25 DAYS TO GO!
To read my post all about my week of training on the Isle of Coll, Click HERE!
On training I received a 'post report' of my placement at Durbanville Kinderhuis. It is, essentially a report written by the current volunteers. It's extremely exciting to have information directly from the girls who are currently living what I am yet to experience. Rather than exploit the entire document, I'll post excerpts of the most interesting parts. It's an insight to my Placement and my upcoming way of life!
Nearest Major Town (NMT) - Cape Town;
Normal Transport to NMT - Minibuses, they are crazy but very fun and very African. You can also take the train but trains are only safe during the day time. Most of the volunteers also rent cars for around £25 each a month. It is worth doing as you can join in with volunteer outings and go out safely at night.
Distance to NMT - 30k. It will take you two hours in a minibus, half an hour by car.
Main type of Work - There are many different areas of work;
Day Shift - working with children aged 13 and up. On the weekends you work from 7am till 9pm with a two hour break. Night Shift - A 10 hour shift where you patrol the corridors where the children sleep. Although you are by yourself during this shift, it can actually be one of the nicest areas of work, you get to spend time with the children when they are often at their most vulnerable and needy, which can make your work seem worthwhile and appreciated. Stepping Stones - looking after children aged 8 to 13. Happy Feet - Looking after children aged 1 to 7.
Other work undertaken;
There is an extra activities program which volunteers are required to get involved in. Activities include things such as sports, horse riding, arts and crafts, guitar, recorder and piano lessons and drumming. If you have a skill that you would like to utilize you can talk to the activities manager about running your own activity.
Size and Organisation of Project;
We have around 144 children at the children's home, they are split into 12 same sex houses. The split between boys and girls is about even. Ethnicity-wise whites are in the minority and 'coloureds' are in the majority (in South Africa calling someone 'coloured' isn't racist, it's a term for a particular race). The children and childcare workers mostly speak Afrikaans but can all speak English too.
There are around 30 international volunteers at the home. Most are German, try to learn some German before you get here. Although we have also had volunteers from Britain, Switzerland, Malawi, Mozambique, Austria, Denmark, Japan, France, Canada, DRC and Holland.
Other comments about your project;
When you first arrive at the DCH the children and other volunteers might not be particularly interested in you. Take into account that the children have met hundreds of volunteers, who have all eventually left the project. Sometimes the children test new volunteers by insulting them, making up fake rules, being inappropriately physical and disobeying the volunteers. Ignore this and DON'T cry in front of them, it's not personal! It will take time to build up relationships with the children but once you do it really is special.
The Government funds 1/3 of the money the home needs, the fundraising department has to raise the rest through projects and events.
You will get around 4-5 weeks holiday.
Amount of money volunteers will receive each month;
R700-800, which is £60 depending on how good the exchange rate is. When we arrived it was around R13 to the pound and by now (July) it's gone up to R15 to the pound. This is a lot less than any local doing equivalent work.
Where to go for weekends and longer breaks;
Cape Town and Stellenbosch are good for weekends. Make sure you see the Garden Route and the Wild Coast. If you are interested in beautiful views, wonderful people and fresh experiences, then Lesotho is the place for you! Some volunteers have been further afield to countries like Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia. The Drakensbergs, Jo'burg and Durban are also worth a visit. Most volunteers use the Baz Bus to travel South Africa, it's a safe and fun way of getting around. Definitely visit the Wild Spirit Backpackers in Tsitsikamma and Fairy Knowe Backpackers in Wilderness because they are very beautiful and a lot of fun.
Accommodation;
Most bedrooms are shared between three volunteers but there are doubles, foursomes and a few single rooms. They are big enough with enough cupboard space. You can either live in a volunteer flat or in a house with the children. There are three main volunteer living areas, the Annex, Flat 2 and Back Kitchen.
You can eat with the children or choose to cook for yourself. There is cooking facilities in the volunteers flats.
Medical;
Bring Cold and Flu meds, Painkillers, Ringworm Cream (you will get it, it's unavoidable, don't stress) Bring a lot of Imodium and laxatives. They are expensive here so it's better to bring them.
Okay! Congratulations if you actually made it this far! I hope that gave you a better insight into what I'll be doing overseas. I am definitely more excited. I can't wait to get out there! I have a car boot sale tomorrow, any money I raise is going towards my first aid kit. Until next time!
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