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Volunteer in Childcare and Social Welfare projects

Volunteer in Childcare and Social welfare projects in South AfricaVolunteers working in the childcare - social welfare project work in childcare centers, orphanages, safe houses for women and children or in a home for physically and mentally challenged children.

Volunteer duties vary and generally involve feeding, clothing and playing with the children, assisting children with homework, meal preparation and assistance in general activities at the project. All volunteers usually work alongside local staff or supervisor at the project and plan different activities with the children as well. You can involve the children in art, craft, dance and drama activities. 

All the Social Welfare and childcare projects are keen to have volunteers so that they can bring in new ides and also help the overburdened staff.

All the projects are located in Cape Town's townships and suburban areas which are socially disadvantaged areas of Cape Town.

The project is recommended for both short term and long term volunteers. Short term volunteers gain an insight into the local culture along with providing the much needed help at the projects, volunteers for longer period are able to make a greater impact on the community and the project they work in.

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Program Requirements

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program. Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. 
 

Project Location

The project placements are located in and around  Cape Town as well as in some townships and suburban areas.
 

During your Free Time

Volunteers can go and visit the different places of interest in Cape Town. The most popular places are Table Mountain, Garden Route, Ostrich Farm, Wine Tasting, Safari’s and much more. You are also recommended to visit the World famous Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 27 years of his life imprisoned before becoming the President of South Africa. Cape Town is listed among the Top places to visit in the world.

What we provide

Airport Receive/ Transfer: Volunteers are picked up from the Cape Town International Airport by the local coordinator or representative. Those volunteers who are arriving overland or are already in South Africa will be picked up from a meeting point decided beforehand.
 
Orientation: A half day orientation will be provided by the local staff on the program start date. The orientation would cover topics such as introduction to the program,General information about South Africa,Safety Tips / Guidelines,customs,health guidelines, communities, projects, host families, support services, travel and tours.The volunteers also receives a City Tour which is a 2 hour walk around the City Centre. 
 
Lodging: Volunteering Solutions arranges accommodation for volunteers in a Volunteer house or in home stays in local communities. The volunteer house is located in the heart of the Atlantic sea board, 5 minutes from the centre of Cape Town; it is located 5 minutes walking distance from the sea and Mountain. The Volunteer house is used exclusively by volunteers so you will always have companionship with other volunteers that have similar interests and experiences in mind. The house is equipped will all modern amenities and full kitchen facilities. The house also has a large lounge where volunteers share their experience and meals, the house can get rather lively over weekends as volunteers return from tours and projects to relax over the weekends, social events are often arranged which include volley ball on the beach and BBQ's with drinks. The house also has hostel manager which is always on duty to assist the volunteers.
 
In the event, the volunteer house is full volunteers are provided lodging in host family accommodation in local communities. Staying with families is very exciting as volunteers get to know more about the local culture and way of life of the local people.
 
Food: Volunteers are provided with all meals during their stay. If you have any special dietary needs, please inform us in advance. Breakfast and dinner are taken at the accommodations while lunch is usually packed for taking to the project. Please note that no meals are provided on the day of arrival and during the day of orientation.
 
Insurance: Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here
 
In – Country travel assistance: Volunteers are assisted by the local staff and coordinators for any kind of assistance they need for their travel arrangements. The local staff and coordinators will be happy to assist you in making travel arrangements within Cape Town and to famous tourist locations nearby.
 
In-country support: 24 hours support provided by our local staff. You will be provided with the contact details of the local coordinator and staff who will be contactable 24 hrs once you are in country.
 
Pre-departure information: After we receive full and final payment all participants are provided by a pre-departure information booklet which will have all vital information about your program. The Pre Departure Information Booklet provides the complete details of the country, project locations, Visas, Immunizations, Things to Pack list, Accommodations, Contact Information etc.

Start Date

Volunteers can begin their project placement on 01st and 3rd Monday of the month. Volunteers need to arrive one day prior to their program start date.

Placements over December periods are limited as orphans are placed with foster parents.
 

Program Costs

Volunteering Solutions strives hard to keep costs low and offers one of the most affordable volunteer abroad programs. Compare our prices and services to other organizations and you would be surprised to see the difference. 
USD GBP EUR
1 Week2 Weeks3 Weeks4 Weeks5 Weeks6 Weeks7 Weeks8 WeeksExtra Weeks
$300$475$625$740$825$900$1050$1175$140
Please Note: -An application fee of $200 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
1 Week2 Weeks3 Weeks4 Weeks5 Weeks6 Weeks7 Weeks8 WeeksExtra Weeks
£210£333£438£518£578£630£735£823£98
Please Note: -An application fee of £140 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
1 Week2 Weeks3 Weeks4 Weeks5 Weeks6 Weeks7 Weeks8 WeeksExtra Weeks
€240€380€500€592€660€720€840€940€112
Please Note: -An application fee of €160 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

    What are you Paying For ?

