CARE WITH DISABLED AND SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN IN CAPE TOWN
Work with children with autism, special needs, or physical or mental
impairment who need your help, or with deprived children who will
benefit tremendously from your loving care and attention. The Centres
are for local children who need extra special care and attention due to
physical, mental or social disadvantages. You can work at one particular
Centre or you can spread your time out between different institutes -
the choice is yours.
These care projects are based in the
beautiful and lively tourist destination of Cape Town and are utterly
rewarding as well as highly enjoyable. You will fall completely in love
with the children, the schools, and the country – you have been warned!
►SUMMARY
FACTFILE
Start Dates
All year round - you choose your
start and finish dates!
Duration
Minimum stay 2 weeks and up to 1 year, subject to visa
requirements
Requirements
No qualifications needed, just a
big heart and a desire to provide care and support.
►Accommodation
►Food
►Meeting you at the Airport
►Transfer to your accommodation
►Full pre-departure support
►Local in-country team support
and backup
►24-hr emergency support
►Two free T-shirts.
What's not included
Flights, Insurance,
Cost of Visas (if a visa is required, but we'll provide necessary documents and
assistance),
Return transfer to
airport, Transport to and from your
project.
Who can do this Project?
All our projects are
open to all nationalities.
Unless otherwise stated, you need to be aged between 17 and 70+
PROJECT OVERVIEW The best way to get a feel of the very
beneficial work you'll do on this project is to give you an excerpt from
the weekly report sent to us by Eleanor, our Travellers Cape Town
Liaison, about a volunteer currently on the "Working with Children with
Autism" project:
"Tess has a
timetable which gives her the opportunity of working in different
classes each day. She has specific tasks to do with individual children,
which are designed for each particular child according to their type and
level of autism. She was highly praised by the teachers she is working
with! The children relate very well to her, and the staff are thrilled
to have her there.
On good weather days, the children are out of doors playing games in the
garden. Sometimes, they all trail off for a walk around the suburb – and
this is where the volunteers are such a help, as autistic children tend
to dash off in any direction without warning – and someone has to keep
an eye on them when this happens and gently direct them back again.
On Fridays, the whole school attends the Eurythmy classes in the hall,
one group at a time – and Jess helps out there for the day. The music
and actions are all designed to have a calming effect and create a
peaceful mindset – as well as to teach control of the body in certain
actions. For some autistic children this is very difficult – as they
can’t always control their body or mind – and the gentle guidance and
patient repetition offered by the carers and volunteers is absolutely
essential. And what patience is needed !!
Tess finishes her time at Vera on Monday – they will really be sad to
see her go."
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:
An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into
Africa and the many diverse cultures in South Africa
The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and
knowing that you made a difference to them.
New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding
of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional
development.
An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head
and shoulders above most others in the job market
And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!
SCHOOL TERMS IN SOUTH AFRICA:
Dates for the 2010 school terms (semesters) are given
below.
Term 1: 13th Jan – 26th March
Term 2: 12th April – 9th June
Term 3: 13th July – 23rd Sept
Term 4: 4th Oct – 10th Dec
Teaching is not available during
school holidays, so if you're planning to participate in a
placement, please take the above school term dates
into account when planning the timing of your project. On the other hand, if
a holiday falls during your proposed placement, you
could use this time to do any independent travelling
and sightseeing.
Special treat for the children - a few days at the beach
Autism is a severe, lifelong
development disability and children affected by this suffer from a number of
conditions. They have severe communication and language problems, they are
unable to relate to other people and they display unusual and problematic
behaviour. The extent to which a child is affected will vary from individual to
individual. Autistic children need predictability in their lives. They cannot
express their needs effectively and often have extreme reactions to changes in
routine and unfamiliar events.
The School we work with here is a school for autistic children. There are 85
students here and 35 of these children are live-in learners, staying at the
school hostel overnight. The rest are bought each day by their parents. The
children are aged between 3 and 18 years and they are educated according to
their ability with some moving on to other schools later on.
The School has three hostels with children housed in age groups: the under 8’s,
8-12’s and 12-18’s. There is a very happy atmosphere at the school and the
teachers are extremely conscientious and kind people. There is a lot of love
here! For some, the School provides the only opportunity of education for these
children. The dedicated care received at the School gives these children a
platform from which they can enter society with a secure place, despite the
limitations of their autism.
The language of tuition is English, but Afrikaans is also used frequently in
interpersonal conversation. A minority of the children speak Xhosa or Afrikaans
at home, but all of them can understand English. Without the help of our
volunteers the school would not be able to give the children the full attention
and care that they deserve and need.
