Under 18's Volunteer and Adventure Experience in South Africa

I had the best summer volunteering in the Under 18s program in Cape town. I had initially chosen this program because I wanted the opportunity to go have an independent holiday abroad and volunteer. GVI gave me this and much more! During my 2 weeks there I got to see the impact every volunteer makes, whether you stay for 2 weeks or 6 months. Nothing beats the feeling of finishing a project, for me it was water tank stands, and seeing how happy the children and creator of the orphanage were when they now had clean rain water. I got to try new things, such as brick laying, mixing cement, canoeing, seeing whales and penguins. The garden route tour was incredible and you really get a chance to explore the country through an adventure week, authentic food and quiz nights. I think the most important thing about GVI is that even when you leave you are a part of a community. You meet people who went on your program months or years later and they can tell you how that child is doing or that project is doing, because it is continuous.
Remember to bring warm clothes, sunglasses a hot water bottle and a strong pair or walking boots as SA has 4 season in 1 day, but you are just 10 minuets from the beach with 4 scoops of ice-cream for 40 rand.
I makes you so happy for what you have got and so inspired to try and do more. You will always be apart of GVI and the experience will just make you want to go on more projects or just never leave. I am still involved as an ambassador and plan to go agin next summer.

I will never be a waste regardless of what project you get to do. Who wouldn't want to travel meaningfully, make a difference and have an unforgettable experience!