Sports Development Volunteer Project in South Africa - Cape Town

I really enjoyed my time spent on the IVHQ sports programme. I learnt a lot about the different culture out in South Africa, and its amazing to see how different it is compared to the rest of the world, particularly where I'm from. I gained a lot more confidence completing this program; making new friends, trying new foods, going to new places etc. It is also a great way to gain experience with children of different backgrounds, learning how to react if and when they do things, how to communicate with them, but also how to gain that bond with them, and how they can gain your trust, particularly if they have learning difficulties or come from a difficult background.

A piece of advice for someone wanting to do something like this is just do it. It doesn't matter how long you go for, it is so worth it. There is never a dull moment, and everyone in the team at the accommodation I was staying at made me feel at home, and you will make friends very quickly and you will most likely find someone or a group of individuals that you will bond with the best!

I feel I gained cultural knowledge from being in such a different place than I'm used to. I learned a lot about these children lives and what it's like for them to live. I learned how to be there for them even for a short time.

Some advice I would give to other volunteers is that it's normal to be nervous at first but don't let that stop you from joining a program. It will leave you with the best feelings being with those children and being in such a beautiful place.

I learnt that love and happiness does not come from money and even people living in the worst conditions can spread love and kindness. My heart is whole and I have healed my inner child through the smiles I received from the children everyday. I would tell those who are hesitant, to go for it! It is so worth it. Not only do you learn from the kids, you make friends for life, get immersed in the culture and you will forever have a place in your heart for the children.

It was an amazing experience to give back to the community, immerse myself into the culture, know more people and to explore Cape Town. The accommodation made me feel homey and warm. Thank you to all the staff who put in effort on cleaning and organising, also cooking for our lunch and dinners. It was an amazing stay!

It was very special for me as it was my first time solo travelling and it was also my first time volunteering in a foreign country. I thought I would be the person who was trying to give back to the community by teaching the children at school but eventually I felt like it was me who took away so much and I have learnt so much from all the children who offered me so much during the program. They taught me about African dance at school, they showed a lot of care to the volunteers and always gave us a big smile when we met. It was a beautiful and wonderful experience that I will never forget!

I would not second doubt to go volunteering again in a different city in the future and I highly recommend to anyone who is thinking to do it!