About the Program
The Skills Development Project allows volunteers to transfer a skill
to the children or adults of our local communities. For instance, in 2015 we taught 3 adults woodworking skills with "upcycled" materials to create tables, benches, and chairs in an apprenticeship forum. These individuals are now able to share their knowledge and sell these items to create an income.
The communities that we assist commonly have a very low level of education and the majority of the adults
are unemployed.
SAVE is always in need of volunteers with special skills that they
can transfer to our communities to assist them to become self-sufficient
and productive members of society.
The day-to-day schedule of a volunteer will vary depending on their interests and the skills development project that they hope to develop. The first portion of your stay will be spent designing the development project alongside a project leader. On a daily basis volunteers will work alongside members of the local township and/or settlement communities (mainly the Dunoon Township and Wolverivier Settlement in the are of Tableview) to orchestrate their development initiative; volunteers will spend time in these communities with their project leader and other volunteers running workshops, clinics, and lessons to develop the locals' skills in the area of your choice.
2 Day Cape Town Orientation
DAY 1: Saturday
You are collected from the airport and taken to your volunteer accommodation. You will be shown around by one of our interns and given walking tour of the area. Depending on your arrival time, you will meet your volunteer leader and learn more about your project, if you arrive late you will be given a time that you will meet your leader. You have the day at your own leisure so you can explore the beach, shops, bars and restaurants. In the evening we have a traditional South African BBQ, called a braai, at the hostel.
DAY 2: Sunday
Start the day with breakfast and then your guide will collect you and show you the bus system for a walking tour of the city.
Visit historical sites like the Castle of Good Hope and the Grand Parade. Learn about life under apartheid in South Africa at the Parliament Buildings and the District Six Museum. Shop for African arts and crafts in Greenmarket Square and St George’s Mall.
After one of the above activities you can take a bus or walk to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Sit back and sip a cocktail, enjoy some fresh fish and watch the ships in the busy working harbour or walk around taking in the shops, markets and musicians on the side walks. Alternatively, you can take the cable car up Table Mountain and enjoy breathtaking views of the city, or visit the famous Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held in prison during the apartheid era (own expense).
In the evening head back on the local bus to Table View where you can start planning your next day. We will help you book and arrange all that you need. Later, you can join the staff, guests and the locals at one of the restaurants or bars along the beach front in Table View – all within rolling distance from the hostel where you will be staying the night.
Project Highlights- Using creativity to develop products from reclaimed materials
- Helping locals develop practical skills
- Experience working with local adults who are eager to learn
- Learning about the South African culture and way of life
- Making new lifetime friends
