Project Summary
Your Role
Dates and Duration
Overview
Location
Accommodation
Ubuntu is the African principle of humanity and comes from the African saying ‘Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu’ I am ; because you are. It is the education we wish to impart when working on our projects.
Giving love and sharing all that makes you a wonderful human being with township children; youth and our community.
Most of your time will be dedicated to an informal township; working with children & youth; as well as community development projects.
Our projects are centred around preserving & developing human values & the African principal of Ubuntu. Working on our projects; you will be immersed in an African culture; applying your skills and talents; and sharing this with our children & youth.
Our program is mainly centred around our community center called ‘ The Ubuntu Center’ which we helped to establish in 2015. The center is now run independently by an all woman team and focuses on providing a safe space for small children in our ECD ( Early childhood development center ) 0 - 6 years; and also providing an educational space for older youth; 7 - 14 years; where they focus on a range of activities from Community service projects; to environmental; sporting & educational programs.
Our center was built on the spirit of volunteerism and we have hosted 100’s of volunteers; interns and people from around the world wanting to make a difference. We still rely on our volunteer program to further our vision for our center and community outreach program.
Our Community outreach program focuses on the following areas ;
Schools outreach service project
Poverty alleviation
Women empowerment ( GBVF )
Drug & alcohol awareness ( Mostly for Youth )
We are currently running the following initiatives ;
Food drive : Identifying families in need in the community; who are living on the breadline & need support
Schools supplies & Uniform drive : Supporting families who cannot afford the cost of school uniforms; shoes & stationery
Sanitary & Hygiene drive : Supporting young girls with feminine products & ending period poverty; thereby giving back their dignity. Also supporting general health & Hygiene for young boys & girls.
Clothing drive : Clothing drive for warm winter clothes during cold winter months; as well as clothing for disaster management eg. Fires; flooding etc.
Through our Center; volunteers have a rich and multi-faceted experience; being able to work with young children at our ECD center and older children through our youth development programs; as well as being able to work on our Community Outreach projects - with our various community upliftment initiatives. Many of our volunteers not only volunteer; but also initiate small fundraising projects ; to assist with food; clothing & stationery drives; thereby making a valuable contribution & impact in key areas.
YOUR VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Your volunteer experience will consist of working in the mornings at our ECD or day care center with 30 to 40 small children & babies ; or sign up to assist with our Community Outreach program. You will work alongside our Volunteer coordinator / Social worker; who will help you navigate your experience by sharing insights into African culture. You will assist in helping our teachers; coordinators & peer educators to organise educational games, arts and crafts activities. You will be introduced to personalities and projects within the community and have an opportunity to learn about African culture. You will have an opportunity to spend time with children & youth in this diversely African community (Age 1 - 15 years).
You will have an opportunity to use your initiative & skills working at both the crèche in the morning and afterschool program in the afternoons; serving the poorest area of the township, helping to provide the care and attention the children deserve; including feeding, playing; teaching and coordinating activities.
Provide an extra pair of hands for teachers/coordinators developing relationships and make a difference whilst being a positive influence on people’s lives. Be the change you wish to see & be a positive role model.
Volunteer also at a variety of community projects, meet local personalities & be part of our community.
Experience the African culture & the best of Cape Town. Your evenings and weekends are free to explore the culture, restaurants, beaches; the great outdoors & nightlife.
Relax on our beautiful beaches, hike in the mountains, and experience the natural wonders & beauty of Cape Town. We are part of the Table Mountain range, one of the 7 wonders of the world.
Cape Peninsula Tour on Saturday after arrival- Visit Penguins, Cape Point, Wine Tasting, Mountain Biking, City Centre..... and so much more.
Giving love and sharing all that makes you a wonderful human being with township children; youth and our community.
Most of your time will be dedicated to an informal township; working with children & youth; as well as community development projects.
Our projects are centred around preserving & developing human values & the African principal of Ubuntu. Working on our projects; you will be immersed in an African culture; applying your skills and talents; and sharing this with our children & youth.
Our program is mainly centred around our community center called ‘ The Ubuntu Center’ which we helped to establish in 2015. The center is now run independently by an all woman team and focuses on providing a safe space for small children in our ECD ( Early childhood development center ) 0 - 6 years; and also providing an educational space for older youth; 7 - 14 years; where they focus on a range of activities from Community service projects; to environmental; sporting & educational programs.
