GVI: Sports Volunteering

I went to South Africa for two weeks with GVI, the programme was amazing! I loved working with the children to teach them different sports and being able to take them surfing was a bonus. Although it was winter so the water was FREEZING! I genuinely had the best time and found the coordinators at GVI so supportive! I met amazing people who I still keep in touch with months after being back, I love hearing about how the children in the school are doing by face timing the coordinators that are still out there! GVI has been such a great organisation to volunteer with i'm already planning my next adventure! If you're thinking about travelling or volunteering go for it, GVI will support you :)

I was after a new adventure for 2013 and so I decided to give Volunteering a go - I researched several programs online and GVI continued to tick all the boxes, plus they were also very informative and responded quickly to my questions or concerns.

Arriving in Costa Rica we were met at the airport by Group Leaders and were taken care of right from the get go, a week of culture and logistic training prepared us for what was ahead. The realization was completely different, however I was here for a challenge.

A typical day . . .

Up early you are either assisting with breakfast, or still asleep whilst cleaning up after breakfast. The house, chores and meals are shared by everyone. And everyone has to give it a go, no matter how terrible a cook you are!

Then it's off to the bus, a short ride and then onto the Boat (dingy) to El Cocal. An illegal immigrant town literally resting on a sand bar. As you would imagine being near the water it's a fishing town. One of our tasks within Cocal is to try and get children, especially the boys to stay in school so that they may be educated enough to work in a profession, like the service industry.

After being greeted by several of the children at the dock, and wondering why most of them are not in school today . . . We arrive at the Child Care centre, a place for kids to come hang out, sports, do art work, get help with any homework. It's also a place where we are trying to teach adult english to those that are willing.

The days are a mix of playing, educating, conflict resolution and many funny moments, especially when you are standing in a class room try to teach maths in a room full of children whom only speak Spanish. . .

We finish school at about 1.30pm and then the rest of the day is yours!

Highlights - For me it was the end of year cultural celebrations, there are so many to be involved in, Guanacasta Day, Costa Rica's Independance Day, etc, etc and I loved helping the kids decorate, dress up and be involved these celebrations!

Definitely a wonderful experience that I would recommend to anyone!

Being in the South Africa Sports Program was an amazing experience. I fell in love with the people, the staff, the project, and the kids. Weekend outings were so much fun but I got the most enjoyment out of working with the kids. I had three little buddies that I made and got to work with the during the week. It was a blast to see the kids grow and get ready for the track & field tournament that we prepared them for. Staff was awesome. Our safety always came first but they wanted us to have fun and experience the lifestyle and cultural differences that South Africa had to offer as well. I was so lucky to with a wonderful group of volunteer and more coordinator was such a fun-loving, personal, and outgoing person. I made great friends, learned many lessons, enjoyed my travels, and made memories that I will never forget.

Teaching sports & surfing to children in a Township Primary School in South Africa was incredible! I spent 10 weeks supporting this project, and from start to finish had nothing but amazing and rewarding experiences!

Each class greets you with cheers and smiles, as they become so enthusiastic and excited at the prospect of learning sports and having fun! The kids here are the most beautifully natured kids you could ever wish to meet, and supporting them is an easy task!

Loved it, cant wait to go back!