Childcare Volunteer Project in South Africa - Cape Town

I know I had an impact on the children I worked with. I wish I could have remained for 6 months or longer. The teachers were great and they encouraged the volunteers to lead the class. The local team had an on-site staff member available 24/7 in the event of an emergency. Any questions I had a staff member was able to answer immediately or they looked up the information and quickly got back to me. If someone is truly interested in making an impact they will enjoy the kids, teachers and staff. The experience was definitely rewarding.

This trip was honestly once in a lifetime type of trip. I was super nervous, but knew that I wanted to be apart of something more. The friends I made on this trip will honestly be friends for life. I can’t explain how we all connected so quickly after just one afternoon. But I can say how grateful I am for them. Pushing my outside my comfort zone- going shark cage diving & zip lining. Something I never would of considered back home.

The local team were incredible and I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher to support me. They were super friendly and supportive, from teaching me how to dance as a local to just being a great teacher to the kids. They’ve got a pretty amazing community and I feel very blessed to be able to say I was apart of it!

So my advice to you, go in with an open mindset and no zero expectations. No matter how worried or hesitant you are, I can guarantee this will be a life long experience that you will never forget.

I recommend IVHQ to everyone that talks to me about wanting to take a gap year! My trip was unforgettable. I met so many wonderful people and had such a close bond with the kids in the Childcare project. The volunteer house was so close and connected. This made living a month away from home feel so comfortable. I recommend trying all the activities in the region with the people you meet in the house! We all bonded throughout the tours and safaris. I still keep in contact with the girls I met from volunteering!

My volunteering experience in South Africa has been incredibly enriching. Firstly, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures, histories, and communities, which broadened my perspective and made me more open and accepting. Through volunteering, I also contemplated how education and policies can impact the next generation. It taught me to be grateful for the life I have because many people don't have the opportunity to travel abroad and volunteer in another country.

Additionally, I was deeply impressed by the natural beauty of South Africa. The scenery with its mountains and coastlines is truly breathtaking.

For those who may be hesitant about joining a program like this, I would advise them to open their hearts and embrace new experiences. Volunteering abroad takes you out of your comfort zone and allows you to experience a different way of life. Even if you're traveling alone, don't be afraid or feel lonely, as it's an opportunity to learn about solo travel. You'll meet like-minded friends along the way. While there may be challenges and cultural differences, these experiences will enrich your life and help you grow.

Before participating in the program, it's a good idea to prepare well. Most importantly, maintain a positive attitude, be willing to listen and learn, and this will make your volunteer work more meaningful and impactful.

I can't say too much without bursting into tears, but this experience expanded my heart, affirmed my belief in the power of positivity, and solidified my sense of self more than I could have imagined. I carry my experiences and all that I saw and felt with me every day, and I'm so grateful for every second of the profoundly impactful journey.

I'd say there was always a voice in my head telling me that I was meant to volunteer. I'm so glad I listened. I would tell anyone to prioritize their life goals and listen to their intuition. Have an open heart, lean into the volunteering and all the holistic views and insights you can gain by really leaning into the process and the beautiful people you are exposed to. But also, keep yourself HEALTHY because without health, we really don't have anything. I wish I could've stayed longer, you are entirely up to you, so be you, to the fullest.

My methodology for learning and teaching has always been to try to listen deeply, understand and reflect. My experience volunteering in childcare in South Africa has solidified this systemic method so profoundly. From the moment I met the children, their smiles warmed my heart and their voices created clarity that inspired each and every relationship. The children demonstrated emotional intelligence, competence and understanding by enthusiastically participating and focusing on age-appropriate tasks with great confidence. As I reflect on my experience, I realize that I know myself better than I ever have in my life. Reflection helped me connect to the intrinsic good feelings that result from this character-building experience. I will forever be humbled and will always have each and every child imprinted in my heart. Thanks so much for this beautiful life experience! Definitely open your mind and heart because this experience will be more than you could ever imagine.