Physically and Intellectually-Challenged Children

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate


Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+

About the program

Volunteer at a school or special care center for children and/or adults with various levels of physical and intellectual disability

About the Program

Special Care facilities and schools, that cater for children and adults with disabilities, are very much in short supply in South Africa. Besides this shortage of facilities, the few that do exist often face various challenges on a daily basis (extremely high operating costs, staff ...

About the program

About the Program

Special Care facilities and schools, that cater for children and adults with disabilities, are very much in short supply in South Africa. Besides this shortage of facilities, the few that do exist often face various challenges on a daily basis (extremely high operating costs, staff shortages, aging equipment, etc.). The children at these facilities have profound intellectual and physical disabilities and require round-the-clock care. Basic skills like feeding themselves, using the bathroom, walking, talking and even general playing are all very challenging tasks for them. The children will more than likely, never be completely independent, and total care will be required for the rest of their lives. 

This program is ideal for those studying and working in the field (Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Speech Therapy, etc.)! Even if not qualified, volunteers bring affection, attention and love. "Special-needs" children require this on a constant basis throughout the day and volunteers provide these extra hands and eyes.

Structure and Facilities 

  • Vary depending on location 
  • Resources available and level of trained staff 
  • No Placements over December periods as children are placed with foster families 
  • Placements available in the local communities only
  • Residing with a host family. 



Typical day

Usual working days go from 08:00 AM - 16:00 PM and include the following activities.

  • Feeding, clothing and playing with children 
  • Assist with transportation of children
  • Meal preparation 
  • General Admin duties
  • Assisting with daily walks and planned activities, fund-raising initiatives, etc.
  • Any knowledge ...

Typical day

Usual working days go from 08:00 AM - 16:00 PM and include the following activities.

  • Feeding, clothing and playing with children 
  • Assist with transportation of children
  • Meal preparation 
  • General Admin duties
  • Assisting with daily walks and planned activities, fund-raising initiatives, etc.
  • Any knowledge and experience in Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy and Psychology is welcome.  



Free-time activities

Cape Town is one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations for a reason. Its beaches, such as Camp’s Bay, are world renown, and Cape Town’s beachfront and downtown areas are lively at any time. During the day it is easy to find artisans selling their crafts or outdoor cafes to enjoy the ...

Free-time activities

Cape Town is one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations for a reason. Its beaches, such as Camp’s Bay, are world renown, and Cape Town’s beachfront and downtown areas are lively at any time. During the day it is easy to find artisans selling their crafts or outdoor cafes to enjoy the Mediterranean climate. At night, there are many excellent bars, clubs and restaurants where locals and foreigners can relax and socialize.
There are numerous cultural sites to visit, including the Bo-Kaap neighborhood and the Castle of Good Hope. They reflect Cape Town’s long history and help explain why the city is one of the most multicultural in the word. Robben Island, the infamous prison where political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, were held during apartheid is a difficult but necessary stop. For outdoor lovers, Cape Town has a wide mix of opportunities. Table Mountain is a breathtaking spot to visit, and there are many nearby hills, mountains and trails that make for great biking, climbing and hiking. Many, like Lion’s Head Mountain, also offer stunning views over the city and ocean below. Join in on tours down the Garden Route and a Game Drive to spot the Big 5!



Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (intermediate level)

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

CV and Police Clearance

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

- A love and passion for special-needs people - A willingness to help where help is needed (e.g. upgrades to facilities, cleaning, fundraising, etc.) - Patience and compassion are key

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 16:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Stay Africa Volunteers

Placement in a suitable project and volunteer hostel/host family - Placement inventory information prior to arrival in South Africa - Transfer from the airport to the STAY AFRICA house - Transfer to STAY AFRICA office for Orientation - Orientation program, including welcome session and Orientation Session - Meals and accommodation at volunteer house - 

At additional cost: Access to email, internet and mail holding facility at the STAY AFRICA House; Transportation from the accommodation to the project site and back. 


Airport Pickup at Cape Town International Airport

Volunteers will be collected at Cape Town International Airport on the Set Arrival Date. A representative from the shuttle company will have a signboard with your name, or STAY AFRICA VOLUNTEERS, on it to meet you. If you are unable to see anyone, please make your way to the information desk in the main terminal as the driver will page for you.

Accommodation

Volunteers placed at community projects will reside in a homestay within walking distance from their project or within a short Uber ride. The communities are approximately 30-40 minutes outside Cape Town in working to middle class residential areas. At the homestay, 3 meals a day, 7 days per week are provided and volunteers are responsible for their own laundry. Internet is a luxury and cannot be guaranteed. Volunteers will share a room with fellow volunteers. We always try to place more than one volunteer together, at the host family/project, however, this is not always possible due the specialized nature of the project. Volunteers joining this program need to be comfortable with the idea of living alone with the host family - you will still be in contact with all the other volunteers in Cape Town, via the WhatsApp group, so can plan trips/activities together.

Food & Beverages

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is provided everyday at the homestay. Vegetarians can be catered for. Breakfast is self help and normally includes coffee, tea with bread and cereal. Lunch consist of a packed sandwich to our project and Dinner includes a wide variety of dishes featuring food such as chicken or beef with beans, pasta, vegetable or rice. Dinner may also include a salad or soup.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

The Volunteer South Africa Program begins on a Sunday and ends on a Saturday, so you may arrive on any Sunday, throughout the year.   

