Antips university volunteers hit Cape Town!

COUNTRY: South Africa
PROGRAM: UniBreak
PROJECT: Teaching
WRITTEN BY: Lauren Dreyar

After a few long flights and transfers, Emily and I arrived in Cape Town, South Africa late Sunday morning. After arriving in Hout Bay at our accommodation, we were able to meet some of the lovely Gap Year Antipodeans people. Emily and I headed down to the local market held only on the weekends and Friday nights for a long overdue feast- the market was fantastic! With great food to gorge ourselves on after nothing but airplane food.

The real trip started on Monday with Orientation. Emily and I along with the Gap Year group were taken up to Imizamo Yethu. But to get there we had to travel like locals" which meant catching 'cockroaches' - cars that are close to taxi's but unmarked and often shared. The cockroaches was a new experience but well worth it especially as it only cost R06 per person (less that .60 cents). We were taken on a walking to by a local man named Afrika. I had heard of this township before- especially because of the level of poverty and shacks. But being guided by a local man who seemed to know everyone in the community provided a new perspective- as Afrika was so passionate and involved in the Township also known as Mandela park that we were all able to see it as a strong community.

On Tuesday, everyone started there different placements, except me. Instead, I was able to tag along to Cape Town with Emily. But the best part of the day was definitely volunteering at a local school in Imizamo Yethu township. The children here are so friendly, loud and vibrant that it makes you want to help as much as possible. Every afternoon we have been travelling back to that school to volunteer for the holiday program, which includes everything from playing sport to arts and craft. One of my favourite moments was being given a paper hat by a little girl who insisted I wear it at all time like a crown.

Today I have started volunteering at my placement with the Art Project at the Head quarters in Hout Bay. I am really enjoying being able to see how the project functions from inside the office and still being able to help out in the afternoons and be around the kids.