SAVE Volunteering Humanitarian Projects

Name: SAVE Volunteering Humanitarian Projects
Brand: SAVE Volunteering
SKU: 37718
Rating: 4.83 (116 reviews)

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4.83 Rating

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Location

Multiple Locations +4

South Africa
- Cape Town
Namibia
- Windhoek
Malawi
Tanzania
- Dar es Salaam

Length

2 to 6 weeks

Project Types

Agriculture Business Childcare Street Children Community Development Building Projects Family Sports Youth Wildlife Conservation Primate Conservation Education Teaching Health Education Health +5

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Program Details

Language

English

Age Min.

Age Max

Housing

Hostel

Groups

Small Group (1-15)

Pricing

Price Details

Includes: 3 meals a day, accommodation, transport, orientation, 24 hr support and donation to the NPO

What's Included

Accommodation Meals Transportation

What's Not Included

Activities Airfare Domestic Airfare Equipment SIM cards Travel Insurance Visa Wifi

Last Updated: Jan 25, 2022

Last Reviewed: Jan 05, 2023

Wish List

84 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

SAVE Volunteering is a Non-Profit Organisation. We are NOT a booking agent: we run, manage and fund all of our Humanitarian and Wildlife Projects with the help of volunteers.
We believe in transparent and sustainable programs that impact our local community and wildlife.

The volunteer fees go towards, food, accommodation, transport, orientation and the rest of the money gets donated to the NPO for running costs such as stationary or meals for the children and meals for the Wildlife.

Join one of our amazing projects and leave with a life-changing experience!

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Consider your impact: Volunteering abroad can be a rewarding experience for both volunteers and local communities, and at Go Overseas, we believe all volunteers should have the resources to make informed decisions about the type of volunteer project they want to partake in. However, despite best intentions, some organizations offering placements in orphanages may unknowingly place children in danger. You can read about the potential dangers of orphanage volunteering here.

Video and Photos

A happy group of children and volunteers in South Africa.

SAVE Volunteer working with children in South Africa.

Program Highlights

Help us better the lives of the children on our Humanitarian projects and the Animals on our Wildlife project.
Educate children to better their future on our Humanitarian projects and build structures and homes for our animals on our Wildlife projects.
Form a relationship with our children and see the world through their eyes on our Humanitarian projects. Protect Africas Wildlife on our Wildlife projects.
Learn about conservation and Africa’s wild animals on our Wildlife projects. Learn about patience and hard work on our Humanitarian projects.
Have a close animal encounter with some of the human tolerant animals on our Wildlife projects. Spend time with children in need of your affection and attention on our Humanitarian projects.

Popular Programs

Sport & Youth Development Project

Children living in impoverished communities have a huge need for youth development projects which serve to teach them valuable life skills such as teamwork, structure, discipline and which uplifts their self-esteem through the realization of talent.

Cape Town Community Development Project

The main objective is empowering the local community and supporting them with their basic needs. We regularly distribute food hampers to the underprivileged and clothes in the winter. We engage these communities in regular education, motivation, and social upliftment programs and exciting events such as fun at the beach, various sporting activities and movie outings that are hosted throughout the year.

School and Educare Project

Volunteers are placed in pre-schools in disadvantaged communities. No experience is necessary and volunteers can have the joy of watching a child learn and helping them through the process. You will be assigned to a class and will help the teacher in their daily tasks, be it teaching, marking or sports training. After school hours volunteers will be involved in after care or after school programs in the settlements.

Adventure Club Project

This project is a great way for volunteers to gain experience working with children and groups. Learning new outdoor activities such as swimming, boxing, spike ball surfing and skateboarding – volunteers receive lessons so they can help teach the children.

Namibia Medical Project

The Clinic is based in Epukiro provides free primary health care services to more than 3,500 patients every year – through both clinic-based healthcare and personal outreach around the region. More than 40% of the patients treated there are children and more than 90% are San Bushmen. A huge focus of the work at the Clinic is to tackle the tuberculosis burden within the San population. The clinic is quite literally a lifeline for thousands of San Bushman.

