About
The Cape Town Children’s Hospital Volunteer Project is a non-profit organization. The project has been in existence since 1978.
As a volunteer at this project you will have the opportunity to lift the spirits of the kids whom are ill. You will give your undivided attention to them and create fun things for them to do and engage in.
The hospital is a national asset and handles the worst cases of disease and chronic illness in children under 12 years of age. Focus areas include renal and liver transplants, specialized burn care, neurosurgery, cancer treatment, intensive care, HIV/Aids research, TB, re-hydration and co-ordination, and management in the care of chronic disorders.
The project believes that physical and emotional healing work simultaneously and is committed to helping make the hospital experience less traumatic for the children by providing emotional support as well as practical assistance.
Need for volunteers
This is a “Play Volunteer Program”: Play time in the wards is a time and space where patients can express the healthy part of themselves. It aims to bring about a sense of wellbeing, an escape from the “illness”. It creates a warm and happy environment where kids can be kids and not patients. It is during this time that patients can express their playfulness. It is also within this playful relationship that the child’s emotional and social development is encouraged.
You will come to realize that you form part of a multi-disciplinary team, which facilitates the healing process of the little children. It is important to remember that you will not be involved in any medical procedures as per South African health professional laws. Your main responsibility will be to have and create fun.
Project Needs
There is, besides daily aid and assistance, also a need for ongoing financial support. Khaya commits to work with the Childrens Hospital, to financially support them and to donate a part of your fees towards their running costs and other needs. Any additional gifts and donations provided by volunteers and their network of people are extremely appreciated. Instead of collecting goods and materials for donation, it is recommended to purchase and donate these on location.
Daily activities
Some of the activities you can be involved in are:
Babies and children’s ward
- Teach and encourage development through play
- Work at the development stage that the child is and help the child develop to the proper stage where the child should be.
- Collect toys from around the ward and sterilize toys daily, at the end of day each child should have one toy and one numbered soft toy in their cot
- Assist with feeding, show nurse how much child ate when finished
Nursery school
- Help teacher and teacher`s assistant with teaching activities
- Ask teacher what the children is learning and how you could help
- Assist with art projects, teaching-sums, letters, time, English, computer
- Assist with keeping room tidy and organized
- Organize children with puzzles and games
House keeping
- Assist with organizing the linen room and keeping it tidy
- Assist with preparation of meals in the kitchen
- Assist with keeping storage rooms organized i.e. labelled and tidy
Keep in mind that some children might be HIV+ but there is a non-disclosure policy in line with Government regulations and laws, so volunteers need to exercise caution when working with children and wounds.
Working days and hours
Your role is from Monday – Friday, from 09:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 16:00. Volunteers will take turns visiting the wards and clinics and will interact with patients through appropriate play, reading, and other interactive activities. Ward Allocation is done daily by the Volunteer Program Manager.
Daily guidance
Daily guidance will be given by the coordinator for all volunteer activities.
Conditions
It is important that volunteers of this project understand the importance of the following:
- Minimum 18 years old, English an advantage but not required.
- Relaxed and friendly with children, but also firm with the naughty ones
- Ability to comfort and calm distressed toddlers and babies
- Ability to play games, sing songs and be like a child
- Ability to communicate in a warm and simple way - meet children at their level
- Basic counselling and conflict management (for older orphanages)
- Assist with homework from school (older orphanage)
- Creativeness in regard to after school activities
- Good listening skills
Other volunteers
You most likely won’t be alone when volunteering and meet both local as international volunteers. This project also receives volunteers from other agencies and we encourage searching the internet to see how affordable this project is with Khaya compared to others.
Accommodation
Volunteers are accommodated with a host family. The house is comfortable with a communal lounge, kitchen, internet (extra costs apply) and easy access to the city and any facilities you might need.
Meals
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner is included in your fee, which will be served daily. Breakfast and lunch is self-service.
