My volunteer at a Child Center in South Africa

To get away from school and everyday life in Germany after graduating from high school, I decided to go to Cape Town, South Africa for two months and do volunteer work there in the kindergarten. That was probably one of the best decisions I've made so far.

My work in kindergarten

The trip to the kindergarten was a new adventure with the minibus every day, even if it was only five to ten minutes. I was warmly welcomed in the kindergarten itself. We were four volunteers there and were then divided into four different groups. I was with the three-year-olds and within a week I fell in love with each of the children.

We played with the children, looked after them, fed them and ensured quiet during bedtime, the teachers' lunch break. With so many wonderful children, there was never a dull moment. The four of us volunteers were also allowed to immortalize ourselves on the wall with an artistic project in which we involved the children.

Everyday life and leisure in Cape Town

Monday to Friday I worked in the kindergarten from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., which gave me enough time to do something in the afternoon. I stayed in the student house with 22 other girls, so it never got boring and you were never alone. There is always someone wanting to do something and there are endless things to see and do in and around Cape Town.

We always used the weekends for day trips or road trips. At the time I was in Cape Town the water shortage was at its peak (Water restriction level 6b) which probably sounds worse than it really is. You get used to it very quickly, so that at some point you can no longer imagine it any other way and of course you learn to appreciate water more.

My conclusion

I will never forget the time in Cape Town. All the children and teachers from the kindergarten and all the people I met there and everything I experienced and did there will always be a part of me. And I will definitely come back because I still haven't seen and done everything there.

My Volunteering at a Child Center in South Africa, by Jennifer A., ​​July 2018