About the Program
OPEN NOW!
South Africa is now open to all international arrivals! See the Additional Info. section for COVID-19 arrival information.
This program makes a truly positive impact on vulnerable children, abused women and those with physical and mental challenges. Volunteers are desperately sought to help this program across the many projects it works on. From providing care and love to orphaned children, to supporting abused women and children, or day-to-day care to others facing challenges in everyday life, this program truly makes a difference to the lives of others. Volunteer help is essential to the viability of these projects and greatly appreciated. Duties for volunteers vary greatly and a love for working with children and those who really need it, and a lot of patience, are very important. Volunteers need to be flexible and willing to help wherever help is needed. It is also important that they understand the local community situations and the local challenges associated with these types of placements.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide quality support to some of the most marginalized people in Cape Town
- Improve the future prospects of orphaned or abused children
- Boost the confidence and aspirations of marginalized children and their families
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both students and international volunteers alike
How You Can Help
Volunteers are desperately needed to help on this amazing project that supports some of the most vulnerable people in Cape Town, South Africa. Volunteers will gain a huge amount of experience on this social work program, lending a hand on a multitude of initiatives and using their skills and compassion to support those in need. Duties of volunteers vary from each initiative they are working on, however in the orphanages volunteers could assist with feeding and clothing younger children, to playing and assisting with homework and with those struggling at school. These children have suffered great hardship, and often just need someone to listen, a helping hand, warm hugs and affection. At the homes for abused women and children, volunteers will assist with day to day activities and could help with caring for the children or supporting the mothers with programs designed to help them achieve a brighter future.
Volunteers on this program will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Attending to and interacting with the children
- Helping with cooking/preparing meals, feeding children and other duties where required
- Working on awareness programs for abused women
- Working on skill development programs for abused women
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to assist in the ongoing support and development of marginalized and at-risk children of South Africa. This highly interactive and varied project does not require participants to have a background in the field of Social Welfare, as there are many ways you can assist. However, volunteers with suitable education, qualifications or experience are in this field highly sought after. Regardless, a volunteer’s individual role can often be tailored to suit their particular skills and interests. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
Located on the southwestern tip of Africa, Cape Town is a city known for its spectacular beauty, from iconic Table Mountain to its stunning white-sand beaches, picturesque surrounding wine country and vibrant cafe and restaurant scene. Volunteers on this placement will be excited by all they can experience while based in this city, while also working on an important environmental protection program.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 4 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon arrival into Cape Town airport volunteers will be collected by a representative of the local project team and transported to their assigned accommodation where they will join a short welcome session. On Monday, volunteers attend the full orientation session where a representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience in South Africa. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town, South Africa (CODE: CPT)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers joining our Social Work team in Cape Town are accommodated with one of our carefully selected local host families - which are perfectly located in the safe and convenient area of Grassy Park in the outer suburbs of the city. In most case they provide the volunteer with a private room, but during busy periods you many need to share with other volunteers. The families are experienced in hosting international volunteers and will take very good care of you.
Staying with a local South African family is a great way to be truly immersed in the local culture. All families have been fully vetted by our local team and have plenty of experience in hosting international volunteers.
On working days volunteers are provided with breakfast while at their home stay house. Lunch and dinner can be purchased from any of the local eateries near to the project and accommodation. Easy!
Fees
That’s just USD 28 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
COVID-19 requirements:
All international arriving flight passengers will need to adhere to the following:
- A negative Covid-19 test result, taken no more than 72 hours prior to their departure. Those arriving without this will be tested and placed in quarantine (at their own cost) until a negative result is achieved/obtained.
- All incoming passengers will be screened upon arrival, for Covid-19 symptoms
- All arrivals are asked to download the Covid Alert SA App. Information on this is available here: https://sacoronavirus.co.za/covidalert/