Support the Recovery of Children in a South African Hospital

What is Support the Recovery of Children in a South African Hospital project all about?

Volunteer abroad in South Africa and get to the heart of the local community through assisting local medical staff and carers by offering support to this busy children’s hospital. The hospital is a national asset and handles the worst cases of disease and chronic illness in children under 12 years of age. Focus areas include renal and liver transplants, specialized burn care, neurosurgery, cancer treatment, intensive care, HIV/Aids research, TB, re-hydration and co-ordination, and management in the care of chronic disorders.

There is a non-profit organisation based at the Children’s Hospital, which needs assistance. They’ve been in existence since 1978 and heir purpose is to accelerate and maintain the recovery of patients (the children) by providing resources, education and support.

Why choose this Community placement in South Africa?

This project is committed to helping make the hospital experience less traumatic for patients and their families by providing emotional support as well as practical assistance. It relies solely on the support of the community. By assisting with mealtimes, providing child care and playing in the hospital school etc. as a volunteer you will be an invaluable asset as well as much welcome new face to entertain and assist the children. the interaction children have with volunteers creates a warm and happy environment where the kids can be kids and not patients. It is during this time that patients can express their playfulness. It is also within this playful relationship that the child’s emotional and social development is encouraged.

Role of the Community Volunteer

As a volunteer there are many activities that you may be asked to help with:

• Teach and encourage children through play-based activities
• Assist with the implementation of health and safety standards by sterilising toys daily
• Assist with feeding the children
• Help with the preparation of activities and resources
• Assist with art projects, teaching basic maths, the alphabet, the time, general English and computer skills
• Assist with organising the linen room and storage spaces including labelling and sorting contents
• Assist with preparation of meals in the kitchen
• Assist with administrative tasks and fundraising shop

What skills do I need to Support the Recovery of Children in a South African Hospital?

You must love children and be comfortable interacting with them as you will be working closely with sick small children. Being able to use your own initiative and a willingness to work as part of a multicultural team is important as you will be working in a very busy healthcare environment. The project is perfect for those with no medical training who want to work with children in a medical / care environment. You will not be treating children on this placement. You will be asked to send your CV/resume as well as 2 character references before being accepted onto this project.

Also, please note that this project can be emotionally draining. It is important that you are aware of this before applying for this project.

Travel during COVID times

The health and safety of our travelers and our local communities remain central to our plans for reopening countries and projects. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been adapting our programs and protocols to protect all those involved, and ask for everyone’s patience and collaboration as new rules are implemented in-country. For all projects, new standards of sanitation, procedures and social behaviors are in place, including new health and hygiene protocols and social distancing practices. You can read more here. Each location may be slightly different in the way they operate. We encourage you to inquire to your placement advisor to learn more about your specific project as you plan for your responsible return to travel!

Read all about our project reopening response to COVID-19

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