Skills Development Project

This Project allows volunteers to transfer a skill they have to the local communities. Communities you will work in have low education levels and English comprehension. SAVE is always in need of volunteers with special skills that they can transfer to our communities and allow them to become self-sufficient and productive members of society. Examples are first aid, family planning, childcare, dance classes, drama workshops, business management, computer literacy, woodwork and craftsmanship.

Related Programs

Program Reviews

4.83 Rating

based on 116 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Volunteer

5 rating 87.93%
4 rating 9.48%
3 rating 0.86%
2 rating 0.86%
1 rating 0.86%

Impact 4.7
Support 4.75
Fun 4.65
Value 4.8
Safety 4.75

Good for Students, Solo Travelers, Adventure travelers

Showing 17 - 24 of 116 reviews

My time with SAVE was absolutely incredible. The staff are some of the most amazing people I have ever met and their passion for SAVE is contagious. The relationship I built with the kids at the school, the staff, and my fellow volunteers is something I will remember for the rest of my life. It was some of the most fun times I've had, yet an incredibly significant experience to be a part of. It has had a genuine impact on me I will always keep it close in my heart. I cannot recommend this enough!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?

I would stay longer. I was only there for one month and I think you get an even more incredible experience if you stay for at least two or three months. Leaving South Africa was absolutely heartbreaking as I felt that I wasn't done and had so much more I wanted to accomplish there.

SAVE is an incredibly loving organization with the heart in the right place. It is very amazing how they take in all volunteers and can give them a safe feeling. Due to the fairly intimate group you usually work with, you can achieve a lot in Du'noon. I myself took part in the Surf program, where you also played different kinds of sports with a group of kids after your work at the schools. I hope I have been able to teach them new things, but all the lovely children, fellow volunteers and the SAVE staff have also taught me how valuable life is. I would love to return to Cape Town soon.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?

I would love to go again and stay a little bit longer in the program. I have been there for a little more than 3 weeks but I think that 4/5 weeks would have been perfect too.

These 6 weeks i spend in SA - Cape town was the best 6 weeks in my life. The kids, teachers, manager and people taugh me how life should be and the perspective of my life! I felt like i was part of something bigger and helping to change the life for these kids! The were greatfull, happy and my life changed to something better!
Nothing can compare the experience i got at SAVE and the trip was a life time experience, that every one should try out! even though it is about 4 months since i left, i am still in contact with my school and people i got to know in the program!

What would you improve about this program?

Nothing, i loved it, i loved have i felt secure and welcome. I am comming back for sure

My experience as a volunteer at SAVE was amazing! I've had the time of my life in the 7 weeks I've helped in the town ships of Dunoon. It was a great experience in which I met a lot of new people, helped the most wonderful children in Dunoon and where I saw the most beautiful places. It was not only a very beautiful, but also very educational experience.

SAVE is so passionate about what they do and what they stand for. And that's why it was, and still is, great to be part of this wonderful community. ❤️❤️

I would highly recommend to everyone !!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Be openminded and get to know new people!! And most importantly have fun with the kids and go explore Cape Town because it's an amazing city and it has a lot to offer.

When I dropped out of university to take a semester+ off, I didn’t know that I’d learn more in my time off than I had in my entire time at university. The staff at SAVE are incredibly caring, dedicated, and respected in the community. The love they have for the township and kids shows every single day. Because of their love, the volunteer experience is made better as the kids know that you come from the same loving place as the staff.

SAVE has introduced me to lifelong friends and I can’t imagine my life if I hadn’t done this. Cape Town is a beautiful city, and table view is one of the best neighborhoods I have ever spent time in. Everything you want is walking distance away, and it’s safe enough to walk where you need to go (use common sense as in any city!)

The accommodations are wonderful, and create a great sense of community amongst the volunteers. I was comfortable there after less than 2 days.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

The most nerve wracking moment was driving up to my school for the first time. That’s when it all set in - I was really here, about to tutor students in English and math. It was a feeling I was not familiar with, it was a different kind of nervous. When I got there, I remembered that this is why I’m here. I went into the school with an open mind and heart, smiled at all the kids and high fived them. The kids were shy as well, but even after a day they were yelling my name when I got onto the school property!

