The townships of South Africa are places of rich culture, interesting characters, delicious food and a places where people live happily under often difficult circumstances. This is place where people live simple lives and appreciate what they have. In Walmer Township (also known as Gqebera), Port Elizabeth, South Africa the community faces many challenges on a daily bases such as poverty, high unemployment, alcohol and substance abuse, child neglect and lack of educational institutes. The needs and lack of services are very diverse. So how do we uplift this community without taking away what makes them unique?

Since 2008, with the assistance of international volunteers, students and a small team of local staff, Izizwe Projects have been answering the call to uplift the community of Gqebera. This township is relatively calm and easy to access and most of the residents are Xhosa (indigenous tribe and language) speaking. Communication can be a challenge, especially with the very young, but fortunately English is also a commonly used language. Although there is still a lot of work to be done in this community, Izizwe Projects have setup sustainable programs aimed at underprivileged children to address oral health, sports development, literacy, education and fire prevention.

Many of the children in these programs are affected by HIV/AIDS both directly and indirectly. Some are orphaned due to parents having died from AIDS related diseased and grow up with grandparents or extended family. This has ripple affect as children may not have the guidance, family support and/or financial means to attend school and excel. As a volunteer at Izizwe Projects you may find yourself in a position to offer such children mentorship and/or social support.

If you are someone who wants to experience a South African township from the inside and enjoys working with children, this project is for you!

Programs offered

The team at Izizwe Projects have setup a number of programs which are supervised by Izizwe’s local staff. Volunteers & students support local staff in presenting and maintaining these programs.The diversity creates opportunity for volunteers and students to work with the project manager to allow for involvement with specific age groups according to personal preference.

• Dance Program
• Primary Schools
• Preschools
• Sports Program
• Swimming Lessons
• Oral Health Awareness
• Fire prevention program

Project needs

Izizwe Projects is a registered non-profit company and besides the hands of willing volunteers and students, there is a need for financial support to “keep the lights on”. Regular expenses include a rent, electricity, salaries, training of staff and the costs of running programs.

Any possible gifts and donations provided by volunteers, students and their network of people are extremely appreciated. Without the support of our volunteers and students over the years, Izizwe would not have been able to run the programs and provide much needed services this community.

Because needs are always changing, Khaya recommends that volunteers do fundraising and discuss the need with the project manager on site. Our coordinators will happy to assist you with the logistics of purchasing and donating items locally.

• Learning materials and school stationary for the children
• Sporting equipment and materials for the children
• Toys, puzzles and educational games for the children
• Food parcels for families and children in need
• Clothing for families and children in need
• School uniforms for the children

If you want to find out more about the needs at Izizwe Project, check out their website here.

Tasks and activities

The beauty of Izizwe Projects is that activities can differ in many ways. Because the project offers such a variety of programs, it allows for customization where possible. Khaya always recommends volunteers to be flexible and discuss their preferences with the project manager or our coordinators.  Some volunteers will prefer to work with young children and babies and therefore work at a crèche/day care, while others may want to teach at the High school and help with homework guidance during afternoons. Each volunteer will have the opportunity to get familiar with the variety of projects and choose the activities that appeal to them the most.

Working days and hours

This depends on which project you will be working at. Normally we work weekdays from 8:30am until 15.30pm, Friday until 12.00 and weekends are off.
There are many factors to take into account, so be sure to communicate with your project manager and local host regarding times.

Daily guidance

Guidance will be offered in multiple ways as different people are involved in your stay with Izizwe.

During their time at Izizwe Projects, volunteers and students are guided by the project manager and local staff. Outside of the Izizwe Projects, volunteers and students are guided by your local host.

Conditions

It is important that volunteers of this project understand the importance of the following:

• To be enthusiastic and independent
• To sign a “Code of Conduct” when arriving
• To show respect towards the people and culture of the local community. You might not agree with certain ways of conduct during your stay here, but don’t forget you are a guest here, and you can’t try to change everything in a period of just a few weeks.
• To show flexibility and patience towards responsibilities, tasks and activities.
• To be willing to take initiative and come up with ideas.

Volunteering at this project is very diverse and can be challenging. Volunteers will get acquainted with the circumstances in which 70% of South Africans live today, and experience their culture and situation. Be prepared to face misery and poverty. For this reason, it is of absolute importance that volunteers are independent and mature individuals. You will be singing and dancing with the children, you will make them laugh, help them with schoolwork and teach them there’s a whole world waiting for them. This way you can change a mind-set that will enlarge their horizons and contribute to a better future.

Other volunteers

You most likely won’t be alone when volunteering at Izizwe, and will meet both local and international volunteers. We get volunteers from all over the world –  from the USA, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, the UK and many other countries.