Little Faces Full of Achievement

I arrived in Cape Town just over a week ago, and although it’s my second time in South Africa, it’s been, so far, completely incomparable to anything before.  First off, the GVI co-ordinators are amazing – they have so much experience and passion for what they are doing, you feel like you’re with family already. The volunteers are all here for the same reason and it’s not long before everyone has “in” jokes and “wind-ups”; you feel like you’ve known everyone forever because you all care about the same thing.

Last week and this week I have been teaching Class A - Five 2-3 year olds. To begin with it’s daunting planning a lesson but once you get through the first day, all the rest go by way too fast. Each child is such an individual with their own likes, mood swings, and personalities. Sometimes they’re naughty and challenging but it’s the best feeling when they learn something new – seeing their little faces full of achievement is brilliant.

I chose to volunteer rather than to do more travelling, because I wanted to have the chance to settle somewhere for a while to really get to know the place and the people. Volunteering with GVI has allowed us to do everything; experience a different way of life, meet amazing new people, and be part of something important.

Katie Glackin - Orphanage Volunteer

Little Faces Full of Achievement