Report on my primary school volunteering in South Africa

For a long time I wanted to take the chance again and explore more of the world - and why not combine it with social commitment at the same time?! In August 2017 I made the decision and registered with RGV. Since I'm studying to become a teacher, it was immediately clear to me that I should choose a project at the school. In mid-January it was time for me to pack my bags and off we went on a new adventure!

My accommodation: The Big Student House

When I arrived there were 12 girls living in the house. But that changed quickly: there was a lot of coming and going, so that we were mostly between 19 and 23 girls. Of course it's a change to live with so many girls and not have a single room, but I got used to it very quickly and was happy to have so many people around me and to be able to get to know so many different people. I made many new friends with whom I did a lot in my free time.

Since there was a severe lack of water in Cape Town during my stay, we had to take some saving measures: shower for a maximum of 2 minutes and collect the water in buckets to be able to flush the toilet with it - certainly not the nicest thing, but by no means the worst - I got used to the situation very quickly.

My project

I was able to walk to my project with four other volunteers - with a view of Table Mountain on the way back! Monday to Thursday I always worked from 8:30 a.m. to 14:30 p.m. - on Friday it was already the weekend because the principal wanted to give us more time to explore South Africa. In my project, I was assigned to a first class consisting of 42 students.

It was my job to help the teacher: prepare worksheets, correct tasks, make copies and and and... My teacher placed great value on differentiation, so that she worked on tasks in groups with students. During this time, the others worked independently while I helped them with difficulties and questions. Sometimes it was quite difficult to communicate with the children, since many had no knowledge of English - but what are hands and feet for?!

I quickly closed all the children in my heart and enjoyed the warm hugs.

My free time

Cape Town has so much to offer! Highlights are of course the hikes on Table Mountain and Lions Head, sunsets on Signal Hill, the various (food) markets and the many beautiful beaches. A special highlight was a short weekend road trip to Stellenbosch to the Wine Festival and to the De Hoop Nature Reserve.

My conclusion after 8 weeks

After my 8-week stay with RGV, I was on the one hand very sad that time was passing so quickly, but on the other hand I was full of anticipation, because I explored even more of South Africa with three friends in three weeks - a crowning glory that I can only can recommend. If you're ever at the other end of the world...

All in all, it was one of the best decisions I've made, because nobody can take away from me so many moments, so many experiences and so many encounters and stay with me forever. Thank you Cape Town, thank you South Africa!

Field report on my primary school volunteering in South Africa, by Lisa B., September 2018