 50 children who have been abandoned, abused or neglected, many of which are HIV+. The home is a halfway house between the traumatic situation they have been rescued from and a stable foster home life. It can sometimes take years for children to be adopted and the home is a lifesaver. It is vital for a child’s emotional, physical and mental development that they cared for in a loving and interactive environment. This project aims to re-unite children with stable members of their own families, where possible, and offers parenting education for parents who are struggling. The project is blessed to have local families who foster the children over the weekend, and take them on outings. This contact with normal family life gives the little ones a sense of belonging. Location The orphanage is located on the outskirts of Cape Town in the middle-income suburb of Athlone. The closest shops are approximately 15 minutes walk away. Project Life Typically volunteers are required to work a 5 day week, although this may include a weekend, although you should normally have 2 days off per week giving you plenty of opportunity to recharge your batteries and visit places of interest in and around Cape Town. Your daily duties at the orphanage will cover a wide range of activities, both working directly with the children and general duties around the home. Much of your time will be spent in the beautifully kept crèche where the toddlers and older children engage in creative activities and games. Volunteers can also get involved with making the home more child-friendly, by painting bright murals and helping to maintain the bedrooms and crèche. On hot days, paddling pools are set up on the lawns outside, for the children to splash around in. The children love to sing and dance, so music and drama skills will always come in handy, as will any simple child-friendly games a volunteer may have up his/her sleeve. Eligibility and Skills Required Minimum age 18 yrs A love of children is required to join this programme. There are no specific skills required to participate on this programme, however, any experience of working with children is beneficial. The greatest attribute you can posses is flexibility and a willingness to get involved. Knowledge of Afrikaans or Dutch is beneficial but not essential. Please note that acceptance on this programme is subject to a Criminal Records Bureau check. 0845 344 7569 Twin Work & Volunteer Abroad: The world is getting smaller! So, why not travel and gain work experience abroad? Are you taking a gap year? Are you a student and want to spend your summer doing something different? Are you a recent graduate and want to have a different approach to the job market? Whether you want to spend some time fruit picking in Queensland, volunteering with kids in South Africa, having an Internship in Rio de Janeiro or working on a farm in Norway we have a vast range of programmes for you!