Project Summary
AIDS is a tragic disease and voracious killer, particularly on the immense continent of Africa. In spite of programs that promote AIDS awareness in South Africa which aimed at preventing the spread of this devastating disease, the rate of HIV infection is still rising in many African countries. Poverty and malnutrition already rampant in much of Africa, AIDS is crippling the lives and economies of many nations on the continent, and South Africa is no exception. Misinformation and tribal medicine campaigns also spread knowledge that is not always accurate. The need for action is urgent – patients need real care and communities need honest information based on medical facts (i.e. condoms can prevent the spread of HIV; however, showering after unprotected sex cannot).
Role of Volunteer
During HIV/AIDS projects in South Africa, volunteers will care for and encourage HIV/AIDS infected children and adults. Volunteers also offer counseling and education through local clinics, hospitals and community programs to increase awareness, personal risk perception and prevention among men and women.
- Program: Volunteer in South Africa
- Project: Community Development project in South Africa
- Start dates: 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month
- Departure and End Point: Cape Town
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Language Need: English fluency mandatory
- Accommodation and meals: Volunteer house or host family with three local meals a day
- Activities: Community development projects
- Working hours: 25-35 hours per week
Help is needed by various organizations with community outreach programs including: hospice care, recreational and educational programs, voluntary HIV counseling and testing and educational seminars and conferences on the virus within the local communities.
- Care and encouragement of HIV/AIDS infected individuals
- Counseling and education in hospitals and communities
- Increase "personal risk perception" among the youth, men and women by involving them to actively participate in HIV/AIDS preventive education in the community
- Assist various HIV/AIDS organizations in their community outreach programs such as hospice care, recreational and educational programs, voluntary HIV counseling and testing and educational seminars and conferences
In South Africa, we work in small communities/neighborhoods, and the majority of our projects are very closely related within these communities. 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 the different issues and facets of the South African people.
Skills/Qualification Needed
There are no specific qualifications needed to join our HIV/AIDS projects in South Africa, but your understanding of South African culture and diversity can help improve the experience for you and those with whom you interact. Consider enrolling in our five-day Cultural Immersion & Information program. Volunteers should be willing to share love, time and compassion with people, all the while maintaining great patience and high flexibility. Many infected patients require care and encouragement to deal with their situation and make more progress when they receive attention.
Volunteer in Peru: Project Locations and Free Time Options
The locations of Global Crossroad's volunteer in South Africa projects are in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces. 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.