Stayed with SAVE for 6 weeks and it was the most amazing experience. I was in the Surf Adventure program where we volunteered in the schools of the townships in the morning, and then in the afternoon would work with older kids in sporting activities, including swim, surf, dance and boxing. These programs make such a difference to the communities in Cape Town and to be able to be part of it feels great, especially when you are able to see the impacts of everything the organisation does in the community, building new schools, and how the children grow and enjoy school activities. All the volunteers were enthusiastic and passionate, I have made some amazing friends there with memories I will never forget. The people working in SAVE were so welcoming and addressed any issues that I had, such as with my accomodation and program efficiently. Big thank you to Gail, Shannon, Coll, St John and Wellington! Cape Town is also an amazing city and the views and beaches are unforgettable! Definitely recommend SAVE volunteering for anyone!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Make sure to go outside and don’t just stay in the volunteer house. There is so much to see and do in Cape Town, there’s something for everybody. You meet amazing people and do amazing things. Have fun!

I've worked with the organisation for over a year and would recommend every person who is searching for a place to volunteer in South Afrika to go and see all the project SAVE has. The staff is really attentive and will do all they can to make your stay as amazing as they can.
They have several programs. From school/daycare, surf and sport to animal conservation.
Food is provided and a chef makes diner every day. It's a real South African experience, foodwise, so try new things!
Any person considering volunteering should look at SAVE

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Be open and you will make friends for life! You will meet the amazing, open and friendly South African people but also work together with people from all over the world. Be open for other opinions and try to learn from each other!

It seems a bit over the top to rate everything a full 10 but it’s truly the best experience ever. I’ve volunteered twice with Save now with their sports program, back in 2018 when I was 16 & when I was 18, just over a month ago now. Spending my mornings at pre schools helping the most deserving and adorable kids with their gross motor development has been nothing but fun. Without lying I can say that in the weekends I was actually sad that I didn’t get to see my little ones. Afternoons filled with doing sports activities with kids from primary schools who have so much talent and potential is as good as it sounds. It has given me so much and enabled me to give so much back. Imagine doing that together with a family of wonderful people from all over the world. That is what Save represents for me. And then being in Cape Town, my favorite place in the world, my home away from home, for me it couldn’t get any better. Thank you so much for everything and since we don’t say goodbye to family it’s gonna be a see you soon! Hamba kahle & all the love in the world,
Bibi

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

For me it was surprising and incredibly touching to see how these poor communities in the townships were like big families. Despite their poor living conditions and having super low-income they’re always looking for ways to help the less fortunate and improving the communities for the better. There is a lot to learn from that!

Questions & Answers

Alumni Interviews

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

Why did you decide to volunteer abroad with SAVE in South Africa?

I was getting quite tired of studying law at home in Norway, and wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue.

I decided to take a break from my studies and do something I had wanted to do for a long time--travel!

I’m working at a youth center run by the Norwegian Red Cross in Oslo, and I wanted to bring my experiences from that into a completely different place. And SAVE was perfect.

What made this volunteer abroad experience unique and special?

Everything! It’s not an underestimation when I say that I had the time of my life! I made friends from all over the world, and the friendship we developed was something really special.

We worked together, ate together, partied together, spent our free time together, we really did everything together! And of course, seeing the kids react so thankfully for the work we do.

It is a wakeup call for all of us coming from rich countries where people are taking all the material goods for granted!

View Entire Interview

Tell me about one person you met. [It could be a local, a fellow program participant or a member of the SAVE staff]

It’s pretty hard to choose one from all of the amazing people I met. My best friends down there – Mike, Frederik, Marc, Sofie and Kristina – made my stay ten times better than I ever expected, and I’m so happy that I have kept in contact with them.

But I think the one that made the greatest impression on me was Nikki. She runs the project in Skandaalkamp. Even though I wasn't in her group, she made me realize what a true hero she is.

She was always concerned about getting enough food for her babies in Skandaal, but she always found a way to figure it out! She made t-shirts with the handprints of the kids and sold them to the volunteers.

