"St Mary's Children's Home has been running since 1902. The home provides residential care for around 60 children who have been placed there for various reasons. Some children will have suffered from abuse in the past (mental, physical, emotional and sometimes sexual), other from neglect or have been orphaned or affected by HIV/AIDS. Many of the children come from informal settlements in the surrounding area and are products of incredibly deprived backgrounds."
My main role will be to assist with the running of the home and the day to day care of the children. This will involve using my initiative to run activities as well as acting as a role model and carer for a group of young children. During my time at the home I will also be helping the children with their homework, going on visits and running events with the other staff members.
I have recently been to the Isle of Coll in Scotland for an intense 4 days of training for my year abroad. During this time I met my partner Linsey who I will be working and living with for the entire year (God help her). I also learnt a lot about South Africa and it's incredible history. Although South Africa as a country has come an awful long way there is still many issues which it must face. On training we were taught about the huge impact HIV and AIDS has on the country. We were told a lot more about our Project and the work we are expected to do. The 4 days was very hard work and tiring but I learnt a lot and feel more confident about leaving for the year.
Days are really going fast and I can feel South Africa getting closer and closer every day, with a 2 week expedition in Slovakia, A-level results and saying goodbye to friends and family I'll be on the plane before I know it. Thank you so much to everyone who has helped me get this far whether it be fundraising or moral support. I am BUZZZZZIIIINNNNGGGGG to be leaving for South Africa and now so happy to know the amazing fellow volunteers who will also be embarking on this great adventure.
