Assistant at Children's Hospital
Coordinator | Martijn
Coordinator | Martijn
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Work with babies and children in a recovery hospital in beautiful Cape Town.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+
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 well being, 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.
Typical day
DAILY ACTIVITIES
You will be expected to help wherever necessary, including doing administration tasks, helping in the storeroom and assisting the Friends’ Fundraising Shop.
It is important to note that this description serves as an example only. The daily tasks and challenges depend on the volunteer and the work that needs to be done. The final job description can therefore vary substantially from the above.
This project can be emotionally draining. It is important that you are aware of this before applying for this project. Debriefing will be provided by the project should you need it.
Free-time activities
ACTIVITIES
Hiking - there are numerous day hikes around the city. Some of the more well-known hikes are Signal Hill, Table Mountain, Elephants Eye and Chapman's Peak.
Beach/Surfing - Cape Town has a selection of some the most beautiful beaches and Muizenberg is known internationally as one of the best beaches to learn to surf.
Table Mountain Cable Way - The most popular way to summit Table Mountain is with the cable car. Once at the summit, the panoramic views of Cape Town are breath taking.
Cape Point Nature Reserve - Cape Point is the most south western point on the African continent where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet and there are a selection of activities including hikes, pristine untouched beaches and some wildlife.
V&A Waterfront - For those keen on purchasing gifts to take back home the V&A waterfront is the perfect outing.
There are also day trips to Robben Island, art galleries, food markets, live music and a wide range of activities to keep you entertained.
Swimming
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Hiking
Requirements
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.
You need to speak English (basic level)
required
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
- 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
- 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
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
What's Included
Costs will include the following:
· Airport pick up
· Half day orientation, the day after arrival
· Accommodation in shared bedrooms
· Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
· Guidance and supervision during your stay
· Direct donation towards the project
· Certificate & Report on Volunteer’s Program should this be required for studies or other purposes
· Local Transport provided by Host Family
Costs are excluding the following:
· Air tickets
· Insurances, your medical insurance must
· Include work and emergency evacuation.
· Personal luxuries
· Tours and outings
· The cost of a visa in the case of your volunteer stay being longer than 90 days
· Towel and toiletries
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.
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.
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.
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa.
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.
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.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
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.
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.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
4 - 12 weeks
Program fees
4 weeks
(min. stay)
$1,225
5 weeks
$1,505
6 weeks
$1,785
7 weeks
$2,065
8 weeks
$2,345
9 weeks
$2,625
12 weeks
(max. stay)
$3,465
Average fees
$298
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Khaya Volunteer Projects
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
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.
Your final payment will be agreed with Khaya Volunteer Projects during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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Assistant at Children's Hospital
Work with babies and children in a recovery hospital in beautiful Cape Town.
$298/week
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