Volunteering at a high school in South Africa Experience report

South Africa has long fascinated me with its unique culture and nature. Since I could never persuade my family to travel the country, I took matters into my own hands after high school. Why shouldn't I also work in a social project there at the same time? Despite some concerns, my anticipation prevailed and my long-awaited wish finally came true! So I went to Cape Town for 3,5 months after graduating from high school.

The project / volunteering in a high school

Most of my work in the first few weeks at the school consisted of helping out with the exams. Pupils whose native language was not English or pupils with behavioral problems received extra help. I had to read and explain some of the tasks to them. However, the teachers' trust in me quickly increased and so did my tasks. I helped the teachers correct the tests and increasingly supported the teachers in the class. Eventually I was even allowed to teach a class in math and SMME.

This class has not had these subjects for several months due to a lack of teachers. It became increasingly clear how much my support was needed. Since most of the students were my age (18) or even older, teaching was not always easy. The attitude of the students towards the school also took some getting used to. Completed homework or learning are rather foreign words for the students.

I particularly enjoyed being in the classes during free periods. In addition to thousands of dance and song performances by the students, I also used this time to exchange ideas with them and to learn more about them. I heard some moving stories and the positivity and joie de vivre of the students impressed me all the more. With sentences like: "Ma'am, we will miss you next year" from the students and teachers, it was quite difficult for me to say goodbye to the school.

Living in the host family

From the beginning of my planning, it was clear that I wanted to live with a host family so that I could experience the culture of the country and the mentality of the people there even more. And I was pretty lucky! My host family was very nice and caring. They accepted me very quickly and did a lot with me. For example, I sometimes went to church on Sundays, got to know part of the family in a township, or drove to Worcester to play football there. Although it was sometimes a bit more strenuous with the children, I really enjoyed my time with this host family. I will continue to keep in touch with them.

Leisure time in Cape Town

In addition to working on the project, I also had quite a bit of free time. I always used this to do something with other volunteers or to spend time with my host family. While I usually spent the evenings at home during the week, we explored Cape Town and the surrounding area on the weekends. You quickly found friends with the same interests, with whom you usually traveled. In addition to sightseeing tours, food markets, and shopping tours, I also particularly enjoyed hiking. Be it Table Mountain or Lion's Head at sunset. The efforts have always paid off! There are also slightly longer trips to a safari, whale watching or to the Cape of Good Hope.

My conclusion

My time in South Africa was unforgettable. I can only recommend everyone to go there and explore the country. The people are incredibly open and warm. Cape Town is incredibly beautiful and unique with the mountains and the sea. Through the work and the direct contact with the people there, you gain a lot of experience and form some new friendships. I'm sure this won't be my last stay in Cape Town. Next time I will travel without RGV.

Volunteering at a High School in South Africa Review, by Melanie S., February 2019