Report from the Children's Center in South Africa

One thing was clear to me: I definitely want to go abroad after I graduate. Many of my friends went to Australia, America & Spain. That was too boring for me. So I informed myself about the opportunities that volunteering brought with it. After a few minutes I realized: I really want to go to South Africa. I really wanted to work with children so I applied to a Children's Center in Cape Town. It all started on July 25.07th, right after graduation. The plan was for 3 months, but I realized pretty quickly that I wanted to stay longer.

The accommodation

Like many other volunteers, I lived with a host family. Since I'm 17, I stayed with a host family for the entirety of my time, which I quickly extended to 5 months. I was assigned to the Children's Center, so I lived with the principal of that facility. That was super handy because she took me to work every morning – after all, I couldn't rent my own car. The accommodation was great and the family was really nice.

My project

As I said, I worked at the Children's Center. Working hours were from 8:30 a.m. to 15:00 p.m. But since I arrived with my host mother, I was there at 8:00 a.m. and only went home at 16:30 p.m. I didn't think that was a bad thing at all because it allowed me to spend more time with the children. I spent one day per class until I decided to stay with the Katjies, the 2-3 year olds.

Even if most of it is taken over by the teachers, you still have a lot of tasks and you never get bored. My tasks included portioning and handing out the food and also helping the smaller ones to eat. In the Morning Circle, of course, people sang along loudly and there was always something to do in the following season. The children are so open and warm. You feel good immediately!

Leisure activities + RGV Garden Route

Cape Town is incredibly diverse and offers everything a city can offer. One second you're still lying comfortably on the beach, surfing or bathing with penguins and the next you're already on your way to Table Mountain or Lions Head. In addition to the incredible landscape, you also have to appreciate the extremely friendly people there. The South Africans are totally open, super friendly and accept you straight away!

I recommend the Garden Route with RGV to anyone who still has some free time. I will never forget the 9 days, because you see so much, try new things and then surrounded by incredibly great people. Every day was special - whether it was the adrenaline rush of a bungee jump (which I highly recommend, by the way), or just singing loudly on the bus.

I would like to have stayed longer. But one thing is certain: I'll be back.

So people, dare! Believe me, you will not regret it.

Report from the Children's Center in South Africa, Larissa G., April 2019