Info

Help care for orphans, abused and poverty-stricken children from broken homes. They range in age from babies to older children, so you'll be able to help with all ages.

"I'm absolutely loving South Africa. Knysna is much bigger and much more lively than I ever imagined, and I couldn't have asked for more support or a more beautiful place to live in." Gill Taylor.

Help care for babies and children of all ages in the DB Care Centre. The children are from disadvantaged and broken homes, some are orphans and many have been abused or have siblings that are fostered out. Your help affects them immeasurably and the experience has been life-changing for many of our volunteers.

This project will enable you to get a good general feel of the DB Care Centre by working and/or observing. The type of work you'll be allocated will depend to an extent on your own abilities and capabilities.

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

We work very closely with the DB Youth Care Centre in Knysna. The Centre Cares for children of all ages, from babies to older children, so you'll be able to help with all ages. Some of the children are orphans and others, unfortunately, come from poverty-stricken homes with parents who are illiterate, unemployed, suffer from alcohol abuse and HIV and Aids.

The staff at the Care Centre are trained carers, so you are there to help them and give general support where needed. Your support is excellent for the carers as well as the children because it frees their time to concentrate on other areas such as gaining financial support and working on administration and legalities of running an Care Centre.
By playing games with the children you also encourage confidence building for the children. It also encourages children to use English in an informal way, and even with the younger children it gives them exposure to the language at an early age. For many of the older children you are able to integrate education into games and also help them with their homework when they return from school in the afternoons.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

--> An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa and the many diverse cultures in South Africa
--> The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them.
--> New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
--> An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
--> And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

WORK CONTENT:

Your work here will be to help the carers with the day to day running of the Care Centre and general care for the children. Most of your work will be to help and assist the carers with their daily rounds. You will also be asked to help clean equipment and various areas within the Care Centre.

It is difficult to be specific about the day-to-day work you will do, but you will get a good general feel of the Care Centre by working and/or observing. The type of work you will be allocated will depend to an extent on your own abilities and capabilities, which is understandable given that you will be dealing with children’s health and safety.

Your hours may vary, but normally you will work from 8:00-13:45 and then from 15:00-17:00 Monday to Friday and you will have weekends free for any sightseeing or independent travel. Here is a list of duties you may be asked to help with:

--> Preparing food for the children.
--> Helping the children eat.
--> Helping carers and caring for the children.
--> General cleaning of the Care Centre.
--> Washing the children, and their clothes.
--> Changing nappies.
--> Teaching informal English, Arithmetic and sports to the children.
--> Organizing and facilitating games and plays for the children.

As a result of your volunteer work, the Care Centre, the workers and the society at large will benefit directly or indirectly as follows:

--> Will get an opportunity to interact and learn foreign cultures
--> Have access to free work force and services
--> Will have their traditional knowledge and skills of doing care work supplemented with initiatives from the volunteers
--> The children will have access to love and care which is fundamental for their growth and development.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:

--> 5-DAY OR 7-DAY SAFARI from Cape Town up the renowned Garden Route: taking in Dolphin and Whale Spotting, visits to many tourist attractions, such as a visit to a brewery(!), the Bloukrantz Bungy Jump (reportedly the highest in the world), and a guided tour of the Cango Caves.

--> 1 WEEK WHALES, SHARKS AND DOLPHINS Project: This is an extraordinary and exciting project in a beautiful location, surrounded by white beaches and blue ocean. And two hours from the world's third favourite city - Cape Town. What more could anyone want?

--> SURFING COURSES: In the buzz city of Durban.

--> PARAGLIDING COURSE: Soar over the impressively beautiful Drakensburg Mountain. You'll get a licence at the end of the course which qualifies you to do solo paragliding around the world.

ACCOMMODATION:

You will most likley live in one of our volunteer houses with other Travellers volunteers. These are comfortable houses with good facilities and most have a beautiful view of Knysna Lagoon. Your meals are all provided.

"The area is beautiful and travelling is easy. The house we stay in is lovely and the Travellers workers are such kind, loving people which really makes it feel like a home away from home. What with all the other volunteers and the Travellers staff, it really does feel like our own little family ... well, our own very big family, I suppose!!" Luke Brennan

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

It’s as easy as that.

Duration

Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates. This project is 2 weeks minimum.

Start Dates

Flexible start and finish dates you choose. Our placements are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences. For availability please contact the office.

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £845 for four weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.

Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Requirements

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of children! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.