Experience:
Organisation:
Name: Alisa
Hometown: Farnborough
Destination: South Africa
Project type: Care work
Organisation: Gap Year South Africa
What were your impressions of your destination?
I could tell it was going to be beautiful as soon as I looked out of the aeroplane window to see a sparkling blue sea below. I was based in Port Elizabeth and what is fantastic is that urban meets nature. You can be driving through dense buildings one minute and surrounded by tress and plains the next.
Was the work interesting and challenging?
My first days of working in the townships and at the care centre were the most challenging. I was nervous as to how to respond to everything thrown at me, but as soon as you get through the first week everything becomes second nature. Everyone I worked with was encouraging and ready to help me learn.
What was your accommodation like? Did you feel comfortable and welcome at all times?
A group of 25 of us stayed in the home of a local family. There was a bungalow detached from the main residence where us girls stayed, and the boys stayed in an annexe that was built on to the back of the house. We had shower cubicles and toilets in the bungalow. There was a third main building which was the living area and a television area anad a kitchen where we all got together in the evenings. The residents were always welcoming and I felt completely safe at all times.
Were you happy with the organisation and the staff that were responsible for you during your stay?
At first we weren't really sure what we were going to be doing. All I knew was that I'd signed up to volunteer on a medical and veterinary project. However, upon arrival I found out that I wouldn't be able to do the vet project - but this was no loss. Once you are on your placement you have a schedule you follow that is clear and concise. You know what you'll be doing and when you'll be doing it. The staff were lovely, and made sure you were happy, safe and well at all times..
Do you feel that you got value for money on the project?
Most definitely.
Would you recommend the project to others?
Yes
