THE PROJECT
Apart from the normal struggles of living with a disability, social stigma and discrimination surrounding disabilities mean that People With Disabilities (PWD) face even greater challenges. In many instances, PWDs are not afforded the same opportunities as regular members of society, and this in turn means they are often unable to contribute productively to their communities.
Your role will be based in a local care centre, which provides social activities, food, assistance with day-to-day life and vocational training. You will work alongside centre staff, assisting them and taking on responsibilities as your skills and experience allows. It was discovered by medical workers that persons with disabilities were not accessing medical treatment and services, many were left at home alone with no assistance and some without food. They were also facing negative social attitudes and perceptions, and social stigma.
A group of volunteers came together and supported by a local church they created a centre that can provide services for up to 30 clients. The centre provides support to assist independent living, community-based rehabilitation and the opportunity to train clients to learn skills such as sewing for economic empowerment. It also raises awareness of the challenges and potential of their clients to reduce stigma and facilitate acceptance.
YOUR ROLE
Your role is based at a local registered care centre which provides services for 20 – 30 adults with either physical or intellectual disabilities. The centre is staffed with volunteers who provide support and community-based rehabilitation.
As a volunteer your role will be to assist with the daily client-related activities at the Centre which involve:
- Social interaction with clients and assisting them with their day-to-day activities in the centre
- Supporting the centre and their clients to generate income through making arts and crafts items and selling them within the local community
- Assisting with vocation and skills based training
- Helping out in the kitchen and in the garden to provide nutritious meals for clients
- Tell the residents stories about your home and travels – help them explore the world despite their physical challenges.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Fly into Cape Town International Airport (more details in “Arrivals” section in the South Africa Destination Brief) where you will be met by All Out Africa staff members who will transfer you to Hout Bay Backpackers, your home for the duration of the experience. It is a 45-60 minute journey from the airport to Hout Bay.
Day 2
The second day begins with an informative presentation that will brief you on all you need to know about the culture and country, how to effectively contribute during your volunteer experience, and what to expect.
In the afternoon you will embark on a Township Tour with an expert local guide who will introduce you to life in a township. The tour takes place in Imizamo Yethu, one of the townships All Out Africa has volunteer projects in.
Day 3
Today you begin your volunteer project! The Project Coordinator will take you to and assist you in settling in at your project. After lunch you have another tour, this time through the Hangberg community. Your tour guide is a local leader who lives in the community and is involved in many of the youth interventions to encourage positive development.
Day 4
In the morning you will return to the centre and in the afternoon you may remain at the centre or if alternatively you may get involved in another project at one of our youth development centres, which focus on extracurricular activities for disadvantaged children.
Day 5
You’re now fully up and running as a volunteer, and will go to both your morning and afternoon projects!
Day 6-7 and other weekends for the duration of your stay
The first weekend of your experience you will be given a one-day bus ticket to the open top red bus tour, which is a great way to explore Cape Town and familiarise yourself on what you want to do! Stops include Camps Bay, Table Mountain, V & A waterfront and Cape Town City Centre. You have the option to upgrade to a two day pass for a small additional fee which is recommended.
Other weekends are free for you to relax or to see more of the scenery and activities Cape Town has to offer!
