"Thank you for teaching us today Miss" my kids would say... But little did they know that they were the ones teaching me

Teaching with IVHQ in South Africa... What an experience! To be completely honest it's hard to put into words the emotional, physical and mental impact it has had on me, but that is a good thing. If you are considering it, don't even think twice about it, just do it! You will not regret it! The children you will be working with make everything so worthwhile. Every minute of the day they will fill you with happiness, they become the sunshine to your rainy days. These kids are brought up in bitter and destroying environments but they have still found a way to love. Their hearts are greater than gold, and I couldn't be more grateful to have had such enthusiastic learners. Every morning I would walk into school and my children would clap for me and greet me, they would pray for me, they still do. I still contact majority of them and they beg me to come back... I promise, if you show love to them, they will give it back to you in an even greater form. I took for granted my entire education, and now I wish I could swap places with these little adults that deserve the world at their feet. They will continously ask for your support and appreciate your time. I opened up with them and shared my personal life, so they felt comfortable enough to share their personal lives too, and that was a major factor of falling in love with them... Try your best to get to know them, their stories and backgrounds will really open your eyes and make you appreciate the littlest things in life. IVHQ is linked with an organisation called Dreams to Reality (DTR). DTR manage everything whilst you are there; the programs, accommodation, food, volunteers and schedules. They are amazing at what they do and if you are keen on volunteering then this is your token as they will support you with everything. The days are shorter than expected although it provides time for other activities. This may include wine tours, safaris, going to the beach, shopping and much more. Everything is accessible from your accommodation. Honestly, you'll have the time of your life. There's a few schools and they are located in or nearby Muizenberg, Cape Town. Muizenberg is approximately 30 minutes drive from the International Airport. In Muizenberg there is a township close by called Capricorn, where majority of your children will come from that you are working with. The kids truly are the greatest, little, energetic things! I loved them from day one. You'll fall in love. You will be placed in one of 6 houses, all in Muizenberg. I was placed at 18 Hastings Road, which is the all girls house, and I absolutely loved it! The girls I was living with became family, we're even travelling altogether in the future. There's only one house that is all boys (22 Hastings Road) and 2 houses that are all girls (18 Hastings Road and Palmer Road). There is a house on Windemere Road and there are two mixed gender houses (one on Royal Road and one on Recreation Road). Recreation Road is majority of surf program as it is close by to the surf meeting room, as they walk to and from program. All other programs get dropped to and from their placement each day, by an arranged taxi driver of DTR. Also, the houses are within 5-15 minutes walk of each other, although you will figure it out pretty quick as Muizenberg is a small but beautiful area. You will volunteer 5 days a week and be picked up by Karl (the coolest bus driver ever) at 8:30ish am. He will also pick you up to go home. Teaching, Sports Development and Computer Teaching all get picked up together. Once you get home lunch will be there. Usually it's pretty bland food and there's a lot of carbs so some volunteers buy and make their own meals, as the supermarket is a 10 minute walk away. If you have dietary requirements be sure to tell IVHQ before arriving, and if you are vegetarian and do not eat fake meat tell them also, as that's what they provide unless they've been notified. Everyone tends to nap quickly after program as they are tiring days even when they are short. If you do not nap, you have the whole afternoon to do anything. Make sure you download Uber the app, because you will Uber most places as it's not super safe to walk anywhere by yourself... It just depends where you are going and what your plans are, although I recommend using Uber as it is cheap and reliable. Also, pack a few nice outfits as you'll need them a lot more than you think. Work out a budget because you will go out for dinner or do other activities like surfing or wine tours etc a lot of the time. If you're interested in a safari, you're best off doing it your first weekend with all the new volunteers because that's what majority of my group did and we became family within our first 5 days together! Muizenberg can also a semi-dangerous place. No one emphasises on the danger of it but just be sure not to flash accessories or anything whilst walking, and just use common sense. Nothing extreme will happen, and if you are smart about it then most likely nothing will happen at all. I did not have one bad experience. Though that sounds scary, it's an absolutely beautiful place and you sure will love your time there, just take the right safety precautions and stick in groups, and you'll be perfectly fine. Also, check with your bank that your card is compatible with the ATMs in South Africa as a lot of volunteers had trouble with withdrawing money or paying by card as their bank isn't compatible. 😊 I was there for 2 months and I'd happily call South Africa my home! The houses are basic obviously but they have a little bit of space to unpack your clothes in wardrobes and drawers, but you are able to store your own food and it really does become home. You are also able to try out different programs for a day with no extra cost unless it's surf. I tried childcare and absolutely adored all the children there. I definitely recommend it as you have an insight of both. The houses are safe but it's crucial you keep everything away from the windows and doors/gates locked at all times, just in case. Inside the houses we had no problems at all with volunteers being untrustworthy. 6-8 weeks is the perfect amount of time to get hold and touch of how everything is, although if you love being away from home and get attached you're probably best off extending, as I wish I stayed longer. You are able to extend whilst being there but you're not guaranteed a place as they book out quickly. No matter how long you're there for, time flies so damn quick!! So be sure to take so many photos, do as much as you can and make every single day worthwhile. You'll also make life long friends, I absolutely love the girls I lived with and would do anything for them. Once you arrive, you'll have orientation day on the first Monday of your program and meet everyone, they'll also tour you around Muizenberg and Central Cape Town. At that time they'll take you to a cheaper (but reliable) store to get a SIM card, so I advise not to buy one at the airport as they don't have as good of deals there and may not be compatible. Vodacom or Cell C is the best, I was with Cell C. Renea and Angelo will be your managers and they're really easy going/down to earth people so they will be there to support you in South Africa any time you need. They will give you their Whatsapp number, so I also recommend downloading Whatsapp if you do not have it, as it is the best way of keeping in contact. Also, I forgot to mention there are two laundry mats that you'll need to get your clothes washed at. They cost roughly 65Rand, but the price may vary. It will take 24 hours, so plan to drop it in a day or two ahead of when you need your clothes. They are both down town on Surfers Corner which is the main hangout area in Muizenberg in which you'll go. There's also accessible wifi on Surfers corner (5-10 minutes walk from the houses) which you are able to access if you buy a drink or anything. Have so much fun, because every single minute of each day I have been wishing I was back there.