Support People with Disabilities

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Fantastic 4.5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Moderate response rate

Highlights

  • Supporting People with Disabilities to live independently, be part of a community and gain skills to generate an income!
  • Experience the vibrancy of life in a South African Township.
  • Helping out in the kitchen and in the garden to provide nutritious meals for clients!
  • Live in and explore the city of Cape Town, soak up the sun on the beautiful sandy beaches, hike up Table Mountain and learn about the history of this iconic city!


Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Provide support and community-based rehabilitation for people with disabilities!

THE PROJECT

Apart from the normal struggles of living with a disability, social stigma and discrimination surrounding disabilities mean that People With Disabilities (PWD) face even greater challenges. In many instances, PWDs are not afforded the same opportunities as regular members ...

About the program

THE PROJECT

Apart from the normal struggles of living with a disability, social stigma and discrimination surrounding disabilities mean that People With Disabilities (PWD) face even greater challenges. In many instances, PWDs are not afforded the same opportunities as regular members of society, and this in turn means they are often unable to contribute productively to their communities.

Your role will be based in a local care centre, which provides social activities, food, assistance with day-to-day life and vocational training. You will work alongside centre staff, assisting them and taking on responsibilities as your skills and experience allows. It was discovered by medical workers that persons with disabilities were not accessing medical treatment and services, many were left at home alone with no assistance and some without food. They were also facing negative social attitudes and perceptions, and social stigma.

A group of volunteers came together and supported by a local church they created a centre that can provide services for up to 30 clients. The centre provides support to assist independent living, community-based rehabilitation and the opportunity to train clients to learn skills such as sewing for economic empowerment. It also raises awareness of the challenges and potential of their clients to reduce stigma and facilitate acceptance.

YOUR ROLE

Your role is based at a local registered care centre which provides services for 20 – 30 adults with either physical or intellectual disabilities. The centre is staffed with volunteers who provide support and community-based rehabilitation.

As a volunteer your role will be to assist with the daily client-related activities at the Centre which involve:

  • Social interaction with clients and assisting them with their day-to-day activities in the centre
  • Supporting the centre and their clients to generate income through making arts and crafts items and selling them within the local community
  • Assisting with vocation and skills based training
  • Helping out in the kitchen and in the garden to provide nutritious meals for clients
  • Tell the residents stories about your home and travels – help them explore the world despite their physical challenges.
ITINERARY
Day 1

Fly into Cape Town International Airport (more details in “Arrivals” section in the South Africa Destination Brief) where you will be met by All Out Africa staff members who will transfer you to Hout Bay Backpackers, your home for the duration of the experience. It is a 45-60 minute journey from the airport to Hout Bay.

Day 2
The second day begins with an informative presentation that will brief you on all you need to know about the culture and country, how to effectively contribute during your volunteer experience, and what to expect.

In the afternoon you will embark on a Township Tour with an expert local guide who will introduce you to life in a township. The tour takes place in Imizamo Yethu, one of the townships All Out Africa has volunteer projects in.

Day 3
Today you begin your volunteer project! The Project Coordinator will take you to and assist you in settling in at your project. After lunch you have another tour, this time through the Hangberg community. Your tour guide is a local leader who lives in the community and is involved in many of the youth interventions to encourage positive development.

Day 4
In the morning you will return to the centre and in the afternoon you may remain at the centre or if alternatively you may get involved in another project at one of our youth development centres, which focus on extracurricular activities for disadvantaged children.

Day 5
You’re now fully up and running as a volunteer, and will go to both your morning and afternoon projects!

Day 6-7 and other weekends for the duration of your stay
The first weekend of your experience you will be given a one-day bus ticket to the open top red bus tour, which is a great way to explore Cape Town and familiarise yourself on what you want to do! Stops include Camps Bay, Table Mountain, V & A waterfront and Cape Town City Centre. You have the option to upgrade to a two day pass for a small additional fee which is recommended.

Other weekends are free for you to relax or to see more of the scenery and activities Cape Town has to offer!


Typical day

7:00 Wake up and have your breakfast on the deck overlooking the beach and Hout Bay Harbour!

7:30 Travel to your placement and get ready to begin your day

8:00 Participate in your chosen project assisting with teaching skills, food preparation, reading and social activities

Typical day

7:00 Wake up and have your breakfast on the deck overlooking the beach and Hout Bay Harbour!