We understand that flights may be expensive and you may not always be able to secure a flight to arrive on set arrival dates, we are therefore happy to accommodate last minute bookings even participants who are only able to arrive on a day where they are able to secure an affordable flight.


Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

4 weeks (min. stay) 824€
5 weeks 997€
6 weeks 1,177€
7 weeks 1,354€
8 weeks 1,530€
9 weeks 1,707€
10 weeks 1,795€
11 weeks 1,844€
12 weeks (max. stay) 1,940€
Average fees 184€/week

Program fees

184€ per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

4 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Stay Africa Volunteers during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Stay Africa Volunteers

Excellent 4.8 rating (190 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 1972

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Kevin

Spoken languages: English

About the project

Stay Africa is a non-profit organization providing high quality, affordable Volunteer programs in Cape Town.

Meet your organization

History

STAY AFRICA (previously known as SASTS Working Adventures) was set up in 1972 to provide affordable travel opportunities for South African students. It was the travel division of NUSAS, the National Union of South African Students, whose activities took root in the days of Apartheid. STAY AFRICA has played an integral role in facilitating student and youth travel for over 40 years and is well equipped to help students realize their travel dreams. Working with reputable and internationally recognized partners and being members of international associations. STAY AFRICA programs are run in accordance with guidelines put in place by these international organisations. Over the past 11 years, STAY AFRICA has branched out to include exciting opportunities for foreign travelers to experience South Africa by implementing Work South Africa, Volunteer South Africa, Groups and High School South Africa. 

Volunteer Programs

There are a vast number of interesting volunteer projects available and most of them are in the local communities surrounding and in the beautiful city of Cape Town. Volunteers can make a valuable contribution in many different facets of childcare, teaching, social, environment and medical placements in and around Cape Town. Whilst on the STAY AFRICA volunteer program, participants will stay with local host families and eat the local meals prepared by the family. They also have the option of staying in the City in a Volunteer House and eat in a local restaurant as well as use local minibus transport to their volunteer project. As a not for profit organisation run by staff of the local communities, we have extensive knowledge of the various communities of Cape Town and South Africa which enables us to offer first hand experience and advice of volunteering in the local communities. STAY AFRICA will provide a real insight into Cape Town’s culture, history, landscape through orientation and local community placement and provide the opportunity for genuine interaction with the local people.

STAY AFRICA's aim is to offer quality, affordable volunteering experiences and the opportunity to be immersed in a local culture for clients interested in discovering Cape Town. As a non-profit organisation, STAY AFRICA is dedicated to providing young people, from all over the world, the opportunity to come to South Africa and experience our cultures and people. 

Respect for the locals, their cultures, religion and environment are essential to operate a successful volunteer program. All our Volunteers placed in the local community have to abide by our Code of Conduct by respecting the local culture.  

Volunteers also have the opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of South Africa whereby we offer tours of Cape Town and Western Cape. Local guides and agencies are used with the understanding to offer a true cultural experience. 

Community Development 

STAY AFRICA works very closely with the local communities of Cape Town, to provide sustainable on-going partnerships. As a not for profit organisation, the program costs goes toward running of the program. Subject to available funding, STAY AFRICA assists community projects with donations to assist with various programs such as feeding scheme, a laptop was donated to a Daycare centre in the Farming community, end of year school functions, sports equipment for Schools etc. 

Volunteers in the local community are placed with Community host families, within walking distance from their volunteer project. Host families are paid a stipend to cover meals and accommodation, thus STAY AFRICA giving back to the local communities by placement of volunteers at both project and host family.  

All of our families we use are local host families and community projects started by the local people of the community that has identified a need within the local communities. Volunteers are placed at much needed community projects, NGO’S, public schools, Women run day care centres, Orphanages etc. All community projects are screened prior to placement of volunteers and factors such as economic responsibility, environmental, social responsibility and safety of the client are considered prior to approving local community projects for placement of our volunteers. In many cases volunteer assistance to these projects will assist the local people via ongoing placement of volunteers at both host family and projects. 


190 reviews · rating4.8

My experience of volunteering with SASTS will be unforgettable and is something that I will treasure for always. Not only did I get my chance to travel a beautiful, surreal part of the world, but I also had the opportunity to meet a whole new family of friends. From day one I felt welcomed into the ...
I had the best time in south africa thanks to all the amazing people who looked after us. The staff of sasts always had an open ear for us when there was trouble or if we needed advice. They always try to please everyone and make sure that everyone feels comfortable and is happy with their project. ..
Jessica Serrano Moriana rating5

2024 at Childcare at a Creche or Kindergarten

Wonderful experience! Something you muss do at least once in your life! Kevin and Noel were always there to help you. ...
Emma Vezzaro rating5

2024 at Childcare at a Creche or Kindergarten

This was among the best experiences I have ever had in my life. I only did it for 3 weeks, so relatively little, but I felt at home. The house is very clean and comfortable, the people I met were always available, especially the contact persons who were always ready to help us volunteers. I had a ...
B. Sally Boluka rating5

2024 at Wildlife Supporter

It was honestly incredible, beautiful, fun and a very social environment. I had an amazing time, I would definitely go back. There were people from all around the world so it was culturally rich. We were taught many things regarding the South African big 5 and temperament specifically. Great ...

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