    •  24 hrs Assistance and support from Staff
    •  Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
    •  Airport Pickup from Cape Town International Airport
    •  Orientation
    •  Food - 3 meals a day
    •  Accommodation in Volunteer house or host family
    •  Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)

    What's NOT Included ?

    • Airfare
    • Visa Fee 
    • Return Airport Drop(Can be arranged at extra cost)
    • Local Transportation
    • Vaccinations

What are the Program locations in South Africa?

Volunteering Solutions offers programs in Cape Town and its surrounding townships such as Athlone and Grassy Park. Your final project location depends on the final project allocated to you.

Does Volunteering Solutions help the volunteer in obtaining the Visa for South Africa ?

Obtaining the appropriate visa for South Africa is the  volunteer's responsibility. Volunteering Solutions strongly recommends all volunteers to apply and get a tourist visa before departing for South Africa. If needed, Volunteering Solutions does provide with a written document which would help volunteers in getting the Visa.

When should I apply for the volunteer programs in South Africa?

We are able to offer placements from every 1st and 3rd Monday of each month year round. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply in advance to secure their spots.

How long does it take to process my application?

Once you have applied, we will send you details of your placement usually within 7-10 working days.

When do I need to arrive in South Africa for my program? What will happen once I arrive in South Africa?

All volunteers need to arrive one day before their program start date. Volunteers are picked up from the Cape Town International Airport by the local coordinator or representative. Those volunteers who are arriving overland or are already in South Africa will be picked up from the bus station or at a meeting point decided beforehand.

How do I get to the program location?

Your country coordinator will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc.

I want to know more about accommodation arrangements?

We provide you with accommodation from your start date to the end of the program. Accommodation will either be in the volunteer’s home or on certain occasions with a host family. Accommodation is shared along with other volunteers. Volunteers need to bring their own toiletries and towels. For those volunteers joining the surfing project, Volunteering Solutions arranges accommodation for volunteers in a 4 star backpacker’s dormitory accommodation or volunteer house close to the beach.

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the South Africa-based volunteer programs?

The only qualifications are: -
 
-- Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program
-- Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
-- The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
-- Be in good health.
-- Certain projects request a police clearance before accepting a volunteer. These may be more applicable for volunteers placed in a childcare project.  

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?

We recommend you speak to your doctor before coming. The following are recommended vaccinations : - 

  1. Hepatitis A and B
  2. Typhoid
  3. Yellow Fever Vaccination (Required if traveling or transiting through a country with Yellow Fever Transmission risk)

Are there more expenses once I arrive in South Africa?

Your program fee covers you for food, accommodation, airport pick up, Orientation, Pre departure information and in country staff support. You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as traveling,airport drop off, telephone, internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. However you should carry around $60 - $70 per week for your basic personal expenses.

What hours will I volunteer every day?

Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekend off so you can go to travel on weekends. However some organizations will need you to work on some Saturdays as well.

Where can I change my money in South Africa? Are there ATM’s in South Africa?

You can change money in any bank or at the airport by showing your passport. There are ATM's located all around the Cape Town city.

Can couples or families join the volunteer program?

Yes, couples and families are welcome to join our programs. We make special provisions for families joining our volunteering programs; we will be able to provide them with program placements and accommodations together.

What will be the food arrangement?

Volunteers are provided with three meals a day. While breakfast and dinner is at the accommodations, lunch is usually a packed sandwich to take with you to your project.South African food can be light and healthy and also very spicy and hot. Volunteers are not provided with meals on the day of arrival and during the orientation day.

Do I need to buy health insurance?

Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here

Do you recommend any cheap airlines flying into South Africa?

We would recommend you to visit, http://www.kayak.com, http://www.orbitz.com to have more details on cheap airlines to South Africa.

Can I sightsee while I am volunteering?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to do sightseeing in Cape Town during your program. Evenings and weekends are free for the volunteers to do some sightseeing and explore the area.

Simone Coenen (Germany)
Simone Coenen-Volunteer Teaching Program I loved my program placement very much. I loved the kids and it was really hard to say goodbye. I loved my work, the teaching in other countries is awesome and playing soccer with them makes the kids feel so important. I got a lot of positive feedbacks from the teachers and the principals and I felt good after working there...... read more
Caroline Poell (Germany)
Caroline Poell-Volunteer Childcare Program To do a Volunteering Project was literally the best decision I have ever made. Working with the children didn’t just give me the feeling of being needed but also helped me to get to know myself much better and to develop in a positive way. I would always recommend this program. As I said, it was the best decision I have ever made...... read more
Milena Neumann (Germany)
Milena Neumann-Volunteer Childcare Program In Cape Town I really enjoyed the working at my project. The teachers were nice and helped me with problems. The highlight of the program could easily be that I had the possibility to go on another school...... read more