Children with disabilities - South Africa

Product Details

Introduction:

This non-profit organisation was established in 1976 with a vision to be recognized as a center of excellence for the treatment of profoundly intellectually and physically disabled children and young adults. The home is largest of its kind in the Western Cape and currently supports approximately 90 residents.

Through providing an integrated service of stimulated care the aim is to develop the children’s capacity as individuals while empowering them and their families within the greater community. The residents receive specialized care from suitably qualified nursing, physiotherapists and occupational therapy staff and receive regular attention by medical practitioners.

Location:

Based on the southern side of the Cape Town, this is an ideal location to explore the Cape Point Peninsula. To the north of the city is Table Mountain, and Robben Island, and to the east are the famous Winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

Project Life:

After arrival at Cape Town International airport, Ruth (pictured left) or a colleague will meet you and take you to your accommodation. An initial induction will provide you with all the necessary information for living in Cape Town, after which, you’ll be introduced to the project.

There is a daily program that aims to improve quality of life for the residents through stimulation in all their developmental domains including: physical, social, emotional, communication, cognitive and sensory. In addition to supporting the children, the parents also receive support and guidance through group and one-to-one sessions.

Along with the full time staff, all volunteers receive on going training to ensure their continuous professional development. Volunteers boost the ratio so that each resident can receive more attention. Your main duties include:

• Assisting with the stimulation program and feeding the children
• Working with the nurses and medical staff
• Assisting physiotherapists with massage of the residents
• Singing, painting and playing simple games with the children
• Arranging and accompanying the children on outings
• Assisting in the fundraising department
• Helping out in the kitchen
• There are also plenty of opportunities to develop your own projects, such as initiating a 'dream room'

Please be flexible with the working hours; a typical weekly schedule may be Monday, Wednesday and Fridays 9am - 5pm and Saturdays 10am - 2pm.

An interesting sightseeing or activity tour of the Cape Town region is included in your programme. You could cycle around Table Mountain, go wine tasting in the Winelands, watch whales, seals and penguins or explore a township community.

Accommodation & Food:

• Living with a host family gives you the opportunity to play an active role in the household, and a true understanding of South African culture.
• There are different meal options:a.)Host family with breakfast and evening meal provided, b.)Host family with food allowance provided for self-catering
• Volunteers generally share rooms with other volunteers; requests for single rooms are welcomed although these cannot be guarantee
• Your accommodation starts from the first Monday of the programme. If you arrive earlier, please book alternative accommodation.

Dates & Duration:

• Minimum duration 2 weeks up to a maximum of 1 year.
• You can join the programme on the first Monday of each month throughout the year

Flights & Transportation:

• Flights are not included
• An arrival transfer is included if you arrive on the Monday that your programme starts.
• If you arrive earlier, we can arrange an airport transfer and hostel accommodation until your programme starts (transfer £15, single room £15 per night)
• Door to door transportation from your accommodation to the project is provided with a private shuttle for 150 South African Rand per week.
• Alternatively, if you wish to have greater independence, a hire car is a great option.

Safety & Insurance:

• All of Twin’s volunteer placements are in partnership with recognised Charities, Non Governmental Organisations (NGO’s), government ministries or registered agents, giving you the confidence to work with reputable organisations.
• Our local partner provides 24-hour support.
• Comprehensive insurance is available for each of the volunteer placements.

Eligibility & Skills:

• Minimum age 18 yrs
• Volunteers who have qualifications or experience of working with children with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and severe physical disablement are welcomed.
• If you have little or no experience of working with children with disabilities, there is still an important role for you to play at the home.
• Emotional maturity is essential.