Volunteer in South Africa, voluntary Care work in orphanages

Volunteer Care work with children overseas in South Africa

The infamous townships are full of people desperate to create a better world for their children. Since unemployment is high at almost 40%, these poorer areas are full of basic social problems such as alcoholism and domestic violence. Parents are not keen to have their children affected by their surroundings, and attempt to keep them busy through crèches, schools and after school activities, though this is not easy with limited or no funds.

Projects Abroad provides much needed hands-on support to these crèches and after school clubs, to enable them to keep their costs low while still providing a safe and stimulating environment for these children to grow up in.

Whatever your age, abilities or level of experience you are welcome to join a volunteer Care project in South Africa; whether you are on a Gap Year (or even a Gap Month) from further education, or are coming to us during a career break. All we ask is that you have enthusiasm for and a commitment to the work, the staff team and, of course, the children.

Voluntary Childcare Work with Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad has links with a number of crèches in the townships and poorer suburbs of Cape Town to provide much needed care for disadvantaged children in the area.

Volunteers can also spend some time as part of a team working on community projects like building new classrooms and playgrounds or painting and decorating children's wards. Community projects are typically under-funded and under-resourced so our volunteers are always welcome.

Volunteering Abroad on a Care Project in South Africa

Volunteers on care projects in South Africa also work in care centres and crèches, where you help the children to learn basic but important life skills, and make sure the children are fed, washed and dressed. Structured work is vital, to help prepare the children for school and create a calm and constructive environment.

You'll work alongside your placement supervisor to create a work plan that you and the children will follow. In addition to this, sports, art, music and drama are always popular activities on these placements. Start a choir, put on a play or organise a sports day!

Local staff are often highly overworked, and don't have the time to give the children much one-on-one attention. You could be the one to make the difference by inspiring the children and maybe even the carers too.

All of the volunteer care projects in South Africa are keen to have volunteers with fresh ideas and energy to help the permanent staff. We try to take advantage of all of our volunteers' talents and skills that can contribute to the care and rehabilitation of the children, so let us know how you can help.