The information below has been provided for you by the supported placement organisation running the placement. You can contact the company for more information using the links at the bottom of this page.
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This placement would suit... Caring volunteers who want to help in a small way to alleviate South Africa's social problems. Experience in any of the following areas is beneficial: teaching, medicine, youth work, arts and crafts, computers, music, technology. Please be aware that the project is partially funded by the Evangelic Christian Group, although it is not necessary that you are of the same faith or practising any faith.
 Imagine if you could take a journey through a handful of projects which focus on education and healthcare, showing you the bigger picture of effective social improvement. You are invited to join the programme to assist with the lives of HIV positive babies, preschool children living in poverty, and older former street-children and adults receiving excellent rehabilitative education.
Self-reliance is the final goal for all who benefit from the Journey Hope programme, and with your help, each of these stages can be made more interesting and effective.
Taking part in the eight-week programme, you will have the opportunity participate at each of the following projects...
Caring for babies with HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is no longer a death sentence, and this project offers babies a chance to be a child and grow up to be a healthy, productive adult. When a child is discharged from this 18-bed palliative care centre, the parent or caregiver is trained to provide ongoing care at home.
 Pre-school in the Winelands
This project is based near Stellenbosch, the heart of Cape Town’s Winelands. Most of the learners attending this school are the children of farm workers from the surrounding wine farms. Some of the children have a variety of learning difficulties such as attention deficit disorder and impaired hearing. These children are in need of special care and simple love and attention.
Pre-school in the Townships
The formative years of a child are the foundation upon which his or her life is built. At this pre-school, teachers stimulate children to reach their full potential physically, emotionally, psychologically, intellectually and spiritually. As a result of socio-economic problems, many children are chronically under developed in these five crucial areas. Later in life, some children from deprived backgrounds either end up on the streets, involved with drugs, or just unable to function as part of society. By providing early childhood development, these potential problems can be reduced or avoided, and the cycle of poverty broken.
Empowering youth
This is a registered special-needs school focusing specifically on rehabilitating former street children or children from abusive homes. Due to adverse circumstances, these young people have missed a substantial amount of their education and could be three years older than the other learners in their class in mainstream schooling. Typically, they have anger management struggles and authority issues, and have been exposed to violence, sexual abuse and drug use on the streets. It is incredibly rewarding to be involved with this project, as in between all the challenging behaviour you will suddenly encounter a breakthrough as young person opens his/her heart to you. Volunteers with TEFL as well as any teaching experience are much sought-after.
Adult literacy and training
This programme focuses on removing the curse of high levels of unemployment by giving semi-literate people the tools to start up their own businesses and aim towards self-reliance. The project aims to address the growing problem of parents who are unable to support their families and the resultant breakdown in the family unit, which often results in children ending up on the streets. This particular project offers great opportunities for volunteers with TEFL or business experience.
 Location
The accommodation is based in Cape Town, giving you the opportunity to experience all that this cosmopolitan city has to offer. The projects are based in and around the city; you’ll have the chance to work with pre-school children both in the Townships of Cape Town as well as in the rural Winelands outside the city.
Project life
The exciting thing about Journey Hope is that you have the chance to work with various projects, so no two days are the same. Expect to work approximately five to eight hours a day; sometimes this will be Monday to Friday, other times you will need to work over the weekends.
Other international volunteers may also be participating on the project and living in the communal accommodation. The majority of your evenings should be free for you to enjoy the company of other volunteers and if you choose to, enjoy the restaurants and nightlife of Cape Town.
Accommodation and food
The majority of accommodation is provided in a self-catered communal volunteer house. There are some private rooms, although you should also be prepared to share a same-sex room. Kitchen facilities are provided where you can prepare your meals and there are various shops and markets close by where you can purchase your food. (Please note that food is not provided).
Occasionally there may be opportunities to live with a host family where you will receive breakfast and a cooked supper. It may be possible to arrange this style of accommodation upon request.
Dates and duration
From eight weeks to one year. You can join the programme on the first Monday of each month throughout the year.
Flights and transportation
 Flights are not included. You will be collected from Cape Town Airport and taken to your accommodation. The individual projects are based all around the Cape Town and the surrounding Winelands area. The project has access to one volunteer vehicle and public transport is limited. Flexibility is required with regards to which project you visit on a daily basis. You will be required to make use of public transport where available.
Safety and insurance
All of Twin’s volunteer placements are in partnership with recognised charities, NGOs, government ministries or registered agents, giving you the confidence to work with reputable organisations. 24-hour support is provided by our local partner. Comprehensive insurance is available for each of the volunteer placements.
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0845 344 7569 |
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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.
