Volunteer Testimonials   |  CTSHG Project Photos

Cape Town Safe Home for Girls is registered to accommodate up to 40 girls (ages 3 -18) and their mission is to provide a quality home for them with a nurturing environment that will cater for their emotional, spiritual, physical, social and educational needs.

As a volunteer, you can play a vital mentoring role to these young girls as well as come up with fun activities, help with homework, read, play, help with meal preparation and much more.

By providing specialised care, education and teaching life skills to the girls within a secure environment, caregivers and volunteers empower them with the necessary skills and knowledge to become confident individuals.

The girls are fully integrated into the local community. They attend schools in the surrounding areas and are actively involved in extra-mural activities. One of the home's main focuses is to re-integrate the children with their families as soon as possible.

To join this project you will need to be aged 18 years or older by the time you arrive in Cape Town. Personal characteristics like commitment, flexibility and the ability to use your initiative will be key. Many of the girls have experienced severe hardships and disappointments during their lives, so it is essential that you are able to set them a good example through your behaviour at all times. To ensure effective communication between all team members, a good understanding of the English language is also required.You will also need to produce a Police Clearance certificate as you will be working children.

Arrival AirportCape Town (CPT)
Arrival DayFriday recommended - you can arrive earlier or over the weekend
Join Project OnMonday
Minimum DurationYou can volunteer with this project for 4 weeks or longer
Volunteering HoursApproximately 2pm - 7pm, from Monday to Friday each week
Main ActivitiesAssisting with homework, creating fun activities, mentoring young girls and teenagers, helping in the kitchen and around the home
Fly Home OnFriday, or any day after
Minimum AgeYou must be aged 18 years or older when you arrive
AvailabilityAvailable dates for each duration are shown on the top-right of this page with the option to select from several currencies.
Pre-arrival SupportOur experienced team is on hand to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip to South Africa
Airport WelcomeOne of our team will be at the airport to welcome you and escort you to Ashanti Lodge
AccommodationYou will stay at Ashanti Lodge in central Cape Town with a pool, restaurant, bar and wonderful views of Table Mountain.
FoodAll meals are self-catering at Ashanti Lodge.
Wi-FiFree Wi-Fi at Ashanti Lodge.
OrientationOn your first day you will have a full orientation
BadgeWe will provide you with a personalised Via Volunteers name badge to wear while you are at your project
In-country supportOur volunteer coordinators are available 24/7 for emergencies, and are on hand to help you make the most of your stay
CertificateOn completion of your placement we will send you a special thank you certificate to accompany your CV or resume.
VisasCitizens from most countries can arrive in South Africa and stay for up to 90 days without a Visa. Please refer to our FAQ section for more details if you are unsure
FlightsPlease refer to our FAQ section for recommendations about keeping your flight costs to a minimum
TransfersWe will take you to your project on your first afternoon. Thereafter, you will need to budget about R1500 each week for Uber trips between Ashanti Lodge & the project(approx ₤80, €90, US$100, CAD$130, or AUD$150).
Transfer back to Cape Town AirportUber works really well in Cape Town and is the best value option for this.

Volunteer Testimonials   |  CTSHG Project Photos

Your first visit to Cape Town Safe Home for Girls will be on the Monday after you arrive in Cape Town.

On your first day, one of the Via Volunteer's team will collect you from Ashanti Lodge and take you to your project. Thereafter, you will need to book your remaining transfers between Ashanti Lodge and the home using the Uber app on your phone.

You will then be introduced to Graeme for your introduction to the staff, girls and the project.

Make sure you eat lunch before you leave your accommodation each day, or prepare a packed lunch to take with you.

Typically you can expect to be busy from about  2:00pm - 7:00pm. There may be opportunities to help out with events and activities over weekends too, and you will be able to talk with Graeme to arrange any time off or changes to your schedule.

Your afternoons will normally begin with helping to prepare food and snacks in the kitchen. As the girls arrive home from school you will be able to help them with homework, reading and fun activities. Be prepared to bring your own ideas along, and perhaps explore sites like Pinterest in advance for some extra help.

Be creative and let your imagination go wild!

Throughout your stay you are encouraged to tell the girls your story and let them know what you did at school, where you have travelled to, where you normally work, what your interests are, and the things you would still like to do. As a positive role model, your story will encourage these girls to work hard to improve their lives and inspire them to look beyond the unfortunate circumstances of their childhood.

Volunteer Testimonials   |  CTSHG Project Photos

Voted in 2019 as Cape Town’s best backpacker accommodation, Ashanti Lodge has excellent facilities and is perfectly positioned in central Cape Town as an ideal base for volunteers. This will be your home while you're here and is a great place to relax when you aren’t out exploring everything Cape Town has to offer.

Uber works very well in Cape Town, and Ashanti is just a couple of minutes away from the excellent MyCiti bus route which provides cheap, safe and reliable transport to Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay, Hout Bay and much more. Close by you will also find an incredible variety of restaurants and bars, plenty of great hangouts in Long Street, a well-equipped shopping mall, supermarkets, health shops, cafes…the list goes on.

While you’re at Ashanti you can enjoy all of the facilities below. Whether you’re having a dip in the pool or watching Table Mountain while you have breakfast, you will find that Ashanti have thought of everything:

  • Dormitory accommodation with all bedding and linen provided.
  • Free Wi-Fi from anywhere on the premises
  • A fully equipped shared kitchen with fridge/freezers for storing your groceries
  • A basic breakfast is included in the kitchen, with tea, coffee, juice, cereals, yoghurt, toast, peanut butter and jam
  • All bedding including linen, duvet and pillows (linen is changed every four days)
  • Laundry service – R70 per 0-5kg load including powder, wash, dry & fold. Drop it off at reception and it will be ready for you about 12 hours later
  • Lots of showers and toilets
  • A lovely pool area with sun beds and a BBQ
  • A restaurant bar with a pool table, and a balcony overlooking the pool with impressive views of Table Mountain. If you're extra hungry, an all you can eat breakfast buffet is available for only R70, with great value meals available through to 10pm
  • A personal safe for every volunteer and coded access to your room
  • Lockable under bed storage for your suitcase/clothing (bring your own padlock for this)
  • CCTV Security, controlled access and a night guard
  • A night manager
  • The lodge is cleaned daily and rooms are also serviced daily.

 

Volunteer Testimonials   |  CTSHG Project Photos

Your arrival airport is Cape Town (CPT)

  • We have arrival dates for this project on most Fridays throughout the year.
  • You can also arrive earlier or over the weekend if you prefer. We can easily add extra nights to your stay, before and/or after your placement.
  • You can book your arrival flight to land at Cape Town International Airport at any time of day.
  • One of our team will be at the airport to give you a warm welcome. We will also escort you to Ashanti Lodge and help you get settled in.
  • You will have the rest of the weekend to explore Cape Town before joining your project for your first afternoon of volunteering on Monday.

Durations & Pricing

Change your currency
7 weeks - £ 1560
8 weeks - £ 1770
You do not pay anything when you book. We will provide you with a detailed itinerary and quote for you to check. When you are happy with the details, you will be able to confirm your placement with a deposit of £30.

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