7:30 Travel to your placement and get ready to begin your day

8:00 Participate in your chosen project assisting with teaching skills, food preparation, reading and social activities

12:30 Time to either return to Hout Bay Backpackers for lunch or to eat the packed lunch you made that morning!

14:00 Begin your afternoon’s work with a full stomach and enthusiasm

16:00 Return back to your accommodation and share your day’s adventures with other volunteers, maybe even a quick swim in the sea!

18:30 Enjoy a delicious evening meal and relax...... 


Free-time activities

Your evenings and weekends will be free time to explore the mother city! You will be staying in beautiful Hout Bay, which offers a beach and harbour with restaurants, bars and markets to keep you busy on the weekends. The city of Cape Town is a short bus ride away ...

Free-time activities

Your evenings and weekends will be free time to explore the mother city! You will be staying in beautiful Hout Bay, which offers a beach and harbour with restaurants, bars and markets to keep you busy on the weekends. The city of Cape Town is a short bus ride away and offers a wide range of options to participate in. Your first weekend on our South Africa programs includes a "Red Bus" tour, which will allow you to jump on and off all day to explore as much as possible. Activities include museums, art galleries, nightlife, shopping, beaches, vineyard tours, or even cage shark diving!


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

Police clearance required.

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 16:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by All Out Africa

INCLUDED IN THE COST

Comprehensive 24 hour, 7 day a week support from All Out Africa

Volunteer projects specifically designed to enable you to make an active contribution during your stay

Support of volunteer project coordinators who are experts in their fields which ensures the volunteer experience is valuable

Comprehensive orientation to the country, its culture and your role as a volunteer upon arrival

All food and accommodation throughout your stay 

(Airport transfers on ARRIVAL day is what is included as a part of your project fee. If you arrive on another day, additional charges may occur.) 

Airport Pickup at Cape Town International Airport

ARRIVALS

You will be given an ‘International Arrival/Departure form’ on your flight – please fill this in on the plane before landing (it is sensible to make sure you have a pen on the flight with you). When you are filling in the Arrival/Departure form please remember that participating with All Out Africa counts as ‘tourism’ for immigration purposes (because you are paying for your experience).

If you do transit through OR Tambo International Airport, your first stop will be at the Immigrations Desk where you will have to hand them your passport and your Arrival/Departure form that you would have filled out on your flight. Your passport is stamped/endorsed by the Immigration Officer and he/she will issue you with a visa.

You will then proceed to the baggage reclaim area to collect your luggage. From here you will proceed to

Domestic Departures Terminal B in preparation for your flight to Cape Town.

When you arrive at Cape Town International Airport, your first stop will be at the Immigrations Desk where you will have to hand them your passport and your Arrival/Departure form that you should fill out. Your passport is stamped/endorsed by the Immigration Officer and he/she will issue you with a visa. Please ask for a normal tourist visa.

Also, for your destination details please write down All Out Africa and if asked for postal address please put:

! ALL OUT AFRICA, 8 Edward Street, Hout Bay, Cape Town

You will then enter the baggage reclaim area to collect your luggage. Once you have your luggage make your way to the exit (signposted in English). There you will be met by one of our staff (holding an All Out Africa sign and will be taken to the All Out Volunteer accommodation.

DEPARTURES

When you arrive a member of All Out Africa staff will request your flight departure time and will organise a transfer for you to the airport.

Accommodation

Hout Bay Backpackers has a truly stunning view over Hout Bay beach and local shops, markets, restaurants and amenities are all within walking distance. Cape Town centre is a short bus ride away, with stops outside the backpackers.

You will be accommodated in shared dorms with communal bathrooms with bed linen and pillows. There are communal living spaces, DSTV, kitchen and terrace for you to use, and staff will help you organise trips and excursions to local sights.

Hout Bay is situated in a valley on the Atlantic seaboard of the Cape Peninsula, twenty kilometres south of the Central Business District of Cape Town. It is bordered by Table Mountain and a white sand beach. Hout Bay has one of the busiest fishing harbours in the Western Cape with an established fish industry, and great fish restaurants. 

Food & Beverages

Volunteers, interns and students receive 3 meals a day when joining an All Out Africa experience. These meals are provided at Hout Bay Backpackers and are eaten together on the communal decking area in the summer or in the dining room during winter.

