The Women's Refuge, established in 1959, provides a safe, temporary home for women and children affected by domestic violence, abuse, and social stigma. Its mission is to support survivors through physical, emotional, and spiritual healing, regardless of race or religion. Due to the sensitive nature of the project and the experiences of the residents, this is a women-for-women program, and only female volunteers are eligible to participate. Residents can stay for up to three months and receive accommodation, meals, clothing, counseling, legal and medical support, childcare, and educational assistance for their children. A key focus of the project is empowering women to regain their independence. Residents have the opportunity to participate in skills training programs such as sewing, beadwork, crafts, computer literacy, and job-readiness preparation, helping them build confidence and prepare for future employment. Volunteers play an important role in supporting the daily activities of the refuge and work alongside social workers to respond to the individual needs of each woman and her children. Founded in 2009, Good Hope Volunteers offers volunteers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in disadvantaged communities and wildlife conservation projects while enjoying a life-changing experience. The organization partners with local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives that rely on volunteer support. Acting as a bridge between volunteers and local projects, Good Hope Volunteers helps organizations access the volunteers, funding, and resources they need to continue serving their communities. Good Hope Volunteers is committed to providing high-quality, meaningful volunteer experiences that benefit both participants and the communities or conservation projects they support. The organization is guided by the following values: - Openness and transparency - Inclusivity and equality - Respect and tolerance - Sustainable community development - Environmental conservation - Positive social and environmental change
The Hout Bay Children's Programmes support disadvantaged children through early childhood education, after-school care, and holistic development in one of Cape Town's underserved communities. The Educare Centre, established in 1999, provides childcare, nutritious meals, and preschool education for 300 children aged 1–6, preparing them for formal schooling in a safe and nurturing environment. The Primary After-School Programme supports 108 vulnerable children aged 6–13, offering homework assistance, literacy and numeracy support, life skills, counselling, arts, sports, and other enrichment activities in a safe space. Opened in 2024, the Learning Hub provides after-school care for 60 children aged 6–13, focusing on homework support, creative learning, outdoor play, themed educational activities, and mindfulness to encourage confidence, curiosity, and personal growth. The programme is supported by Good Hope Volunteers, a volunteer organisation founded in 2009 that connects international volunteers with trusted community and conservation projects across South Africa. Working alongside local nonprofit organisations, Good Hope Volunteers provides meaningful volunteering experiences that create lasting benefits for both volunteers and the communities they serve, while promoting inclusivity, transparency, sustainable development, environmental conservation, and positive social change.
South Africa has one of the world's highest unemployment rates, leaving many young people vulnerable to poverty, homelessness, gang involvement, and addiction. The Uplifting the Homeless Project supports people experiencing homelessness by helping them rebuild their lives through a structured, skills-based rehabilitation program that has been developed over the past 25 years. This Christian faith-based program promotes participants' emotional, spiritual, physical, financial, and social development. The rehabilitation journey typically takes between 18 and 36 months and is divided into four phases: - Homeless Support Centre – Provides essential services such as meals, clothing, and hygiene facilities. - Rehabilitation – Offers therapy, rehabilitation services, and safe accommodation. - Work Readiness – Participants receive job training, work experience, life skills coaching, therapy, and support through a range of social enterprises. - Independent Employment – Graduates secure employment, join peer support groups, and continue receiving follow-up support as they transition to independent living. Over the past five years, 80% of participants have remained sober and employed, while more than 70% have maintained stable housing. The project also operates several social enterprises that provide practical training, work experience, and employment opportunities for people transitioning out of homelessness. Volunteers play an important role in supporting these initiatives, which include: - Charity shops - Web development services - Endemic nursery and sustainable gardening programs - Mi-Change Vouchers, supporting essential services, rehabilitation, and community assistance Founded in 2009, Good Hope Volunteers offers volunteers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in disadvantaged communities and wildlife conservation projects while enjoying a life-changing experience. The organization partners with local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives that rely on volunteer support. Acting as a bridge between volunteers and local projects, Good Hope Volunteers helps organizations access the volunteers, funding, and resources they need to continue serving their communities.
The Surfing for Dreams project creates sustainable opportunities that engage, uplift, equip, and empower impoverished and vulnerable youth from coastal informal settlements and communities facing significant challenges: - 60% are illiterate. - 60% come from single-parent households with very low incomes. - 76% of community members connected to the beneficiaries are unemployed. - Many young people are at risk of joining gangs or ending up in prison without proper support and guidance. To address these challenges, surfing is used as a powerful tool to engage young people while teaching discipline, determination, resilience, and essential life skills. The project provides safe spaces and structured after-school programs designed to support personal development and overall well-being. The program includes: - Fitness & Surf Therapy – Encouraging healthy lifestyles and positive coping mechanisms. - Environmental Programme – Raising an environmentally conscious generation. - Youth Empowerment – Building confidence, leadership, and personal development. - Digital Programme – Helping youth become computer literate, tech-savvy, and prepared for the world of work. - Literacy & Academic Support – Addressing learning challenges and reducing "learning poverty." - Food & Community Support – Strengthening families and local communities. - Art & Music Therapy – Supporting creativity, emotional expression, and healing. The project's vision is to create a transformed society where opportunities are maximized and young people are effectively developed, empowered, and integrated into their communities. We walk a long road alongside the people we support and strongly believe that everyone has a purpose, human potential is unlimited, and with the right support, all youth can flourish. About Good Hope Volunteers: Founded in 2009, Good Hope Volunteers provides volunteers with opportunities to make a meaningful difference in disadvantaged communities and wildlife conservation projects while experiencing a life-changing journey. We partner with local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives that rely on volunteer support. Acting as a bridge between volunteers and local projects, we help organizations access the volunteers, funding, and resources they need to continue serving their communities.
Stay Africa Volunteers (previously known as SASTS Working Adventures) was established in 1972 to provide affordable travel opportunities for South African students. It served as the travel division of NUSAS, the National Union of South African Students, whose activities originated during the Apartheid era. For over 40 years, we have played an integral role in facilitating student and youth travel and are well-equipped to help young people realize their travel dreams. We have achieved this by working with reputable and internationally recognized partners from around the world. Stay Africa's volunteer programs are operated in accordance with the guidelines established by these international organizations. Over the past 15 years, Stay Africa has expanded its offerings to include exciting opportunities for international travelers to experience South Africa through Work South Africa, Volunteer South Africa, High School Exchange, and group travel programs.
We, Volunteer International Adventures, are a passionate, hands-on organisation based in Africa, with a dedicated team creating meaningful volunteer experiences since 2008. We welcome students, travellers, families, friends, gappers, and career breakers to join our ethical projects in South Africa, Zambia, Zanzibar, and Zimbabwe, focusing on animal and youth projects. We believe in responsible and inclusive volunteer travel, offering opportunities that not only support important projects but also allow volunteers to fully immerse themselves in the local culture, build real connections, and create lifelong memories. Our local teams are committed to your journey by ensuring your safety, supporting your personal growth, and guiding you every step of the way so you can focus on making a genuine difference where it is needed most. Volunteers in our Knysna projects can contribute in areas such as veterinary medicine, animal care, youth development, social work, teaching, early childhood care, sports coaching, and community development with NPOs.