She also made bracelets and did everything she could think of. She is a person that thinks more about the kids than herself, and thanks to her, the kids in skandaalkamp can get food and education!

What was the best moment of the entire trip?

This is not an easy question either, haha! My entire trip was awesome, and it’s difficult to pick one moment. But one day we had swimming lessons with the kids where we were trying to teach them how to float.

One of the girls was holding onto me really hard, begging me not to let go of her. I asked her to relax, and said I would be right there. I held her back under the water while she laid flat, and after a while, I removed my hands from her.

She was floating on her own, and I have never ever seen a smile that big! She was hugging me, saying thank you, and wanted to float around in the pool all day!

The christmas party afterwards at Elundini was also perfect! All of the kids got a gift, and they were running around with big smiles the whole day!

How has this experience impacted your future? (Personally, professionally, etc)

Well… I decided to continue with my law studies when I got back to Oslo. But, I was more motivated than before I left.

Now I’m sure that I want to use my law degree to work for human rights and children’s welfare! Personally, the trip made me a lot stronger.

Traveling alone to a completely unfamiliar country was a good experience.

Even though I was terrified when I left Oslo, I came home with hundreds of impressions, and felt like I could never ever complain about my life in Oslo again.

I still think about all the kids I got to know in Cape Town, and I miss them more and more.

Before I left to South Africa, all the poverty was just something I had seen on television. Now, I relate the poverty to faces. The faces of the kids that I was so lucky to work with every day…

Amanda Lind

2013 Alum

Marc Eversdijk

Marijke Fleury

Nick van de Klundert

Tom Visser

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

What is your favorite travel memory?

Wellington has many good memories of traveling across Africa. One of his favourite memories was traveling to Paternoster with all the volunteers and staff for a weekend away. When they got there, there wasn't enough room in the tents, so he slept on the bus with his sleeping bag.

It was a really fun experience for him.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I feel welcome here, it's like being at home, all the people are so friendly.

I have been able to take a lot of initiative through this work and it has made me believe in myself and make me more confident and have more self-belief. Working here has opened my eyes to different cultures and walks of life.

View Entire Interview

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

There was a volunteer that always said she liked my driving and the African music I play in the car when I drive them to project and back. When she left, she also said she missed the way people drive in the township we work in. She sent a message to me that she is definitely going to come back to see me, drive around listening to music together.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

There are so many to choose from it's very difficult to decide. If I had to choose just one, I think I would go to Sunshine.

I like Sunshine because the school is so big and the space for the children to play is also big. They can play freely, and there is also a clinic for the community in case there are any emergencies

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

When you work with Shannon, she is always there for you. Occasionally things don't go according to the plan, but even when they do, Shannon is understanding and we work together to fix the problem.

I always feel like an important part of the team and that my ideas are valued. As a team, we are able to overcome things together with Shannon leading the way.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

If you want to make a successful company, it is important to listen to your employees. They are a part of the family and make the company run properly, without them being happy the company will not run properly. Things will start to fall apart and go wrong.

I love children; I have 7 of my own. It's important to remember why we do this - for the children. "Better to build children than repair men".

About SAVE Volunteering

SAVE Foundation is a registered non-profit organization (NPO) that assists communities in Africa. We are NOT a booking agent, all of our community projects are run and funded by our local NPO/ Foundations on the ground. Our work involves setting up and facilitating sustainable community and conservation development projects in South Africa, Ghana...

Program Details

Pricing

Program Highlights

Sport & Youth Development Project 

Cape Town Community Development Project 

School and Educare Project 

Adventure Club Project 

Namibia Medical Project 

Skills Development Project 

Alumni Interviews

Martine Haugen

Why did you decide to volunteer abroad with SAVE in South Africa?

What made this volunteer abroad experience unique and special?

Tell me about one person you met. [It could be a local, a fellow program participant or a member of the SAVE staff]

What was the best moment of the entire trip?

How has this experience impacted your future? (Personally, professionally, etc)

Staff Interviews

Wellington Kalonga

What is your favorite travel memory?

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Sport & Youth Development Project

Cape Town Community Development Project

School and Educare Project

Adventure Club Project

Namibia Medical Project

Skills Development Project