I did the Teach Children and Surf in Cape Town project with GoEco and it was the most amazing trip of my life!
I stayed at a hostel and worked with the local organization stationed there. In the mornings we would volunteer at the DuNoon township, which was a very impoverished area where most children do not have the opportunity to go to school.
We would spend 3-4 hours every morning teaching 3-5 year old children English, doing puzzles, playing outdoor games, and playing on their small play ground. Their classroom was a large storage container on the far corner of the township. Volunteering at the township every morning was difficult at times, but was also one of the most rewarding parts of my experience.
Our afternoons consisted of 1.5 hours of personal surf time including instruction from an awesome surf instructor if you needed it. Once we were done with our surf session, 13-15 year old students would arrive and we would spend another 1.5 hours with them doing exercises and playing games on the beach to warm up. We then hoped in the water and assisted them with their surfing. You did not have to be a professional instructor, but rather needed to stay out in the water with them to make sure they stayed safe, and give them the occasional power boost through the water!
Every week night and weekend we had to ourselves. You had to be responsible on week nights since you are committed to volunteer every morning, but there was a great night life scene within walking distance, so we were still able go out and get back at a reasonable time during the week if we wanted. On the weekends, downtown Cape Town was a short 20 minute cab ride away. Also, you could take bigger multiple day adventure trips, which I highly recommend, and everyone there took advantage of.
Doing a volunteer abroad opportunity with GoEco is the perfect way to see a new part of the world. They will connect you with a great group of people in the area that will make sure you are safe and always busy volunteering or exploring the country! GoEco has so many amazing opportunities and I recommend you try to take advantage of at least 1 of them!!!