Our center was built on the spirit of volunteerism and we have hosted 100’s of volunteers; interns and people from around the world wanting to make a difference. We still rely on our volunteer program to further our vision for our center and community outreach program.
Our Community outreach program focuses on the following areas ;
Schools outreach service project
Poverty alleviation
Women empowerment ( GBVF )
Drug & alcohol awareness ( Mostly for Youth )
We are currently running the following initiatives ;
Food drive : Identifying families in need in the community; who are living on the breadline & need support
Schools supplies & Uniform drive : Supporting families who cannot afford the cost of school uniforms; shoes & stationery
Sanitary & Hygiene drive : Supporting young girls with feminine products & ending period poverty; thereby giving back their dignity. Also supporting general health & Hygiene for young boys & girls.
Clothing drive : Clothing drive for warm winter clothes during cold winter months; as well as clothing for disaster management eg. Fires; flooding etc.
Through our Center; volunteers have a rich and multi-faceted experience; being able to work with young children at our ECD center and older children through our youth development programs; as well as being able to work on our Community Outreach projects - with our various community upliftment initiatives. Many of our volunteers not only volunteer; but also initiate small fundraising projects ; to assist with food; clothing & stationery drives; thereby making a valuable contribution & impact in key areas.
YOUR VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Your volunteer experience will consist of working in the mornings at our ECD or day care center with 30 to 40 small children & babies ; or sign up to assist with our Community Outreach program. You will work alongside our Volunteer coordinator / Social worker; who will help you navigate your experience by sharing insights into African culture. You will assist in helping our teachers; coordinators & peer educators to organise educational games, arts and crafts activities. You will be introduced to personalities and projects within the community and have an opportunity to learn about African culture. You will have an opportunity to spend time with children & youth in this diversely African community (Age 1 - 15 years).
You will have an opportunity to use your initiative & skills working at both the crèche in the morning and afterschool program in the afternoons; serving the poorest area of the township, helping to provide the care and attention the children deserve; including feeding, playing; teaching and coordinating activities.
Provide an extra pair of hands for teachers/coordinators developing relationships and make a difference whilst being a positive influence on people’s lives. Be the change you wish to see & be a positive role model.
Volunteer also at a variety of community projects, meet local personalities & be part of our community.
Experience the African culture & the best of Cape Town. Your evenings and weekends are free to explore the culture, restaurants, beaches; the great outdoors & nightlife.
Relax on our beautiful beaches, hike in the mountains, and experience the natural wonders & beauty of Cape Town. We are part of the Table Mountain range, one of the 7 wonders of the world.
Cape Peninsula Tour on Saturday after arrival- Visit Penguins, Cape Point, Wine Tasting, Mountain Biking, City Centre..... and so much more.
Your role:
Playing and coordinating activities with smaller children.
Assisting at our after school program with homework; activities eg. arts ; crafts ; dance ; sports & computer skills & being a positive role model to our children & youth
Provide an extra pair of hands for teachers/carers & peer educators - developing relationships and making a difference whilst being a positive influence on people’s lives.
Get involved with the Community Outreach program working with poverty alleviation; women & youth empowerment.
Play simple games with babies and children
- Assist with feedings and afternoon nap times
- Read stories to the children
- Assist ECD / creche supervisor with keeping children busy and keeping creche tidy
- Assist with cooking, laundry and gardening (optional)
- Initiate and coordinate activities: sports, games, drama, art, music, story telling
- Arrange and take out children on outings
- Assist with Administration work and help run the computer center for after school program
-Assist with tutoring and research work with children
- Assist with running workshops and campaigns
Assisting at our after school program with homework; activities eg. arts ; crafts ; dance ; sports & computer skills & being a positive role model to our children & youth
Provide an extra pair of hands for teachers/carers & peer educators - developing relationships and making a difference whilst being a positive influence on people’s lives.
Get involved with the Community Outreach program working with poverty alleviation; women & youth empowerment.
Play simple games with babies and children
- Assist with feedings and afternoon nap times
- Read stories to the children
- Assist ECD / creche supervisor with keeping children busy and keeping creche tidy
- Assist with cooking, laundry and gardening (optional)
- Initiate and coordinate activities: sports, games, drama, art, music, story telling
- Arrange and take out children on outings
- Assist with Administration work and help run the computer center for after school program
-Assist with tutoring and research work with children
- Assist with running workshops and campaigns
Is the work dangerous?
