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How we support your Cape Town experience

Cheryl Martin

Posted: November 20, 2020

We get it. Travelling overseas to a volunteer project can be a little daunting. But we’ve here to help. Our GVI programmes offer 360-degree support. We are there to support you every step of the way. GVI Cape Town is no exception. Here are some of the ways we can support your volunteer experience.

We’ll meet you at the airport

A staff member will be at the airport to greet you with a smile. Our staff are easy to find as they will be holding a GVI Cape Town sign and wearing a GVI Tshirt. Cape Town International Airport is calm and easy paced. Not as hectic as some. If you need to access money, get a sim card or use wifi, Cape Town international has all the facilities you need.

You’ll meet the rest of the team

One of the exciting moments in your experience is meeting the rest of the team. You’ll meet staff and volunteers from across the globe. Or sometimes someone who lives surprisingly close to you! We have lots of six-degrees-of-separation moments at GVI CapeTown.

Volunteers from different countries, a range of occupations and a mix of ages leads to some interesting conversations. You will be amazed by what you learn from your fellow volunteers.

If you are a little nervous meeting others that’s not unusual. It doesn’t take long to make connections. Our staff create a friendly and welcoming environment. Before long you will have made new friends and feel part of the family.

We won’t throw you in the deep end

A little nervous about what you will be doing on your project? Don’t worry, the staff team will ensure you are supported all the way.

Our ‘Welcome Walk’ will help you become familiar with the area. By the end of the walk, you will know where to buy your favourite snack and all the best wifi spots. You will also be thinking about all those places you want to return to in your spare time. The beach is usually one of them.

Staff will support you with guidelines on how to run workshops or lessons. You will have some fun and interactive training. Staff will be available to guide you with any question once you are working on your project

They make great mentors. Volunteers are also valuable support for each other. Of course, the Covid-19 pandemic is on everyone’s minds. We will provide clear guidelines for all of our participants and provide some in-country training that includes local guidelines. We also have health and hygiene guidelines that are regularly updated that is always available. We will be doing all we can to ensure the environment is safe.

What projects can you do?

There is a range of projects you can join in GVI Cape Town including:

Women’s Empowerment working with females in the community to develop skills and confidence especially in English and IT
Sports: supporting local teachers to run their classroom sports programme in line with the national curriculum
Teaching; providing support for teachers in delivering the educational programme.. There’s a particular focus on English language
Early Childhood Development: working with staff in local creches and early learning centres to provide programmes that support children to reach their developmental milestones
Global Health: working with local partners to improve health and wellbeing in the local community.

Project objectives are planned with the relevant partners and our projects strive for sustainability. This will all be explained as part of your training. It is important to know, we are working towards positive impact and ethical practice. If you have any questions along the way, staff will be there to support.

Volunteering will help your CV

That’s an absolute yes! When you work on the GVI Cape Town projects you will be developing all sorts of skills and transferring your experience into a whole new environment. Problem solving, flexibility and communication immediately come to mind. Of course, these are all leadership skills, and therefore impressive to any future employer. We can also help you with a reference to verify the skills you have put into action. Consider that extra step and enrol in an internship, the Leading Teams for Impact Course will give you extra insight into team leading.

Rest assured, if you decide to join our GVI Cape Town programme you will be well supported from the moment you arrive. Your project work will impact the local community and you will return home with skills and experience that are a valuable asset for your future. Check out GVI Cape Town to find a project that connects with you. Check out the website and contact us for further information.

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