About

Team Khaya

Khaya means "home" in isiXhosa, the language spoken by the black population (the Xhosa tribe) in the Southern regions of South Africa and this is what we strive for; being a home from home!

The organization was founded in 2005 by Martijn van der Put (Holland, 1975) and Ellen A. Fischat (South Africa, 1975) and started with projects in South Africa , but in 2011 Tanzania and Zanzibar were added.

During their study years, both Martijn and Ellen volunteered in several countries such as Israel, Suriname, Zimbabwe and South Africa. These experiences made them rethink the concept of volunteering abroad and how most organizations are offering this. They both believe that by living locally and actually working with projects on site, they can offer truly unique and affordable volunteer projects in South Africa and Tanzania.

Why Khaya Volunteer?

Why choose Khaya Volunteer Work for a gap year while there are so many other organizations out there?

It is a difficult and big decision; you have been saving up for this experience or might even have taken out a loan to volunteer abroad or take a gap year in South Africa or Tanzania! There are many volunteering organizations that offer such an experience with a wide range of choices and costs involved. Many of them appear to be good and honest organizations but are overcharging and offering little in return, some not even giving money to the project itself

We believe that Khaya is different from these organizations, being a fair and open company and receptive for feedback and suggestions!

Procedure

It all starts with doing research and answering questions; Do you go for a gap year or for a shorter period of voluntary work? What are your interests? What would you like to do, see and accomplish abroad and which project fits you best?

The next step is to contact us and ask the questions you might have, so we can really focus on what you need before you make the big decision and apply!

After that we will get to the rest!

Martijn

Martijn grew up in the Netherlands. He completed his Social Science degree in 1999 in Amsterdam, and did his 11-months internship in a Medical Educational Institution in Suriname in South America. During and before his studies he lived and travelled in Israel and South America and volunteered abroad in Israel, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Moving to South Africa in 2005 and seeing how things could be done differently he started Khaya Volunteer Projects Abroad and Gap Year Programs South Africa. Since 2011 Martijn has taken the company to the next level by also offering projects in Tanzania. Khaya is locally based and offers affordable projects, something that most comparable organizations are not able to provide. He also is part of 4Exchange Internships providing students internship placements in South Africa.

Martijn is a father of two, loves his dogs and pet African wildcat and enjoys living in South Africa and being part of the country’s development. Furthermore he loves visiting and setting up new projects. Another passion of his is driving his 4x4 on excursions with Khaya Volunteers as well as discovering the most beautiful places that South Africa has to offer.

Igna

Igna is your contact point and will respond to all your emails and requests with great speed. She is originally from East London in South Africa and joined the Khaya team in March 2010.

She sorts out all the bookings, replies to your emails and makes sure the financial part of it is solid and sound. If you have any travel needs Igna will make a plan with you as well.

Igna is a great cat lover and loves to play guitar. She is busy getting famous so we hope she can keep combining her music career with the work that she is doing for Khaya and its volunteers.

Joe

Joe is our friendly man, has a big heart and is always joking around. Joe is in charge of the volunteer accommodation for some projects, picks people up from the airport and is the smiling face on our weekend tours and trips.

Joe is originally Zimbabwean and is a Jack of all trades; Joe has worked as a panel beater, Store Manager, driver as well as an entrepreneur. He chose to work for Khaya to broaden his work experience and meet all these international people. Joe is young at heart and enjoys working with the Khaya volunteers. His enthusiasm and high spirits are motivating and contagious.