Your Work at the School
On your arrival you will have a short Orientation during
which you will learn about autism. This will include watching a video as
well as meeting the teachers and pupils of the school. You will then be
allocated to a teacher for the day. After this initial induction you may
spend time in any of the classes for your first week, getting to understand
the centre. One of the teaching coordinators will then chat to you about how
you are getting on and ask you to decide which of the classes you would like
to assist in. You will be working along side the teacher, not alone.
The majority of your work will be as a classroom and
hostel assistant where you will be helping out in a variety of ways.
Volunteers might be asked to help where children need special attention or
to work with a small group while the teacher works with another group.
Schoolwork varies with different age groups but is based on the normal
school activities – a great deal of one-to-one attention is needed and
children learn basic skills.
Help is also very much appreciated at supervised
activities like swimming which is part of the daily summer curriculum.
After school hours, you'll be allocated a “play
time” duty at the different hostels while the children play outdoors under
supervision. You will also be involved in indoor hostel duties after this,
which involve the supervision of children. Autistic children have to be
watched closely at all times, as they may react suddenly and unexpectedly.
The help and support given by volunteers is especially
needed during preparations for the school concert – and on the actual night.
This usually takes place in October and is the highlight of the children’s
school year.
If there are any outings while you're there, you'll
accompany the teacher and pupils. These can be many things, possibly even
including a camping trip for a few days. The school loves arranging special
events that the students will enjoy. The parents are also included in events
like barbecues or concerts for what the school calls – “The Family”.
There will also be a certain amount of Admin work
involved in your volunteering, such as photocopying for the teacher and also
duties at the switchboard if the receptionist is absent - answering the
phone, etc.
Letter to Travellers from the School
Principal:
"Here are some reasons why we value the
volunteers who work at Vera School:
In many instances our
learners pose challenging behaviour (cognitively, socially, emotionally,
physically, etc.) and it is invaluable to have extra help in a classroom
when dealing with this.
Our learners often need
one-on-one facilitation in certain aspects of their educational programme
(computer, reading, etc.)
When going on outings and
or camps, staff always need extra hands to cope with the learners.
Hostel staff welcome extra
hands to assist with the running of the afternoon programme in the hostels
(playing simple games, going to the shop and going for walks).
Volunteers are also a
great help when they assist learners with home work in the hostel. Some of
this will entail helping with academic work, or practising making beds,
learning how to wash and dry dishes, learning how to follow a programme in
the school's gym, etc.).
A Friday is the Eurythmy
day. This is exercises with movement and music. Most children take part and
it is very therapeutic for them. However, it is "hands intensive". We cannot
do this without volunteers.
Our learners sometimes
struggle to follow instructions from different people. Volunteers bring
variation and give our learners to the opportunity to practise their ability
to generalise.
Volunteers often do very
necessary chores which the staff struggle to find time for (photocopying,
book binding, laminating, fetching keys, etc.)
These are just some of the reasons why we
value our volunteers so much and why we are grateful for the ones who have been
sent to us in the past and for those who will still come.
Once again thank you!" Keriston Floris
Volunteer introducing a young autistic boy to the sea for
the first time
WORKING WITH CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL
NEEDS
Athletics Day is lots of fun!
One of the schools we work with is for children
with a variety of disabilities or special needs. Volunteers will be placed
within the Primary School only. This is set in a beautiful location, overlooking
the Rondebosch Common and facing the impressive side of Table Mountain.
The Primary School has 250 pupils ranging from 3
years old to about 13, from pre-primary to year 7. The school buildings are
spacious and brightly decorated with art works done by the children and the
grounds are immaculate and well-kept. There is a heated indoor swimming pool
used largely for therapy. Part of the school day is allocated to sport and
pupils take part in school leagues as well as sport for the disabled. On Mondays
a group goes to a farm for Riding for the Disabled.
Some of today’s pupils have cerebral palsy, which
refers to a group of permanent but non-progressive disorders of posture and
movement. It is due to a dysfunction of the brain, which can occur during birth
or as a result of accident or illness in childhood. Some children have other
syndromes or conditions such as muscular dystrophy, multiple physical
impairment, ADHD and specific learning disabilities.
A lack of concentration, dyslexia or hyperactivity
are often linked to these conditions and the children can get over excited by
changes in routine, which means that teachers and assistants need to have
endless patience in dealing with small upsets. The teachers are grateful for the
help of volunteers – just the presence of another adult in the classroom makes
the activities run more smoothly.
A Volunteer Placement at Vista Nova would be an
unforgettable experience, as is shown by the return of some volunteers after
completing their degrees.
Your Work at the School
When you arrive you will spend some time with the teacher
in charge who will talk about the Special Needs of the children and about
your role in the school, as a volunteer.
