Children's Center in South Africa Experience report

My experiences in South Africa

My 4 months of voluntary service in South Africa went by faster than I thought at the beginning. I'm happy to say that I had a really great, interesting and unforgettable time full of moving moments that I will always carry in my heart.

South African way of life

Through my work in a day care center in a farming area and a suburb of Cape Town, which is considered dangerous, I was able to experience the people and their South African culture up close. But these mostly poor people are by no means only characterized by suffering and sadness, but on the contrary radiate boundless joie de vivre, hope and love. We Germans can definitely learn a lesson from this African cheerfulness. You are welcomed with open arms and a smile, especially by the children, which initially overwhelmed me a bit.

After all, everything was new to me: foreign country, foreign people, foreign culture. But after a few days I got used to everything and took the children to my heart.

Work in the daycare

The South African children I worked with at the Cape Town Children's Center were very different from the children in Germany. I've always been fascinated by babies and children, but those from the townships seemed weak and unkempt. However, I was able to quickly overcome my initial fears of contact and so I cuddled, cuddled and played with almost 4 children for 70 months, who enjoyed this affection and love to the fullest. Of course, I've grown particularly fond of a few children and I often wonder how they're doing and who can give them the attention they need now.

Wonderful host parents

My host parents, who are locals and belong to the Zulu tribe – a South African ethnic group that comes from KwaZulu Natal – also grew on me and we still keep in touch via Whatsapp to this day.

Leisure activities in and around Cape Town

On the weekends and in my free time I had the opportunity to get to know and love the diverse country and the breathtaking nature of South Africa. So I climbed Table Mountain with friends, strolled along the waterfront and through the many markets where you can also go shopping, let the wind blow in my face at the Cape of Good Hope, marveled at the wildlife on a safari, learned surfing and enjoying the sun on the miles of beaches on the Garden Route. South Africa has broadened my horizons in many ways.

Conclusion of my wonderful time in South Africa

When it was time to say goodbye, it was particularly difficult for me to leave the children "alone" because I realized that I would probably never see them again. For the first few weeks at home I felt as if I had let the children down and my thoughts were between Africa and Germany. Now that I'm writing this text, I no longer look back sadly, but proud and satisfied and I'm incredibly grateful that I was able to have this great experience.

Children's Center in South Africa Review by Nina S., 18.02.2015