My FIrst Volunteer Placement in Cape Town

This was my first volunteer experience.   Renae, Ben and Izzy of Outreach 2 Enrich were terrific hosts.  The camaraderie with the other volunteers was excellent.  We did many activities together like watching the sunset on Signal Hill, renting a car and driving to the Cape of Hope, seeing the penguins on Border beach, walking and having lunch in Bo Kaap to name just a few of the activities.  

The best part of volunteering was the opportunity to work with and teach the children from the Capricorn and surrounding townships.  It had its challenging moments but overall very rewarding.  The pre-school kids are so pure and innocent.  They give their trust and instant love and affection.  It can sometimes be very overwhelming when >10 of them want to hug you at the same time.  The 5 graders I taught had its challenges.  At times I felt I was more the enforcer than the teacher, but at the end we were able to establish a mutual respect and had a great time together.   I miss the teachers and students and hope to come back to Cape Town to see them again.

There is nothing more rewarding than making the people around you smile.

If you are interested in seeing the beautiful Mother City, Cape Town, IVHQ is a great organization to work with to experience giving back surrounded by absolute beauty.