No
Is there a potential risk?
Dates:
2023
SCHOOL PROJECTS CLOSES:- Sunday 17th of December 2023.
2024 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS & PROJECT ARRIVAL TIMES
FIRST TERM ARRIVALS:- Thursday 11th of January - Sunday 17th of March 2024.
EASTER HOLIDAY
SECOND TERM ARRIVALS:- Thursday 4th of April - Sunday 16th of June 2024
WINTER HOLIDAYS
THIRD TERM ARRIVALS:- Thursday 4th of July - Sunday 22nd of September 2024
SEPTEMBER HOLIDAYS
FOURTH TERM ARRIVALS:- Thursday 26th of September - Sunday 15th of December 2024
SCHOOL PROJECTS CLOSES:- Sunday 17th of December 2023.
2024 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS & PROJECT ARRIVAL TIMES
FIRST TERM ARRIVALS:- Thursday 11th of January - Sunday 17th of March 2024.
EASTER HOLIDAY
SECOND TERM ARRIVALS:- Thursday 4th of April - Sunday 16th of June 2024
WINTER HOLIDAYS
THIRD TERM ARRIVALS:- Thursday 4th of July - Sunday 22nd of September 2024
SEPTEMBER HOLIDAYS
FOURTH TERM ARRIVALS:- Thursday 26th of September - Sunday 15th of December 2024
Duration:
Min 2 weeks
Additional per week:
Highlights:
Spend mornings and early afternoons at a preschool/ ECD/creche and afternoons working with after school children ( 7 - 14 years ). Also visit other projects, exploring the local community and the natural wonders that surround us.
At the pre-school, you'll help the children develop their creative skills through crafts such as painting, drawing, colouring and playing games.
Volunteers will assist teachers, while children take their lunchtime nap in helping around the kitchen or to organise classrooms.
Grab a lift with our team to and from your volunteer project, make lunch at volunteer base or at our favourite volunteer lunch spots and connecting points.
WHERE YOU WILL BE BASED
You will be based in a community on the Cape Peninsula called Masiphumelele. The word Masiphumelele means “We will succeed”. Masiphumelele is a Township which was established after Nelson Mandela was released after 1994. This township was started as an informal settlement and today has a population of about 70 000 people. Home to predominantly Xhosa speaking people; Masiphumlele is now home to many African National Refugees from Congo; to Zimbabwe; Malawi & Somalia. It is a vibrant African Township; with many challenges but also a rich & diverse culture. On arrival ; you will join the You2Africa team and Projekt Ubuntu project team of coordinators.
Part of your orientation will include a walking tour of the township & project orientation with our team. We will meet with you & place you at a project where you can best share your knowledge, skills and experience; where you can develop yourself and learn. Working in an African centric culture can be challenging ; but the learning and depth of experience is always the take out. Many volunteers love to work at this project, and return year after year; to assist in whatever way they can. Volunteering & service is a wonderful way to develop your own skills. Altho our center; now receives basic funding; our projects are generally understaffed and underfunded, and struggle with so many challenges and basic needs. In this way you can help us make a big difference; by lending a helping hand. The children speak a variety of African languages and you will learn so much from their love & enthusiasm. You will also have an opportunity to teach the English language; by assisting with reading books; homework & assisting with computer skills. English is the spoken language, along with Afrikaans and Xhosa.
CONTEXT
Your work as a volunteer, will be to support the women and grandmothers of the community, who open safe spaces in the form of ECD’s & after school programs, to look after and care for the many children coming into to Masiphumelele from the rural areas, as well as children of refugees – who have come to South Africa from other African countries eg. Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, DRC and Somalia. These women form the backbone of the community, but often take strain, as they are under-resourced and often have to deal with many challenges just to feed the children. They take in children who come from vulnerable environments, whose families are often living on the breadline due to unemployment, who are being looked after by the community. The ever increasing cost of living is adversely affecting the poorest of the poor ; and you can make a difference by volunteering & assisting us with our programs.
At the pre-school, you'll help the children develop their creative skills through crafts such as painting, drawing, colouring and playing games.
