Unprivileged Children Project South Africa Experience Report

Arrival to Cape Town

My volunteer work in Cape Town begins after I was on the plane for almost 19 hours. Now I was finally standing at the Cape Town airport. I was the last one at baggage claim but my suitcase was gone, short reply from the information desk and my suitcase would be delivered to our student house the day after. I was emotionally upset but lucky was Jemaine, our caretaker at Rainbow Garden Village. Despite a two-hour delay, he had been waiting for me at the airport the whole time and first let me feel the African friendliness by welcoming me warmly.

Friendly welcome at the Student House

A short time later I arrived at the student house and all the stress from the flight was blown away when about 17 other nice volunteers smiled at me and gave me a nice welcome. Furthermore, the view from the house directly onto Table Mountain makes up for EVERYTHING!

Unpriviledged childrens center

I worked in a pre-school class with children from the neighboring township. From that point of view it wasn't really a job, I would rather consider it a passion, because it was so incredibly great to see how much the children give back when you give them love and attention. Still, I have to say that it was emotionally difficult, because over time you get to know the background stories of the children, see where they live and know what they have been through and yet they meet you with so much openness!

The teachers and the director also welcomed you openly so that you could quickly integrate into everyday life. There was a lot of singing, dancing and teaching the children their first mathematical and language skills. Later I was even allowed to teach and lead the so-called "Morning Circle".

Lovesickness and chili poppers

It's an incredibly good feeling to know that you have the three supervisors (Verena, Jemaine and Lisa) on site who you can call in any situation. Be it to get a few insider tips on which markets you should have seen or if you are heartbroken or homesick. We (that means the whole student house) often went out to eat with the other young people from the host families and of course Verena, Jemaine and Lisa. From sushi to zebra to pot-bellied pig to Cuban chilli poppers, everything was there, not least because the food here is incredibly cheap and yet so delicious. The culinary diversity of the South Africans can hardly be surpassed and we were able to roll home almost every evening!

Further highlights in South Africa

Another cultural event of Cape Town is not only the food but also the wine. A "wine tasting" at various "wine farms" was a must. We were safely picked up with a bus specially ordered for us and driven from farm to farm. Another highlight were the animals that South Africa has to offer. On a specially planned safari on your own, you could almost touch the "Big Five" (elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino and leopard). That an ostrich runs over Route 62 was nothing new and we were able to marvel at whales in "Hermanus".

Conclusion: you just have to experience South Africa!

It's a pity that you can't put all the emotions and impressions into words as beautifully as you experienced them. That's why I think you just have to experience South Africa. The people, the social projects and the lifestyle in South Africa give you so much for your further life. I am incredibly happy to have had such a great experience!!

Unprivileged Children Project South Africa Report by Johanna S., August 2013