About the Program
The Skills Development Project allows volunteers to transfer a skill
to the children or adults of our local communities. For instance, in 2015 we taught 3 adults woodworking skills with "upcycled" materials to create tables, benches, and chairs in an apprenticeship forum. These individuals are now able to share their knowledge and sell these items to create an income.
The communities that we assist commonly have a very low level of education and the majority of the adults
are unemployed.
SAVE is always in need of volunteers with special skills that they
can transfer to our communities to assist them to become self-sufficient
and productive members of society.
The day-to-day schedule of a volunteer will vary depending on their interests and the skills development project that they hope to develop. The first portion of your stay will be spent designing the development project alongside a project leader. On a daily basis volunteers will work alongside members of the local township and/or settlement communities (mainly the Dunoon Township and Wolverivier Settlement in the are of Tableview) to orchestrate their development initiative; volunteers will spend time in these communities with their project leader and other volunteers running workshops, clinics, and lessons to develop the locals' skills in the area of your choice.
DAY 1: Friday
You are collected from the airport and taken to your volunteer accommodation. You will be shown around and given a map of the area. Depending on your arrival time, you will meet your volunteer leader and learn more about your project, if you arrive late you will be given a time that you will meet your leader. You have the day at your own leisure so you can explore the beach, shops, bars and restaurants. In the evening we have a traditional South African BBQ, called a braai, at the hostel.
DAY 2: Saturday
Start the day with breakfast and head to Saltycrax backpackers.
A SaltyCrax staff member will teach you about the bus system before you head out to Cape Town city centre.
You have two options to choose from:
1. Walking Tour:
Do a walking tour visiting historical sites like the Castle of Good Hope and the Grand Parade. Learn about life under apartheid in South Africa at the Parliament Buildings and the District Six Museum. Shop for African arts and crafts in Greenmarket Square and St George’s Mall.
2. The hop on hop off bus pass:
Board this open rooftop bus that takes you to all the sites you need to see, such as Camps Bay, the V&A Waterfront and Table Mountain… all from the comfort of your seat!
After one of the above activities you can take a bus or walk to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Sit back and sip a cocktail, enjoy some fresh fish and watch the ships in the busy working harbour or walk around taking in the shops, markets and musicians on the side walks. Alternatively, you can take the cable car up Table Mountain and enjoy breathtaking views of the city, or visit the famous Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held in prison during the apartheid era (own expense).
In the evening head back on the local bus to Table View where you can start planning your next day. We will help you book and arrange all that you need. Later, you can join the staff, guests and the locals at one of the restaurants or bars along the beach front in Table View – all within rolling distance from the hostel where you will be staying the night.
Day 3: Sunday
You will have at your own leisure to relax and get ready before your projects starts.
Typical Tasks
Life skills
- Basic wound care
- HIV awareness
- Childcare training
- Health and nutrition
Sport development
- Soccer clinics
- Dance clinics
- Drama workshops
Business Skills
- Computer training
- Craftsmanship
- Wood work
- Entrepreneurship
- Marketing
- Using creativity to develop products from reclaimed materials
- Helping locals develop practical skills
- Experience working with local adults who are eager to learn
- Learning about the South African culture and way of life
- Making new lifetime friends
Typical day
Project runs 5 days a week normally from Monday to Friday. The day will start around 08:30 and finish around 15:00 including the following tasks:
Life skills
- Basic wound care
- HIV awareness
- Childcare training
- Health and nutrition
Sport development
- Soccer clinics
- Dance clinics
- Drama workshops
Business Skills
- Computer training
- Craftsmanship
- Wood work
- Entrepreneurship
- Marketing
Free-time activities
As a volunteer you can arrange a number of activities to do in your free time such as skydiving, kloofing, quad-biking, sandboarding, and multi-day Western Cape tours. SAVE also runs weekly socials for our volunteers that can include bubble soccer, outdoor movie theatre, bowling, ice skating, etc. On weekends you can take the bus into town to explore the city of Cape Town or climb the iconic Table Mountain. We are located a mere 5 minutes walk away from the world famous Kite Beach in Tableview, as well as restaurants and public transit, so there is always something to do!
Program Requirements
Included Services
Before your journey
On-site services
Airport pick up - 2 day Cape Town orientation - Accommodation - 3 meals a day - Weekly social events - Transport to and from projects - 24 support and supervision - Donation to the project - Certificate of appreciation.
Our driver will have your name written on a SAVE welcome sign. If you have any issues, please report to the Information Desk and call us directly. *Please note: only the pickup from the airport to SAVE is included, transfers back to the airport must be arranged*
As a volunteer, you will stay at one of our 2 volunteer houses. Both are a few minutes walk from each other and located about a 5 minutes walk from the beachfront. Most rooms sleep 4-6 volunteers and are co-ed. Some rooms have en-suite bathrooms and some share a central bathroom in the house. Volunteer houses are safe and secure, with common lounge areas and kitchen facilities. Double and private rooms are available upon request.
Breakfast: Self-serve including bread, cereals, milk, yogurt, coffee/tea, and spreads, Lunch: Self-serve options including sandwiches, salads, etc. ,Dinner: A variety of hot dishes will be provided as well as salad/vegetables/starches. Twice a week there will be a traditional South-African meal such as a braai or potije. *Complimentary tea and coffee are always available* *Vegetarian and gluten/dairy-free options available*
Program Fees
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