Volunteers will assist teachers, while children take their lunchtime nap in helping around the kitchen or to organise classrooms.
Grab a lift with our team to and from your volunteer project, make lunch at volunteer base or at our favourite volunteer lunch spots and connecting points.
WHERE YOU WILL BE BASED
You will be based in a community on the Cape Peninsula called Masiphumelele. The word Masiphumelele means “We will succeed”. Masiphumelele is a Township which was established after Nelson Mandela was released after 1994. This township was started as an informal settlement and today has a population of about 70 000 people. Home to predominantly Xhosa speaking people; Masiphumlele is now home to many African National Refugees from Congo; to Zimbabwe; Malawi & Somalia. It is a vibrant African Township; with many challenges but also a rich & diverse culture. On arrival ; you will join the You2Africa team and Projekt Ubuntu project team of coordinators.
Part of your orientation will include a walking tour of the township & project orientation with our team. We will meet with you & place you at a project where you can best share your knowledge, skills and experience; where you can develop yourself and learn. Working in an African centric culture can be challenging ; but the learning and depth of experience is always the take out. Many volunteers love to work at this project, and return year after year; to assist in whatever way they can. Volunteering & service is a wonderful way to develop your own skills. Altho our center; now receives basic funding; our projects are generally understaffed and underfunded, and struggle with so many challenges and basic needs. In this way you can help us make a big difference; by lending a helping hand. The children speak a variety of African languages and you will learn so much from their love & enthusiasm. You will also have an opportunity to teach the English language; by assisting with reading books; homework & assisting with computer skills. English is the spoken language, along with Afrikaans and Xhosa.
CONTEXT
Your work as a volunteer, will be to support the women and grandmothers of the community, who open safe spaces in the form of ECD’s & after school programs, to look after and care for the many children coming into to Masiphumelele from the rural areas, as well as children of refugees – who have come to South Africa from other African countries eg. Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, DRC and Somalia. These women form the backbone of the community, but often take strain, as they are under-resourced and often have to deal with many challenges just to feed the children. They take in children who come from vulnerable environments, whose families are often living on the breadline due to unemployment, who are being looked after by the community. The ever increasing cost of living is adversely affecting the poorest of the poor ; and you can make a difference by volunteering & assisting us with our programs.
Minimum age:
18
Police clearance:
No
Special skills required:
• Minimum 18 years old, English an advantage but not required.
•Relaxed and friendly with children & youth, but also firm with the naughty ones
•Ability to comfort and calm distressed toddlers and babies
•Ability to play games and sing songs and be like a child
•Ability to communicate in a warm and simple way - meet children & youth at their level
•Basic counselling and conflict management (for older children)
•Assist with homework from school (older children)
•Creativeness in regards to after school activities
•Good listening skills & an open mind to learn about the African culture
•Relaxed and friendly with children & youth, but also firm with the naughty ones
•Ability to comfort and calm distressed toddlers and babies
•Ability to play games and sing songs and be like a child
•Ability to communicate in a warm and simple way - meet children & youth at their level
•Basic counselling and conflict management (for older children)
•Assist with homework from school (older children)
•Creativeness in regards to after school activities
•Good listening skills & an open mind to learn about the African culture
Language requirement:
Intermediate English
What's included:
• Thursday arrival transfer from Cape Town/ Airport to accommodation.
• Sunday departurture transfer from accommodation to Cape Town/ Airport
•CAPE TOWN ORIENTATION:
Friday Cape Town city walking tour which covers South Africa history, social skills, transport, safety and projects, Transport and Lunch included.
Saturday Cape Penisular tour. Explore the beauty that is Hout bay, the famous chapmans peak drive, Cape point nature reserve and hang out with the african penguins on bolders beach. Transprt and Lunch included.
•All paperwork, placement and liaising with Volunteer Program
•Appointed co-ordinators for duration of program
•Accommodation: volunteer house/ host family. Volunteer house
•Two meals a day - Breakfast and Dinner
•Donation per month to the Volunteer Project, to assist in their funding.
•A South African sim card that works on a pay-as-you-go top up system
• Bi weekly socials for volunteers to get together and meet other volunteers
•Certificate & Report on Volunteer`s Program should this be required for studies or other purposes upon completion of questionaire
- FREE 2 Hour Surf Lesson
• Sunday departurture transfer from accommodation to Cape Town/ Airport
•CAPE TOWN ORIENTATION:
Friday Cape Town city walking tour which covers South Africa history, social skills, transport, safety and projects, Transport and Lunch included.
