My time at the Children Center in South Africa

It has been my dream for a long time to travel to Africa to work with children there. This June the time had finally come: I went to South Africa for a month to help in a children's center there. A decision I would make exactly the same again and again! :)

My arrival in South Africa

After my 12 hour flight, I finally arrived at the airport. I was totally exhausted, but my nervousness and excitement outweighed even more. My flight and arrival went completely smoothly. After I had my suitcase, Chad was waiting for me at the airport and drove me straight to my host family. There, too, I was warmly welcomed and had enough time to rest and unpack my things.

The accommodation

I lived with a family of eight in Mitchell's Plain. I was welcomed very warmly and always had someone to turn to or where I could ask my questions. It gave me a great insight into the culture and traditions. I also had the chance to attend family celebrations, such as 'Eid' (Sugar Festival). I already felt very comfortable in the first few days!

Mitchell's Plain is very close to Philippi, the area where the Children's Center is located. My host mother also works in this Children's Centre, so I had the opportunity to drive to and from work with my host mother. The only problem with my accommodation was that while my accommodation was very close to my work, it was still a fair walk to the Student House, Office and Cape Town itself. Without the Uber app, I probably would have been as good as lost. You can get all the information about it through RGV!

My work in the Children Center project

Working at the Children Center was by far the best part of my trip! I felt welcome and comfortable from day one. The main task is to give the children love and attention that they may not get elsewhere. Of course, you can also help out with other tasks.

There's nothing quite like the loud "Teacher, Teacher" and hugs every morning as you walk into the room.

I am incredibly grateful that I got to know these children! Actually, I was the "teacher" and yet I was able to learn the most from these children. What impressed me the most was how grateful the children are. They don't think about what they don't have, but enjoy everything they are allowed to have.

My conclusion

My volunteer work at the Children's Center in South Africa was an incredibly formative and enjoyable time in which I was able to learn a lot. I would really recommend it to anyone who is interested in getting to know South Africa from a completely different perspective. When else do you have the opportunity to be exactly where help is needed?

I am convinced that after this trip you will have a completely different perspective on many things and will appreciate a lot more here in Germany!

A review by Fabienne F., who worked from June 2017 to July 2017 at the Children Center in South Africa