Program Reviews

After travelling the world for 1 1/2 years visiting different countries I came to South Africa to travel and also volunteer in Port Elizabeth. I volunteered at Missionvale township where help and support was needed, playing with the kids, doing activities, supporting the local community. I stayed in a volunteer house with other international volunteers. It was great to have people around to share experiences.
Initially I wanted to volunteer for two weeks, but because of the great time I had during my stay, I came back again after travelling in South Africa to volunteer and help out again. Missionvale is really a great unique community center within a township supporting the lives of the people in all different areas of life. The everyday diverse range of experiences I made, being in touch with the local people who support you during your stay and the volunteer house all together really made my stay and gave me an inside view of the daily life reality in a township.
After going back home for Christmas I couldn't stop thinking about my volunteer time in Port Elizabeth and three months later I came back now to work as a volunteer coordinator for all projects that Khaya is offering so I am the proven example that volunteer work can be really a life changing experience.

Het was echt een fantastische ervaring. Ik heb hier in november/december gezeten en zou als het kon morgen weer terug gaan.
Je houd je onder andere bezig met het verzorgen van de katten; dat wil zeggen voer klaarmaken en geven en met ze spelen, onderhouden van de wegen, verblijven schoonmaken en repareren.
Een paar keer per week ga je jagen met de cheetah's wat echt geweldig is om mee te maken van zo dichtbij.
Wil je een onvergetelijke ervaring, ga hier dan heen!

I only had one week at Modgaji, but what a fantastic week it was! I got to go on two cheetah walks, get my hands "dirty" when cutting up meat, feed all the animals, sit with the cheetahs, cuddle the servals and wild cats as well as fall in love with Bacon the warthog and the two meerkats on the farm! They also took me on game drives where I saw black eagles, kori bustards, blue cranes and more. We also went for a swim in the river near by! On my last day I was lucky enough to witness the pregnant serval giving birth! Beautiful animals and beautiful people! When can I come back...?!

Thinking back on that 4 week experience in the periode September - October 2011, still brings a big smile to my face.

What an awesome time we have had in working with the cubs, but also with the grown lions, bengals, leopards and caracals.

Every day is different at Boskoppie Lion Park, but never dull, boring or workless. On the contrary; we rushed out of bed every single morning to start the day.

A big THANK YOU to the coordinators Dee and Fran for allowing us work so closely with the animals.

Thanks Igna for helping us so well with transport to Kroonstad and back.

You will make new friends amongst the volunteers at this project, I promise...

Would I recommend this program? DEFINITELY!!!

We have participated in the Izizwe Project for 6 weeks in the period October - November 2011.

It has been a very impressive experience!

We have laughed in song and dance with the kids of Khanya creche and the Human Dignity Center as we assisted where we could (playing, teaching, listening... learning).

We have cried over the poor conditions people are living in and the problems even the smallest children encouter on a daily basis.

Volunteers are respected, well-assisted and protected by both the Khaya crew as the Walmer community.

Izizwe offers an excellent opportunity to "feel" in stead of "see".

Martijn, Prof., Tabo, Igna, Joe... Thanks so much!!!