New Hope Volunteers

Since 1998, More than 18000 happy volunteers


Work with Orphaned and Impoverished Children Project (Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Albertinia, Knysna)

volunteer in work with orphaned and imiproverised children project in south africa
  • Share your passion and love with children
  • Work with local grassroots to inspire and support disadvantaged children
  • Live with a local family and explore day-to-day South African life
  • Connect with the best the continent has to offer in South Africa in your downtime

If you enjoy working with children, your care and support is much needed in South Africa! Volunteer in South Africa and have the opportunity to change the lives of disadvantaged children for the better. Numerous children in South Africa have been orphaned because of past conflicts, the HIV/AIDS epidemic and extreme poverty. These orphans need immediate assistance in order to prevent them from ending up on streets, where they are vulnerable to exploitation. New Hope collaborates with various local NGOs to provide shelter and care for these orphans. As a volunteer, you’ll be giving love, care and attention to the children so that they can pursue a normal childhood. This project provides the orphans of South Africa with a safe home that they can prosper in. By giving them an environment to facilitate education and personal growth, the children will be able to have secure futures, and in turn be able to create a better future for the country. While you’re here, enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals and explore the many world-renowned attractions the exotic country has to offer!

Volunteers' Responsibilities

As a volunteer in South Africa, you will help the children with their day-to-day activities. You’ll play a part in building their confidence, developing life skills and reinstating their hope in life. Depending on your individual interests and skills, and on the needs of the local staff, your daily activities involve, but are not limited to:

  • Teaching basic English, Math, Science, Physical Education, or other subjects of interest
  • Helping the children with homework
  • Creating a fun, safe and all-inclusive environment
  • Provide care, love and attention to children
  • Providing daily care to the children such as preparing meals and watching over them
  • Help them with their homework
  • Participate in playtime activities
  • Educating on personal hygiene, and safety rules and precautions
  • Developing stimulating new ideas to interest the children to learn
  • Organizing and leading extracurricular activities such as games, sports, art, music, dancing, story-telling, drama lessons, etc.

Assisting the local staff with administrative duties, promoting fundraising activities, and helping to plan events and excursions for the children

How You Can Make a Difference

In South Africa, we work in small communities/neighborhoods, and the majority of our projects are very closely related within these communities. The children living in poverty are at high risk of dropping out of school, behavioral problems or turning towards crime. Due to limited resources, their schools are not able to provide them with the essential skills and knowledge that a more affluent school is able to, leading the children to a life of unequal opportunities. All of these projects are in desperate need of volunteers. Therefore, volunteers will often be requested to work with more than one project in their community during their stay. This not only helps the projects immensely, but it also gives volunteers a unique opportunity to experience different issues and facets of the South African people.

Skills and Qualifications

There are no specific qualifications needed to join this project. However, your understanding of South African culture and diversity can help improve the experience for you and the children. Consider enrolling in our five-day Cultural Immersion & Information program. Volunteers should also be enthusiastic, reliable, flexible, patient and strive to be good role models for the children. Volunteers must also respect the locals and the host organizations, along with their rules and projects.

Project Location

This project is located in Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Albertinia and Knysna. All projects and our Cultural Program originate in Cape Town, but most placements are located are located outside of Cape Town. All placements offer access to activities that are considered “authentic South African” experiences and all locations are surrounded by breathtaking scenery and natural beauty.

A few of our projects are located in Stellenbosch in The Winelands. This town is the second oldest and one of the richest towns in South Africa. The wines, historical buildings, oak lined streets and university offer a beautiful backdrop for free-time excursions. Stellenbosch is centuries old and the town was founded primarily to support the region’s wine production. Historic Cape Dutch architecture rules the town and most buildings have been carefully restored. Vineyards and wineries are the main pull here, but hiking trails abound at local nature reserves.

Our Garden Route projects are based in Albertinia, Knysna, Oudtshoorn and Riversdale. The Garden Route is wrapped along the coastal area along the Gouritz River, up into the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains. There are a few local wineries and the local Garden Route Game Reserve offers a chance to see animals in their natural environment. The 2nd highest bungee jump in South Africa is located at the famous Gouritz Bridge. Beachside towns are only 30-45 minutes away and offer a great afternoon of relaxation and playing tourist. There are water sports and trails for hikes, horses and cyclists. Oudtshoorn is known as the ostrich feather capital of the world and also boasts caverns and caves to explore. Riversdale is the flower kingdom of the garden route and there are mountain activities as well as many local markets at which to buy local artists’ works.

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