Saturday Cape Penisular tour. Explore the beauty that is Hout bay, the famous chapmans peak drive, Cape point nature reserve and hang out with the african penguins on bolders beach. Transprt and Lunch included.
•All paperwork, placement and liaising with Volunteer Program
•Appointed co-ordinators for duration of program
•Accommodation: volunteer house/ host family. Volunteer house
•Two meals a day - Breakfast and Dinner
•Donation per month to the Volunteer Project, to assist in their funding.
•A South African sim card that works on a pay-as-you-go top up system
• Bi weekly socials for volunteers to get together and meet other volunteers
•Certificate & Report on Volunteer`s Program should this be required for studies or other purposes upon completion of questionaire
- FREE 2 Hour Surf Lesson
What's excluded:
•The cost of a visa in the case of your volunteer stay being longer than 90 days
•Medical Insurance which must include work, emergency evacuation. Pease make sure you understand how your medical insurance works in South Africa as You2Africa will be unable to pay for any doctors accounts or the like in lieu of being refunded by the medical scheme
•Weekend excursions
•Local Transport
•Lunches (not provided by host/host family)
•Towel and toiletries
•Accommodation if Volunteer arrives before start date
•Transport to Accommodation if Volunteer arrives before start date
•Medical Insurance which must include work, emergency evacuation. Pease make sure you understand how your medical insurance works in South Africa as You2Africa will be unable to pay for any doctors accounts or the like in lieu of being refunded by the medical scheme
•Weekend excursions
•Local Transport
•Lunches (not provided by host/host family)
•Towel and toiletries
•Accommodation if Volunteer arrives before start date
•Transport to Accommodation if Volunteer arrives before start date
Closest town:
Cape Town - Noordhoek
Surrounding area:
Transport:
Airport/Cape Town pickup and drop off at beginning and end of project
Yes daily project to/from project from Volunteer House/Host family to project 10 minute drive.
Noordhoek is situated 40 minutes from the city centre. Great scenic train trip into the city.
All transport and tours can be booked at your volunteer home.
Yes daily project to/from project from Volunteer House/Host family to project 10 minute drive.
Noordhoek is situated 40 minutes from the city centre. Great scenic train trip into the city.
All transport and tours can be booked at your volunteer home.
Volunteer House
Volunteer House - Yogashala
Set in the beautiful Capri Village. Noordhoek
A beautiful Villa ; situated on the Roodeberg Mountain / Nature reserve; with Mountain views; close to Atlantic & Indian ocean beaches; and close to your project. Yogashala is run as a big family home; accommodating volunteers from around the world. A home away from home.
Yogashala is 40 minutes from the city center; and easily accessible public transport or uber options.
The House is conveniently located close to the beach and shopping centre, where a variety of activities are offered. These include: Surfing, fishing, diving, sailing, sea kayaking, hiking trails, farm stalls with fresh healthy food options and restaurants, wine and township tours, and if that's not enough there's loads of live entertainment!
Rooms sleep 2-4 with shared full bathrooms
Communal living area, dining room and kitchen
Set in the beautiful Capri Village. Noordhoek
A beautiful Villa ; situated on the Roodeberg Mountain / Nature reserve; with Mountain views; close to Atlantic & Indian ocean beaches; and close to your project. Yogashala is run as a big family home; accommodating volunteers from around the world. A home away from home.
Yogashala is 40 minutes from the city center; and easily accessible public transport or uber options.
The House is conveniently located close to the beach and shopping centre, where a variety of activities are offered. These include: Surfing, fishing, diving, sailing, sea kayaking, hiking trails, farm stalls with fresh healthy food options and restaurants, wine and township tours, and if that's not enough there's loads of live entertainment!
Rooms sleep 2-4 with shared full bathrooms
Communal living area, dining room and kitchen
Meals:
Breakfast is self-service and provided by the volunteer house host/host family
Lunch is to volunteers own account
Supper is a cooked meal provided by the volunteer house/backpackers or host/host family
Lunch is to volunteers own account
Supper is a cooked meal provided by the volunteer house/backpackers or host/host family
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