Assist with childcare & educational activities in a township orphanage or nursery while exploring South Africa

I completely, 100%, entirely fell head over heels in love with South Africa and the beautiful children of Ikhayalethemba Village. I enjoyed every single moment of the four weeks I spent on this project: the sound of ‘TEACHER TEACHER!!’ each morning as bundles of little children lunged themselves around my legs and dived into my arms, singing (badly!!) to the special needs children who truly stole a bit more of my heart every single day and the incredible knowing that I was a part of the huge difference made to the most endearing and grateful people I have ever met. Each day at the orphanage opened me up to an entire new world and taught me so many lessons about myself.  Those children are all so special and I feel so lucky to have been a part of their huge family.

The experience was more than I ever could have imagined it to be, honestly the best decision I have ever made.  I come away from it with some of the most amazing new friends, a heart full of memories and stories to tell, the passion and ambition to always do what I love in life and the motivation to continue to make a difference. I know that I left a big part of myself in South Africa; it was completely perfect. Yet, whatever happens in my life, I will always remember the children, the country and the people and know that there is forever something to smile about..

It was Tuesday morning when myself and the other volunteers at the nceduluntu nursery in Nomzamo township had our first day. I think I speak for all of us when I say that we had no idea that the loudest sound we could hear throughout that street was the cheerful chanting of "TEACHER TEACHER TEACHER!!" coming from a large number of Xhosa children between the ages of 2 - 5.

From a great start it could only get better:

These children were so enthused by us and enjoyed coming to nursery. They were full of charisma and very cheeky - one of the boys I taught managed to say "alright mate?" in a Liverpool accent!

It was startling to notice how independent some of these kids were. At 4 years old some of them were walking home all on their own - sometimes looking after a younger sibling.

Two weeks later I was in the local orphanage. The children here were equally cheeky and loved playing hide and seek.  

Before I left for South Africa my parents had warned/ nagged me about the dangers of arriving in an unfamiliar country with a company that I had only know via a Google search and some of the issues I ought to be aware of. GVI gave us a full briefing on safety, conduct and expectations whilst on the project and provided us with plenty of fun and everlasting memories.

I thoroughly recommend this experience and am very jealous of anyone going soon!

I was lucky enough to have been born in a country of bounty.  Everything I desire is at my fingertips, available whenever I want it.  I well  understand that I am one of the fortunate ones and that I needed to find a way to give back.  And so, I began to look around for an opportunity to say thank you for all the blessings I have.  The GVI South Africa Orphanage appealed to me immediately.   My two weeks at Ikhaylethemba Village  was an experience I will never forget.  I thought I was going to be teaching English, but I learned much more than I taught.  Yofesa taught me that everyone needs someone who has his back.  Masithembe taught me that silliness is an important part of life.  Aseza showed me that hunger is a failure we all share.  Nombulelo confirmed that a child’s smile is sometimes all we need to get through the day.  These children have become a part of me and I hope they will never forget the English words to “Who Let the Dogs Out”.  Education is the most  incredible opportunity we can give these kids.  Volunteer experiences are an incredible opportunity we can give ourselves.  We all win!