Social Outreach & Medical Assistance in Cape Town

  • The Project

    Volunteer abroad in South Africa and get to the heart of Cape Town with our medical and community outreach based in the Imizamo Yethu Township. As a volunteer you will be giving a lifeline to those sick and isolated in their homes. 12 caregivers are the only outreach available to this whole community of 8,000 people, where HIV and TB are both a serious problem and where hospital outpatients would otherwise receive no support. With the help and assistance of volunteers, this invaluable project can achieve even more with the patients it visits and reach out to many others who also need help.

  • Why the project needs you

    In a city of contrasts, Cape Town’s private sector health care and provision is extensive, but it is the rural communities that suffer from an immense lack of facilities. Whilst there are some structures in place for an effective health service, there is an enormous deficit in terms of staff and resources. With only 12 care givers for the entire township, the level of medical treatment that they can offer is restricted. Volunteers can help by acting as caregiver assistants to reach more people on a daily basis while also helping to update records to ensure the maximum number of individuals can be assisted.

    Project Location

    Cape Town is considered amongst the most beautiful cities in the world, with its crystal blue waters resting under the shadow of the magnificent Table Mountain, with the city wrapped around its base. Your accommodation sits outside the main bustle of the city in the seaside suburb of Hout Bay - a short walk from the beach and an easy rise into the city. Home of the Red Bull big wave surf contest, its white sandy beaches attract sunbathers and sports enthusiast, alike. In your spare time, visit the cape peninsular where penguins dive around bathers at the beach and the more adventurous can take at trip to meet the infamous Great White Shark. With trips to the wine regions for those preferring to stay on dry land, there is always much to do here.

  • Project Facts

    • Duration: 4 - 12 weeks
    • Cost: £1665 ($2914) for 4 weeks, £215 ($376) for each week thereafter**
    • Requirements: age 18+
    • Location: Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
    • Project activities: Assist in community clinics; assist at rural pre-schools and day care centres, community work with HIV/AIDS orphans and vulnerable children
    • Working hours: 07:45-16:30, Monday - Friday
    • Project availability: Project starts 1st Monday of every month, year round.

  • What is included

    • Accommodation: Shared room in a volunteer house.
    • Food: 3 meals per day - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Weekly laundry service
    • Airport pick up and drop off
    • Training: Pre-departure information pack, on-site Orientation and project induction provided
    • Daily transfers to and from your project
    • Support: 24 hour support from on-site coordinator
    • Activities: Staff can help organise extra weekend activities (at extra cost). Trips include: Robben Island, Penguins at Boulder’s Beach and shark diving.

  • What is not included

    • Flights
    • Insurance
    • Visas

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