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Volunteer Africa 32

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2 reviews
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Why choose Volunteer Africa 32?

Volunteer Africa 32 South has been operating since 2004. Since starting we have placed international volunteers into high need community and conservation initiatives and provided opportunity to make a real difference. We provide volunteers and interns with inspiring and life-changing experiences, and at the same time helping them to deliver sustainable support to local South African communities and the environment.

Website
www.volunteerafrica.co.za

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Reviews

Charlotte
36
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
VA32: Volunteer in Rural Schools & Preschools in South Africa

Why VA32?

Jan 29, 2016

The children. But also the three Es. Education, Ethics and enthusiasm.

I have a historic volunteering story with this super friendly volunteer hub in the lively coastal village of Chintsa. What kept me coming back was the direct impact I was making on the volunteer organisation's education projects. The children were learning vital technological skills which we in the western world take advantage of. The curriculum focused on the environment, which I think is a fantastic way of engaging students into becoming global citizens. Whether it was learning about litter or becoming a whizz at water filtration.

The afternoons were eclectic and focused on community driven projects which were genuinely engaging the children of the local community. From playing sports activities with children of all ages (anything from 4 up to the age of 18!), to joining in arts and crafts activities at a local place of safety for children who can't be with their parents for different reasons.

The laughter, smiles and engagement of all the young people and children I worked with demonstrated the positive impact the projects were having on each and every one who participated in VA32's community initiatives.

All aspects of the project were supported and organised by professional and outgoing VA32 staff. No question was ever too small!

A priceless, unforgettable South African adventure.

Megan
34
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
VA32: Ubuntu Building Project

Slap in the face

Nov 7, 2014

I chose to go abroad and specifically volunteer because I was disgusted by how much money is poured into regular abroad programs full of partying and not really exploring. So once I found the opportunity I signed up immediately and my parents were very worried that I was going by myself and didn't understand what I was looking for in this, since getting to college I became very philanthropic as being a sorority member I just saw a bunch of girls who were great but were just a bunch of self entitled kids who have worked for nothing nor deserve it and still aren't giving back. It made me sick and I wanted to get away and help. I know I could've helped locally as I do but, I wanted to indulge myself into the society and be a traveler not a tourist. It was the most humbling experience and I have been home for a few years now and still a day doesn't pass where I look back and just count my blessings and count the days till I can somehow go back and live there. They have the way of simplifying your life and there is no greater feeling than feeling free of American norms of pressures from society. I wish the language would have been easier to learn and that I could've extended my stay to help understand them more. I kept a daily journal as I decided to take an independent study course where I wrote everyday, lead group lectures and was able to interview local teachers. I feel that I got the most out of the groups experience because those women shared their life with me, how they took in 4 children because they were left and how they are all just happy and thankful regardless of the situation. We would then walk through the townships cleaning it up, gathering rocks to help build a wall for the school and redo the outside structure. Animals roam free in the township so pigs, goats, cows are always in the way. Older kids who begin dropping out of school by 14 start to rebel stealing things from the school, cutting down swings, so we would try and gather them to play sports to keep them busy, its incredible how tough they are. Upon returning to our house, there was 10 in a small beach house with one bathroom but we all just respected eachother so much because you knew everyone was full of pure goodness just for being there with you. That common bond brought everyone together the moment we met.

What would you improve about this program?
Receiving the itinterary sooner, plane tickets sooner, and being in contact with your direct group although you fly with 5 groups from NY it'd been nice to know them already.
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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Megan Stark

Program
VA32: Ubuntu Building Project
I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado and as true Colorado girls do, I completed my degree as a Buffalo at Colorado University of Boulder. While at Boulder I specialized in sharpening my skills at skiing, hiking, and socializing. As if there aren’t enough opportunities to socialize in college I also was the Social Chair of my Sorority (Chi Omega) and used my passion for connecting with people to plan unbelievable events. From formal dances at the Westin to date dashes with elaborate themes, I helped members of the entire Greek community create memories to last a life time. When I’m not socializing, or doing anything sports related, you can find me pet sitting dogs or volunteering at a Children’s Hospital which has turned into my favorite past time. I was turned toward the thought of volunteering abroad when I found a program that brought my two favorite pastimes together, travel and giving back.
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Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.

Our daily routine at the township started off with breaking down tasks among the group to rebuild the school fence, the playground, and most importantly the building itself. We were able to spend time with the kids during their lunch breaks and reveled in learning their songs and games.

Once school was out and we had wrapped up, we would travel back to the volunteer house where local women prepared us their traditional meals with abundant food from the area. Then we all would head out to the township’s soccer field that previous volunteers had built to run athletic camps and keep the kids active. The older kids would play pickup games of soccer while all the younger kids were taken to the playground.

Once the sun set we returned to the house, and filled our nights with stories and card games. Having no radio, cable, or internet was a blessing as I continue to appreciate how much I was able to learn so much about the other “vollies”.

Ten years from now, what's the one thing you think you'll remember from the trip?

In 10 years from now I’ll never forget the people I met. We flew thousands of miles not knowing what to expect or who we’d share a room with and because of our common bond to give back it was as if we deep down knew each person so well, we became family instantly. I’ll also never forget the people who live there, the teacher who gives her life for these children everyday, not only in the classroom but, the ones she also takes into her home when in need. They showed me how simple and beautiful life is and for that I am forever grateful.

Has your worldview changed as a result of your trip?

It would be shocking if my worldview didn’t change after my volunteer trip. As I mentioned, this experience showed me how fortunate we are here and how beautifully different life is there. We lived off local foods and drank from their rain water retainers. It showed me to use my resources that are at arms length and try to kick my processed chip addiction. This group opened my eyes to that fact that a small impact can progress to bigger changes and to “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”- Margaret Mead.

What was the most interesting cultural difference you encountered?

The biggest cultural difference I experienced was while in Swaziland, we were visiting an orphanage to bring meals to its residents. Prior to entering their village, we had to put on wrap skirts with the King’s face on them as that is their custom for women. The kids ran around wearing these skirts trailing behind them like a cape. Another difference that was more difficult to work though was the language barrier. In Chintsa East, Durban, South Africa they speak Xhosa also known as the clicking language. This was Nelson Mandela’s first language.

Where would you most like to travel to next?

I’ll need to save up a few more years before trying to return to South Africa or jump on the next adventure that catches my attention. I’d love to return to the same township and see how everyone has grown and the new additions to the community! Any place that can take me out of my comfort zone and open my eyes and heart, I’m all in! The one thing I have learned about travel is that money will come and go but those experiences, life lessons, and memories will stick with you forever.