Breakfast is self-service from a selection of items including cereals, bread, fruit, yogurt, eggs and spreads. Lunch too is self-service from items such as bread, ham, cheese, salad and fruits. Dinner is a cooked meal which you will assist with cooking on a rotational basis. Types of dishes served include pasta, stir-fry, curry and stew.

Vegetarians and most food allergies can be catered for. In order to fully support you during your experience, please advise us at time of booking if you have any food allergies or preferences, so we can cater for these in our meal plans. We will do our best but be prepared your food selection may not be as varied as other participants. If your food allergies/preference are quite restrictive, we may require you to pay an additional fee to allow us to cater for you. 

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Start date for this project is the first and third Monday of the month throughout the year, with the exception of December when the project is closed. 

You will be given an ‘International Arrival/Departure form’ on your flight – please fill this in on the plane before landing. When you are filling in the Arrival/Departure form please remember that participating with All Out Africa counts as ‘tourism’ for immigration purposes.

If you do transit through OR Tambo International Airport, your first stop will be at the Immigrations Desk where you will have to hand them your passport and your Arrival/ Departure form that you would have filled out on your flight. Your passport is stamped/endorsed by the Immigration

Officer and he/she will issue you with a visa.

You will then proceed to the baggage reclaim area to collect your luggage. From here you will proceed to Domestic Departures Terminal B in preparation for your flight to Cape Town.

When you arrive at Cape Town International Airport, your first stop will be at the Immigrations Desk where you will have to hand them your passport and your Arrival/Departure form that you should fill out. Your passport is stamped/ endorsed by the Immigration Officer and he/she will issue you with a visa. Please ask for a normal tourist visa.

You will then enter the baggage reclaim area to collect your luggage. Once you have your luggage make your way to the exit (signposted in English). There you will be met by one of our staff (holding an All Out Africa sign and will be taken to the All Out Volunteer accommodation.

Day two of your experience will involve an interactive and informative orientation which will prepare you for your volunteer experience and will also give information to help you understand the local culture, history and how to make the most of your time here. Day three will involve meeting the project staff and people you will be working with. All Out Africa staff will show you to your placement and help you settle in. 

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

4 weeks (min. stay) 1,592€
5 weeks 1,865€
6 weeks 2,138€
7 weeks 2,412€
8 weeks 2,502€
9 weeks 2,754€
10 weeks 3,004€
11 weeks 3,255€
12 weeks (max. stay) 3,506€
Average fees 345€/week

Program fees

345€ per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

4 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with All Out Africa during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

All Out Africa

Fantastic 4.5 rating (14 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2004

Verified by Volunteer World

  Moderate response rate

Coordinated by

Lucy

Spoken languages: English

About the project

Our goal at All Out Africa, is to share our passion for southern Africa's people, places and wildlife with the world and offer adventures that change lives.

Meet your organization

About us

All Out Africa offers inspirational travel experiences in amazing destinations in southern Africa provided by an experienced and dedicated team.

All Out Africa has hosted over six thousand volunteer and tour participants and many more lodge guests since its inception in 2004. Many of these people have become friends and ambassadors and are helping in various ways to build a better world. All Out Africa is dedicated to people, wildlife, travel, safety, education and entrepreneurship. We have built lasting friendships with our partners and are deeply engaged in the local communities and conservation areas we work in and committed for the long term. Join us on adventures that change lives.

Our Vision

 Our vision is tocontribute to a peaceful & sustainable world where people & wildlife thrive.

  • We are passionate about Africa’s amazing diversity and believe it has unparalleled opportunity to contribute to the benefit of all.
  • We believe in the power of nature to improve wellbeing.
  • We believe in the educational influence of experiences and travel.
  • We believe in the importance of empathy in an interconnected global community.
  • We believe in the creative potential of people to do extraordinary things.
  • We seek to harness this potential to help make our vision a reality.

Our Values

  • Trust – we live by honesty, are governed by conscience, can rely on each other and respect each other
  • Care – we care for each other, strive for the greater good and a better future, empathise with others, nurture leadership, believe in partnerships,
  • Communication – we communicate positively, work as a team, celebrate successes, foster dreams and opportunities, and reward innovation
  • Integrity – we take individual responsibility, are accountable and strive to be efficient and effective
  • Passion – we are passionate about our works purpose, derive meaning and fulfilment from our work, strive for balance, have fun and enjoy life

Our history

All Out Africa came from a humble beginning in late 2003. The first office was a shared desk in an internet café at Malandela’s farm center in the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland. The only asset was a 1985 land-cruiser affectionately known as the passion wagon which was used to ferry volunteers between community and conservation projects. 