You will then be allocated to a teacher who will
introduce you to the work You may spend time in all different areas of work
in the school before settling into a particular job. Volunteers should make
requests if there is anything that you are particularly interested in – for
example you may prefer working in the Nursery, or with the older children,
or helping in the Physiotherapy or OT departments.
The work falls into 5 categories: Admin (receptionist,
switchboard - if there is someone absent ); Library (mending books,
cataloguing, etc); Class Aides (helping children in the nursery section, or
helping the teacher with various class activities, or listening to children
reading); being a “Scribe” or amanuensis (this means you will go with a
pupil who is disabled and cannot write, sit with him/her in class and take
notes, and then write for him/her while he/she tells the scribe the answers
in tests or examinations). The fifth category is basically filling in where
needed – perhaps in charge of collecting children who need physiotherapy
You can also help with Sport and Physical Education, such
as swimming, soccer, cricket as well as sport for the disabled.
Different age groups end their school day at different
times. After the pupils have left, you may be given preparation tasks for
the next day by the teacher, or there might be admin work in the office or
the school library. This will be until 3.00 pm.
Sometimes there might be extra duties after this, like
preparing for school Sports Day or School Concert. We urge volunteers to get
involved with extra functions taking place at the school as you can have a lot
of fun and get to know the children far better by getting involved in the after
school activities. Your weekends are entirely free (for sightseeing, travel and
fun)!
WORKING WITH CHILDREN WITH
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT
The School we work with has just over 200 children with
physical and intellectual impairments. The pupils are aged from 3 years old to
18. There are four sections covering nursery, junior, middle and senior pupils.
A fleet of school buses travel from all over the suburbs to
collect these children in the mornings from about 6am and the school bus returns
the children back home for the afternoons at around 2.30pm.
State subsidies are not adequate to run a school such as this
one and there is an endless need for funding. The Bel Porto Foundation has been
set up with a special fund raiser in charge of this essential aspect of the
school. Fund raising events occur during the year, and at the re-cycling centre
in one of the school buildings, donations from people’s homes, as well as
newspapers, books and plastic containers are received at any time.
As the pupils are low functioning academically, the
curriculum aims at fostering maximum independence and productivity in each
pupil. It covers the development of self-sufficiency and socialism. Lessons are
designed to improve motor and perceptual skills as well as functional academic
skills. There is a strong emphasis on communication, household and vocational
skills. Pupils are also encouraged to be aware of the environment and
nature, and a visit to the school Farmyard is a daily occurrence.
The School also serves as a training centre for students from
local universities and colleges. Students in training include speech therapists,
medical students, physiotherapists, nurses, occupational therapists, care givers
and teachers.
The school itself consists of a number of spread out,
pleasant buildings all opening onto the garden. The school buildings are like a
solid built local state school, and the parents and staff keep them looking neat
and painted. The gardens are well-kept and spacious, and the children love
visiting the small farmyard in the school grounds to see the sheep, goats,
rabbits, ducks and chickens – and even a donkey or two sometimes.
There are two heated indoor swimming pools which are used for
class swimming and physiotherapy.
Volunteers here have loved every minute of their placements
here and keep up contact with the school after they move on to study at
University or return to work at home.
Your Work at the School
When you arrive you will be allocated to a teacher who
will introduce you to the work. You might be sent to different areas of work
in the school before settling in to a particular job. If there is anything
you are particularly interested in, such as working with a particular age
group or helping in the Physiotherapy or OT departments, please let us know
when you apply, so that we can arrange it for you.
You will work as a classroom assistants or class aides
(helping children in and out of wheelchairs for different activities, or
helping the teacher with various class activities, like painting, doing
puzzles – and with the older children cooking, simple maths and reading
etc). Other tasks include reading stories to children, helping children to
simple tasks on the computer and supervising the outdoor activities.
Tricycle riding forms part of the curriculum - as exercise and mastering the
skills associated with the physical action are very important.
The children also learn simple rules of the road on
marked out areas of the playground. Swimming lessons are a favourite and the
school has two heated indoor pools. Your help in and out of the pools will
be appreciated as children need individual help in the water. One pool is
specifically for physiotherapy treatment.
Volunteers working in the Nursery section usually move
over to the older children after the nursery children have finished for the
day. You may be given preparation tasks for the next day by the teacher or
Admin work, like helping out in the front office if someone is absent. The
school day ends at 3.00 pm.
Sometimes there might be help needed, like preparing for
Sports Day or School Fete or School Concert. We urge volunteers to get
involved with extra functions taking place at the school as you can have a
lot of fun and you will get to know the children much better out of hours.
RECOMMENDED COMBINATION! The Red Cross Children's Hospital
Why not think about combining this placement
with a month at the Red Cross Children's
Hospital?
