Izizwe Township Volunteer Projects

During this project I've learned a lot about the culture in the townships. People are very social and want to talk with you whenever you want. My best memory is when I was talking with some locals about their days in the township. They are all so happy and thankful for the help they get from the volunteers, like me. I'm sure that I'll be back soon, it's the best I ever did in my life. Go to Africa without any expectations and enjoy your best time there.

I had an great experience the last six months in South-Africa. I definitely will come back! It is such a beautiful country and the people are very friendly. Izizwe Projects gave me the experience to be connected with the people in the township and to know more about their culture. And the work you do is variously, what make it interested.

What brought me still in doubt at the beginning to do this was the fact that my English wasn't that good. Let never stop someone or something your plan to do volunteering work, if you really wanna do it. Just go for it! With pointing and learning some important words in their language I came far. And my English is better now, because you live in a volunteer house, together with people from different countries and you met a a lot of other people. You make very fast friends! The people in the house are very sociable and you can do a lot of nice things together. Also the house was well located, with a swimming pool, nearby the beach, restaurants and pubs.

And I miss already all the children and their hugs, they are always happy! I'm thankful that I could give a contribute to the township of Port Elizabeth.

I recommend this to everybody! I had an awesome time in South Africa.

My stay in Port Elizabeth was really great! Izizwe Projects offered me various Projects to work for and also alternative ways to do help the Township community with Holiday programms and s soccer tournament.
I worked in a pre-school for 3.5 months and it was a very special esperience. If you stay for a while there you can really change something in the lifes of those kids. You won't change the world but you can do little things and make a differents. I also learned a lot about South African culture and somehow also a lot about myself and what I want to do in life.
But working is not everything, not in Europe and neither in Africa. I met many amazing people and especially my house-mates became my friends. With our group, almost like a family, we traveled a lot during the weekend and experienced the country South Africa and many of it's beautiful and amazing places.

On my arrival at Port Elizabeth I was met by the very friendly face of Junayne one of the co-ordinators and he was joined by some of the volunteers so a very nice welcome.

I travelled alone and the first day or two is quite daunting joining a house where some people have been living for weeks already and you wonder if you'll fit in but do not worry about this, before you know it you're just part of the 'family' and I have honestly made friends for life.

I volunteered at the Human Dignity Centre and I suppose you'd call my job a teaching assistant, helping to children who take a bit more time to learn than some of the other children in class and working with them one to one. The first day I was full of nerves again wondering how I'll fit in what my actual role would be but everyone was welcoming especially
the children who were very excited to have a new girl in class!

I've never volunteered before and although I knew I would enjoy it I under estimated how much I would take away with me. The children are amazing, always smiling and happy and sometimes a little naughty. They have so little compared to the children that I know and love at home in the UK yet they seem to not ask for anything. Helping a child who couldn't write their name when you arrived but could by the time you left is an amazing feeling.

I would recommend volunteering at the Izizwe Project to everyone and Port Elizabeth is a great city to be in. Beach, beachside pools, karaoke all within walking distance. Trips out at weekends to the surrounding areas. I tried sand-boarding (I was useless), black water tubing and much more. It's good balance of 'work' (if that's what you call it) and seeing South Africa a beautiful country.

Thank you to Roos and Junayne the co-ordinators who live at the volunteer with you, miss you guys so much!

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!!!