All Out Africa was the brain-child of young conservationist and social-entrepreneur Kim Roques who was joined by long-term friend and responsible tourism expert Roland Thorne. At the time, the concept of volunteer travel as a means of implementing projects was novel but gradually the dream gained momentum and in early 2004 All Out Africa was born and a handful of dedicated individuals joined the team to implement important community and conservation projects through offering a rewarding travel experience to international volunteers. 

Despite the humble beginnings, the dream was always big and All Out Africa has grown significantly every single year since it began. From those beginnings All Out Africa has grown to become one of Africa’s leading volunteer and responsible travel organizations with bases in Swaziland, South Africa, Mozambique and Botswana employing over 50 staff and owning more than 15 vehicles. One constant throughout has been the passion, dedication and care of the staff that make up the organization, which feels more like a family than a work force. Despite having grown significantly since inception, we view where we are now as just the beginning. Join us and be a part of the story.

The name All Out Africa was derived from the saying “go All Out” meaning, “give of your best” or “no half measures” and from our focus on Africa. All Out Africa’s logo is designed to signify the inter connected nature of people, wildlife and travel. As a brand, All Out Africa has come to signify travel, adventure, care and dedication.

Why choose us

Our volunteers experience Southern Africa, it’s people and culture more than any ordinary tourist. They work along side members of the community to build shelters, teach classes or learn a new game-- this experience is sure to give back as much as our volunteers put in. Combined with our adventure tours division, we also offer in-house adventure tours combined with volunteer and intern experiences; giving us totally unique products and the opportunity for clients to both give back and have a holiday. 

By signing up with us you are donating your time and skills to work directly with communities in need through a structured project. There are many benefits of volunteering through an organization like ours. Sometimes it is hard to find projects to support in a foreign country that are safe, worthwhile, and reputable. When you sign-up for one of our projects for 2 or 12 weeks, you become part of a bigger, sustainable plan that our team of qualified staff have carefully crafted. You will also receive travel and visa support, orientation, a safe place to stay, logistical support, in addition to clear expectations of the work you will do. This is why we charge a fee for volunteering or interning abroad. 

Your project fee goes towards a company you can trust, an experience that is worthwhile and an opportunity that will make a positive and sustainable impact on the community you have chosen to serve.

Who we are looking for

All Out Africa works within South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique and Botswana. We cater to people of all ages and backgrounds, looking for a wide variety of African experiences, from tours, volunteering, research and internships. Our goal is to share our passion for southern Africa’s people, places and wildlife with the world and offer adventures that change lives.

14 reviews · rating4.5

It was amazing to see the great marine life in Mozambique. Tofo is a quiet place and the bay is beautiful. I stayed in dormroom in Tilak Lodge which was a 10minutes walk at the beach away from Tofo Scuba where mostly everything regarding the programm takes place. Days start with this walk and then ...
Rebecca Heymann rating4.8

2021 at Marine Research and Whale Shark Conservation

The program was absolutely amazing. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is interested in marine research or just wants to volunteer and help out with scientific research. The program was very organized and the people and locals there are all very friendly and willing to help you out. I ...
Peggy Martin McGuire rating4.6

2019 at Kruger to Coast: Safari, Beach & Community

This is a youth volunteer oriented project. The foundation and its subsidiaries are very solid, and the community work centres around vulnerable children. The degree of involvement with the kids can vary according to length of stay and interest of volunteer. The tourism components are well organized ...
Ramon Macia Sanchez rating4.2

2019 at Marine Research and Whale Shark Conservation

It was a really good program, I learnt a lot from Marine life, the only con I would say is to be clear on the diving preconditions, I had to do a review scuba that was not necessary, if more information is requested to the diver probably it can be solved with a dive if possible and avoid the review ...
Stacey rating3.8

2017 at Sports Development

This was the first time i had travelled on my own. All the the staff made me feel very welcome and safe. The project was really fun i participated in circle games, supported a day of football, went to a game reserve and got to help some children on the first swimming lesson. I also really enjoyed ...
I am on the flight home after an unforgettable 4 weeks! I have made incredible memories, which I will treasure for a lifetime, making great friends along the way. After meeting my group at the airport we made our way to Ezulwini, Swaziland, where we were greeted with a warm welcome by Lidwala Lodge ...

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