Please make a note to mention special dietary requirements and allergies before you arrive. You will have to supply your own groceries if your needs are very complicated to match with other volunteer’s meals.
Transport
Arriving at the project
Your pick up at the airport or hostel in Cape Town is included. Arrival should ideally be on Friday afternoon or anytime Saturday. The day after arrival will be a half day orientation/city tour where volunteers will be given an introduction to the city and its history and the Do’s and Dont’s will be covered.
Daily transport
Your daily transport to and from the project is included in the fees and you will be taken to the project and picked up every day.
Fees & Dates
| DURATION: |
EURO |
USD |
GBP |
| 2 Weeks |
€ 605,00 |
$670,00 |
£535,00 |
| 3 Weeks |
€ 855,00 |
$945,00 |
£760,00 |
| 4 Weeks |
€ 1 105,00 |
$1 225,00 |
£980,00 |
| Extra Weeks |
€ 250,00 |
$280,00 |
£220,00 |
Costs will include the following:
- Airport pick up
- Accommodation in private bedroom with host family
- Breakfast, packed lunches and dinners
- Guidance and supervision during your stay
- Certificate & Report on Volunteer’s Program should this be required for studies or other purposes
Costs exclude the following:
- Air tickets
- Insurances
- Personal luxuries
- Tours and outings
- Weekend excursions
- Snacks and soft drinks
- Toiletries
Please note that your curriculum vitae as well as a police clearance certificate needs to be attached with your inquiry in order to be accepted to volunteer at this project.
Starting dates
This project is open all year round, except for a short holiday over the December holidays in between Christmas and New Year’s.
Add Ons To Your Trip
10% OFF on your Nomad Africa tour when booking through Khaya
Nomad Africa Adventure Tours offers organized tours over Africa. Whether you’re young or young at heart, adventurous or more relaxed, it doesn’t matter, you will always find a fitting tour with them.
Their tours ensure you safety and give you the chance to meet new friends along the way. They are an exciting way of travelling that allows you to explore the country and its surroundings at affordable rates and without having to worry about anything yourself!
And we can make it even better. If you book your next Nomad Tour with Khaya, you will get a 10% off the tour price! We have picked a few of our favorites to combine with this project, check them out below!
10% OFF on your BazBus tour when booking through Khaya
Hop-on Hop-off backpacker bus. Door-to-door. Meet interesting people. Safe and fun way to travel around South Africa. Great alternative to car hire.
Check out their travel options on their site, BazBus. By booking your Bazbus travel with Khaya, you will receive a 10% discount. If interested, please contact us and we’ll help you further with great pleasure.
10% or 20% OFF on your CapeXtreme Adventure when booking through Khaya
The best adventure company in Cape Town! They organize action packed activities and overland tours in Cape Town. On top of that they also do trips from Cape Town to Addo and the Port Elizabeth Area.
Surfing, cage diving, sandboarding, skydiving, everything is possible with Cape Xtreme. You can see the Garden Route or enjoy a day visiting the cape peninsula, or what do you think of a daytrip to Stellenbosch and Paarl for the most amazing wine tastings?
As a Khaya Volunteer, you can get an amazing discount of 10 or 20% depending on the adventure you book. After confirming your booking with us, you will get a voucher code that will ensure you your discount. Simply go to their website CapeXtreme , choose your tour and date, insert the voucher code, proceed to check-out, make your payment online, and enjoy the trip!
15% OFF on your Mzansi Travel when booking through Khaya
The most comfortable & affordable way to do Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Travel Tickets in South Africa. Meet fellow travelers. Fun stops along the way! Travelling on a small budget? Then Mzansi is definitely something for you.
Get a 15% discount on direct tickets, hop-on hop-off tickets and Mzansi Passes. After confirming your stay with us, you will get a voucher code sent to you that you can use on all your Mzansi bookings. Just go to their website Mzansi Travel, make your booking online use the voucher code and off you go!
Location
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
