Raise the confidence and aspirations of underprivileged women in rural South Africa
South Africa is famed as much for its natural beauty as for its troubled past, making it a fascinating destination for a gap year abroad. While issues of race dominate its history, gender issues are a growing concern and this women’s empowerment project gives you the opportunity to make a positive impact while you travel.
We partner a community development organisation that works in the winelands region of the Western Cape, where farming communities struggle against hardship. Women of this region face issues of poverty, illiteracy, dependency and inequality, creating a real need for the support of volunteer projects.
Gap year volunteer role: As a volunteer in South Africa on this community project you can support local women as they struggle to deal with the social issues that affect them in their day-to-day lives. Your voluntary work can help women to pursue healthy and sustainable livelihoods, as you address issues such as health, women’s rights and family income.
Gap year volunteers can help by sharing skills and information, supporting the development of small businesses, teaching basic English or simply by being a positive role model!
An essential aspect of this women’s empowerment role is providing childcare for local children, as this gives mothers the free time to run errands and attend classes. Within this community development programme there are also opportunities to teach and to support local feeding schemes.
Your gap year experience: By volunteering in South Africa you can support underprivileged communities in a nation characterised by contrast. Living and working in the Western Cape exposes gap year volunteers to both ends of the economic spectrum, where privilege meets poverty.
Your voluntary work can help to raise women’s awareness and aspirations, as you teach language and vocational skills and provide education on issues such as hygiene and childcare. This women’s empowerment role can be incredibly varied and rewards those who commit with enthusiasm and energy.
A gap year in South Africa is an opportunity to discover one of the most charismatic countries in Africa. Located just outside of Cape Town, this volunteer project is perfectly placed to let you enjoy the stunning scenery and Mediterranean climate of the Western Cape.