So...I guess I should really say a bit more about what it is I will actually be doing in South Africa. Obviously I haven't been to the project yet, but I have heard loads about it. I will be able to give you a better idea when I have spent some time there and have uploaded some photos for all you wonderful people to seeeeee!!!
'Thembelihle' is the name of the project, and it is a 'home of safety' for around 25-30 children aged 5-18 who have suffered from, or are at risk of abuse in their home setting. The home provides 24/7 care for the children, for as long as it takes, whilst court cases are being processed etc. As a volunteer, my main role will be as a teacher; planning and organising the childrens’ timetables, lessons and exams from scratch, before teaching a wide range of subjects, covering a broad curriculum. Because of the backgrounds the children come from, they are unable to attend local schools whilst The facilities in the home are very basic, and the classroom is limited to one room in the courtyard of the home, so I will need to use my imagination and creativity to make sure the children get the best education possible.
As well as home-schooling, Thembelihle provides for the psychological needs of the children. The nature of the backgrounds from which the children come from, means that they lack the love, care, stability and security needed by children of their age, and it will be my role as their primary carer, to enable them to develop their social skills through a range of extra-curricular activities which I will organise and run. Out of school hours, I will also be helping with the running of the home, doing jobs in town, and taking the children to hospital/dentist appointments etc. I’m really looking forward to working alongside their social workers to ensure they are set up for the best future arrangements, whether it be a return to their families, or to new foster parents.
Living in the home with the children 24/7 is going to be tough, but it means I will have the opportunity to get to know the children better, and provide additional care; reading bedtime stories for example. Although this may seem like a simple task, it is often what the children appreciate most, as it is something which none of them will have experienced before bedtime back home! It sounds like such an amazing and worthwhile charity and I can’t wait to fly out there to be a part of it...
With only 6 days to go, i'm starting to get a little nervous...as usual, i'm not prepared at all, but I am going to do my best not to leave everything to the last minute!!! I had my leaving party last night...made it all seem so real!
