My work as a volunteer

On Tuesday morning, we had an informative introduction about our work, duties, and stay in Cape Town. In the afternoon, we finally got to know one of our workplaces and the children. The volunteers in our house participate in various projects, including education/school, health, sports, gender equality/women's empowerment, and orphans and vulnerable children. I have chosen the latter.

All projects take place in the Khayelitsha township, which is one of the largest townships in South Africa. The township was established in 1985 during apartheid policies when Black people were forced into their own residential areas. The sight of this township shocked me. People live in tiny tin shacks or dilapidated houses. Officially, about 500,000 people live there, but unofficially it is estimated that there are 2 million. 80% do not have access to running water, and many shacks share one toilet. The indescribable contrast between rich and poor in the same city left me speechless. Driving along the highway, you can find self-built tin shacks on one side and modern buildings on the other side of the road. There are neighborhoods where there are only huge villas, just a short distance from the townships.

Of course, these townships are shocking and depressing, but I still enjoy going there to help.

Now, a closer look at my project. I work at three different places:

Mon-Fri Morning: Every morning, we drive about 30 minutes to an "emergency home". This is a kind of temporary foster home. The children live there temporarily when it is no longer possible at home, or they have no home at all. If the situation at home improves, they go back to their families. For other children, adoptive parents or a long-term home are sought. The older children are in school, so we work more with young children. However, there are few older children who cannot attend school. We sing, play, learn with the children, and take care of them. We bring toys with us and create a varied program. It's incredible how easily you can bring joy to these children. You can tell that they have missed out on the love and affection of a family, so they are very affectionate. It often happens that when 5 children arrive at the same time, they warmly greet you or 4 children argue about who can hold my hand. Our work there is highly appreciated and our help makes many people's lives happier.

(It is legally prohibited to take photos of these children, as they are protected.)

Mon & Wed Afternoon: We spend these afternoons at an organization called "Home from Home". Home from Home offers many houses and a foster mother for 5 children/adolescents. After school, these children and adolescents have the opportunity to go to an "after school center" where they can eat and spend their afternoons meaningfully. We offer these children and adolescents a program on these afternoons.

Tue & Thu Afternoon: We spend this time at GAPA (Grandmothers Against Poverty & Aids). This is also an institution for after-school programs, but for children from Khayelitsha who live with their own families. The goal is to prevent the children from being alone at home or on the street in this area when their parents are still working. Here too, we play, sing, and do crafts with the children and adolescents. The grannies who run this institution are the most warm-hearted, funniest, and most grateful people I have ever met!