It is the biggest children's hospital in sub-Saharan Africa and would be an
excellent addition to your time in the City, not to mention an excellent entry
on your CV!
In brief, the main tasks and
responsibilities on this project will be to visit the children, hand out toys, play and interact
with them, and give them lots of comfort and love. You may also assist with
general non-medical support, e.g., accompanying a patient to another department,
collecting folders and fetching food, etc, or assisting the pharmacy area or
clinics where patients wait for their medication.
To read more about the Red Cross Hospital, please
click here
ACCOMMODATION AND LIVING IN CAPE TOWN
Nestled under the mountain near the
city, is the trendy and arty suburb of Observatory, the student Mecca of Cape
Town. We have chosen this location as an accommodation base and make use of 33
South Backpackers Lodge, where you will be staying. It’s distance from the
projects, safety conscious attitude and very friendly staff make this the ideal
home away from home.
33South is not just a backpacker’s lodge, it’s an experience! With secure
access, 24hr managers on duty, they uphold a very high safety and security
standard. The night manager is also a lovely welcome ‘home’ after a night out...
and bakes fresh muffins for your breakfast!
The staff are very friendly and will always help you where needed. They can
answer any questions and can even help when you need some TLC because you feel a
bit homesick!
33South has differently themed rooms from the township vibe to old Victorian and
even a ‘harbour’ room complete with seagulls and fishing motifs. Hotel-quality
bedding is provided and towels are available on request. The rooms are serviced
once a week and lined/bedding is changed.
The back of the house has a beautiful palm-tree covered terrace, where you can
soak up the sunshine and enjoy a real South African “BRAAI” (BBQ). There is even
a private bar, chill-out room where live musicians play on Friday nights!
The lodge is also situated in the heart of Observatory and a short stroll away
from a large supermarket, internet café, pharmacy and Laundromat. The perfect
home away from home.
Food: A healthy self-serve breakfast of cereals, toast and tea/coffee is
included every morning, and you will be given a food allowance to buy your own
food for lunch/dinner. The lodge is also equipped with a self-catering kitchen,
with all the necessities to cook a good meal.
PLEASE
NOTE: The World Cup kicks off in June 2010 in
Cape Town and accommodation surcharges WILL apply during this period. We can
advise you on the extra cost closer to the time.
ADDITIONAL
ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:
5-DAY OR 7-DAY SAFARI from
Cape Town up the renowned Garden Route: taking in Dolphin and Whale
Spotting, visits to many tourist attractions, such as a visit to a
brewery(!), the Bloukrantz Bungy Jump (reportedly the highest in the world),
and a guided tour of the Cango Caves.
1 WEEK WHALES, SHARKS AND DOLPHINS
Project: This is
an extraordinary and exciting project in a beautiful location, surrounded
by white beaches and blue ocean. And two hours from the world's third
favourite city - Cape Town.
What more could anyone want?
PARAGLIDING COURSE: Soar over the impressively beautiful Drakensburg
Mountain. You'll get a licence at the end of the course which qualifies you
to do solo paragliding around the world.
TRAVEL:
You'll fly into Cape Town where you'll be met at the airport by one of
our staff. From the
airport you'll be taken to your work and your accommodation and introduced to your
hosts. You'd be well advised to prepare yourself
for an almost overwhelmingly friendly welcome!
You have the option to arrange your
own flights or we can assist you with your flight arrangements. If you would
like us to do this for you, we will liaise with you regarding available flights
and dates to suit you. All arrangements for your flight bookings/payments will
be fulfilled by Murray Rogers Travel Limited, ATOL No. 6856.
Where possible, we arrange for two or more people to travel on the
same flight and we will let you have the names and telephone numbers of other
volunteers on your flight, so that you can chat to each other or even meet up
before leaving for your placement.
VISAS: For many nationalities, visas are not required for a stay of 90
days or less. If you’re not sure whether you need a visa or not, please visit
http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/visa_schedule.asp
to see whether your country is exempt. If you do need a visa, we will assist you
and help make the visa process as easy as possible.
Where possible, all flights we arrange for you have changeable return tickets because many of our
volunteers choose to extend their stay once they are in their destination
country.
Changeable return tickets enable you to do so, within the limits of your visa
and the level of your air ticket,
of course. If you choose to book your own flights, you should endeavour to get
a changeable ticket.
To read about the excellentSupport
& Backup we provide before you leave and during
your programme,
please click here.
We can also arrange your flight
dates
to give you additional time at the end of your project for travelling around and sightseeing - this is a
fascinating and wondrous country!
Suite 2A, Caravelle House, 17/19 Goring
Road, Worthing,
West Sussex, BN12 4AP, England
Tel: +44 (0)1903 502595 Fax: +44 (0)1903 708179
Email:
info@travellersworldwide.com
.
