I volunteered at the Teach Children and Surf in Cape Town project. I worked specifically at a school in Dunoon, called Elundini. We helped the local teachers keep the children quiet during the lesson and played football and hide-and-seek with them during recess. The children I worked with were between five and six years old and were great. Even though they lived in impoverished homes and sometimes did not even have a real house, they were always smiling and laughing, just like children from back home. Some days were really tough, but I would see these eyes looking back at me and I knew I had to stay and help them.
In the afternoons, we went to the beach for the surfing lessons. Surfing in Cape Town was amazing! I had never surfed before and I definitely want to do it again! Also, surfing with the other volunteers was a great bonding activity and made us a lot closer. Some of the older kids who were between 12 and 14 years old would join us in the afternoon and it was always a great time. Living on the beach was really thrilling and sharing it with amazing people made the experience even better. Living and volunteering together from the first day to the last day was incredible and we all became like one big family.
Cape Town was probably the most interesting and unique city I have ever been in. The landscape was very diverse because you could walk to the sea or climb a mountain just a few kilometers away from each other. Everything had stunning views and it was so much fun to explore. The city center was really nice and there were loads of things to do. I enjoyed discovering the city by foot and spending time looking for the best hidden spots.
Volunteering in South Africa was everything I wanted and more. It was the most rewarding and eye-opening experience of my life. I loved working with the kids and learned so much about myself and a different culture. I would return to Cape Town in a heart beat to see the kids again and to go surfing!
