Community Volunteer Programs in Port Elizabeth, South Africa
- South Africa
- Port Elizabeth
About Program
Child Care / Orphan Support
Support a local children's center (Creche), which supports 30-40 children daily from 8am-2pm. Most children are from poor families, or hosted in the community where they live. At the center they give these children a safe place and the love and care that they need.
Most facilities operate day care, drop-in and food centers for (OVC), nutrition unit, community gardens and clothing warehouse project. Volunteers support the center Monday to Friday, 6-7 hours per day. It is important that volunteers of this project understand the importance of the following:
To be enthusiastic and prepared to be pro-active.
To show respect towards the people and culture of the local community. You might not agree with certain ways of conduct, but don’t forget you are a guest here, and you can’t try to change everything in a period of just a few weeks.
To show flexibility towards responsibilities, tasks and activities.
To be a Go-Getter!
Consider your impact: Volunteering abroad can be a rewarding experience for both volunteers and local communities, and at Go Overseas, we believe all volunteers should have the resources to make informed decisions about the type of volunteer project they want to partake in. However, despite best intentions, some organizations offering placements in orphanages may unknowingly place children in danger. You can read about the potential dangers of orphanage volunteering here.
Video and Photos
Community Support & Development
These project consists of several programs all run and supervised by the ABV Volunteer Coordinator. The diversity of possibilities creates an opportunity for volunteers to suggest preferences for age groups and specific personal interest to be involved in. Some of the programs you can help with:
* Afternoon dance class lessons. Volunteers will interact with the children, give them attention and help create a safe place for them to do something positive. They assist in the dance classes, general care, cooking meals and homework guidance where needed.
* School projects: teaching children grade 8-10, support in the library, computer classes, or offering sports activities with the kids. Schools in this township need class assistants, and afterschool project support and remedial reading tutors. Afterschool support sessions for homework guidance. Schools in South Africa 2012 (June25-July13) and (Octoeber1-5th).
