Volunteer in Social work and NGOs in South Africa

volunteer in social work in south africa

Volunteer work has contributed greatly to local community development in South Africa in the past. This program works with registered non-profit organizations that specialize in running structured programs to address important social issues such as poverty reduction, educational deprivation, HIV/AIDS, and youth development.

There are many child-headed households in our society due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Many children are left orphaned and in need of role models, support, and attention. Physical and mental problems are often associated with parent and guardian HIV/AIDS casualties. Many people, even if they can take care of children, are emotionally unable or lack the money to do so. This is where volunteers come in and make a big difference.

Characteristics of Social Projects & Community Outreach Initiatives

  • They are all South African-based not-for-profit Organizations
  • They aim to break the cycle of poverty – by helping communities to help themselves.
  • All projects are similar and focus on reaching out to the most vulnerable in our society, namely women, children and the physically challenged.
  • They are often community grassroots Organizations that are supported through annual grants, donations and fundraising.
  • They have a social welfare focus

Types of projects

Orphanages and places of safety for Children

Christian-based social welfare initiatives

Homes for the physically and mentally challenged

Type of services offered at such organizations:

Special Campaigns are run during the year and these include annual outings for local children as well as food parcels and bread distribution to local communities.

Feeding Schemes are run in most disadvantaged communities. These include soup kitchens and bread handouts, food kitchens etc.

In-patient care services for physically and mentally challenged children and adults

Youth Life Skills programs are offered at some of the community Centre where the emphasis is on providing a platform to engage with local youth and making them aware of important issues such as substance abuse, teenage pregnancy and the realities of HIV/AIDS

Community reading programs and Library projects

The assignment is made depending on the volunteer´s profile and interest

Location: Cape Town

Volunteering schedule: Monday to Friday, 5 hours per day.

Commitment: 3 weeks -12 weeks.

Before booking your flight please make sure you are getting it for the right date and right airport. Free pickup is included on our set arrival dates.

If you want to arrive any other day, please note that you might be charged a fee for transportation.

Airport to fly into:  Cape town Int airport     Code: CPTIf you are arriving via bus or are already in the country we can arrange for your pickup elsewhere in Cape town.

English is the only requirement

All participants must be 18 years or older when starting the program and must submit the following documents:

 

-Application form

-Copy of resume or bio.

-Emergency contacts.

-Copy of passport.

-Proof of adequate medical travel insurance.



We encourage all of our participants in our programs to travel as much as they can during the weekends. Volunteers and interns usually travel together during the weekends. Our coordinators can assist you to make travels plans

During the weekdays volunteers and interns usually spend time together after their assignments.

  • Welcome and transportation from Cape Town airport or Johannesburg.(Depending on the project)
  • Support throughout the program 
  • 24/7 Emergency support
  • Shared volunteer accommodation with a host family with three meals per day or volunteer dormitories.
    /Wildlife project´s accommodation might differ to tented accommodation./
  • Placement at project.
  • Supervision 
  • Certificate of program participation
  • Use of Laundry facilities

Ready to travel?

1- Pick a program and destination.
2- Apply for free.
3- Get step by step guidance from the INLEX team