From $2050
HOSPICE & MEDICAL PROJECT IN CAPE TOWN
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Impact:
Medical & Healthcare
Destination:
Cape Town, South Africa
Duration:
3 Weeks+
Fee: From $2,050
This cost covers your accommodation, meals, project fees, transfers, 24/7 support and in-country orientation.
Discount:
Group Bookings Only
SDG’s: 
Strengthen and Support South Africa's Public Healthcare System
South Africa’s healthcare system presents a unique tapestry, woven with both strengths and challenges. The public sector, serving the majority of the population, faces the immense task of catering to extensive needs with limited resources. While the private sector offers advanced care, its accessibility remains restricted for many. This intricate system navigates various obstacles, including a shortage of medical professionals and the ever-present strain on public facilities.
As a hospice and medical volunteer, you’ll directly support healthcare professionals, alleviating their workload and enabling them to focus on critical patient assessments and treatment plans. Whether it’s assisting with basic healthcare tasks or providing administrative support, your efforts will contribute significantly to the smooth functioning of these vital organizations.
Project Highlights
Here are some top highlights from this project.
PROVIDE RESTORATIVE CARE
Assist adults in managing chronic illnesses, referred by healthcare professionals for recovery.
SPREAD THE WORD
Partner with entities to deliver health related information.
GAIN EXPERIENCE
As you work alongside nurses and senior healthcare professionals.
HOLISTIC WELL-BEING
Support every patient's physical, mental and emotional health during their recovery.
TIME TO EXPLORE
Unwind and explore Cape Town during your down time.
Project Destination
Join us in the multi award-winning Cape Town
South Africa’s crown jewel, Cape Town is a city of breathtaking contrasts. Dominated by the flat-topped Table Mountain, this coastal metropolis blends urban sophistication with natural splendor. Sun-soaked beaches curve around the peninsula, while the bustling V&A Waterfront pulses with shopping and dining. The city’s cultural tapestry weaves together diverse influences, reflected in its art, cuisine, and vibrant street life. From hiking in fynbos-covered mountains to exploring world-class museums, Cape Town offers volunteers a captivating blend of experiences.
Project Impact Areas
Here’s how you will create significant impact through the Hospice & Medical Volunteering Project in Cape Town.
Respite Care
The overburdened South African public healthcare system often struggles to meet the needs of individuals with chronic illnesses, leaving many without access to proper care and support. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for medical volunteers to support respite care in Cape Town, a vital service that provides temporary relief and alleviates the burden on families and caregivers.
UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Health Education
Share your passion and expertise in health education, empowering individuals and communities through our medical volunteer projects in Cape Town. Partner with local schools, training centers, and support groups. Deliver impactful talks on crucial topics like HIV prevention, healthy eating, cervical cancer awareness, and women’s well-being. Together, let’s build a healthier future, one informed community at a time.
UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Community Focus
Work daily with a dedicated healthcare team, including a senior nurse and three carers, in underserved communities. Volunteer for hospice care, providing essential medical support and compassionate care to patients, ensuring they have the resources needed to manage their health conditions effectively.
UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Important Logistics and Ground Support
Everything you need to know about this project in one place!
Flights & Arrivals
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport on your start date which is always a Monday. We offer convenient airport transfers between 9am and 3pm. Look for the African Impact sign, and our friendly team will be there to greet you with a warm welcome!
Location
Situated between the majestic Table Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the expansive Indian Ocean, Cape Town offers volunteers a unique mix of experiences. Engage in exciting outdoor adventures and immerse yourself in South Africa’s rich history and culture. Explore the historic Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held as a political prisoner, or join a free walking tour of the city to understand the intricacies of Apartheid. In Cape Town, the past and present merge to create an unforgettable tapestry of experiences.
Accommodation
You will stay in a spacious guesthouse in the center of town, with views towards Lion’s Head and just a few minutes from trendy Kloof street. There are several bedrooms that can sleep between 4-8 people, in single beds or bunk beds, and there are shared bathroom facilities with hot water showers. Bed linen will be provided, and a cleaning service will attend to your room daily.
Meals
Volunteers will enjoy delicious meals in our communal dining room. Start your day with continental-style breakfasts, returning for a cooked lunch and a balanced dinner with your fellow volunteers. Some project days, you’ll be provided with a packed lunch. We can cater for dietary requirements provided enough notice is given to our team.
Communication
South Africa has a few different cellular network providers, for which SIM cards can be purchased from most shops or at the airport. Various package options allow for phone calls and/or data usage. At the guesthouse there is free WiFi to enable you to make contact with home.
Climate
Cape Town has a Mediterranean-style climate: wet and cool winters, dry and warm summers. The annual average temperature in Cape Town is a delightful 17°C (62°F). During the months of March, April, May, October, November, and December you are most likely to experience good weather with average temperatures that fall between 20°C (68°F) and 25°C (77°F).
The months of June, July, and August have a high chance of rain. Cape Town has dry periods in January, February, November, and December. The warmest month is January with temperatures as high as 35°C (95°F). The coldest month is August with an average maximum temperature of 17°C (62°F).
Staff
Meet Chris van Zyl, a versatile professional whose career spans from factory management to rhino conservation. Initially an anti-poaching ranger, Chris transitioned to guiding, recognizing the power of sharing his passion to make a broader impact. His industry connections enabled him to rescue and relocate lions from canned hunting facilities. Recently, Chris has expanded his focus to include community-based projects, finding this work particularly rewarding. Now, he dedicates himself to inspiring future generations, sharing his expertise in both conservation and community development. Chris’s journey exemplifies how diverse experiences can converge into a meaningful career that bridges environmental protection with social progress.
Safety
Our projects are fully committed to safeguarding our volunteers, staff, the communities we work in, and the environment. Our base has dedicated outsourced security staff patrolling 24/7, and our team members are trained in various Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) competencies. Our base is equipped with fire extinguisher equipment and has fire escape and evacuation plans in place. All base vehicles are well-maintained at prescribed intervals, and our drivers possess valid licenses and are knowledgeable about safe routes in the townships. Township projects take place in enclosed venues to ensure safety. We have policies and procedures designed to protect everyone involved, including a child protection policy that extends to our underage participants and the children in the communities we serve. Upon arrival, you will be inducted by our trained staff on these policies, procedures, and our code of conduct to ensure you understand how to keep yourself safe and informed.
Project Gallery
Our favourite weekend activities in Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, the jewel of South Africa, offers volunteers an exhilarating array of weekend adventures. From scaling the iconic Table Mountain to lounging on pristine beaches, the Mother City caters to every taste. Culture enthusiasts will relish the vibrant arts scene, colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, and bustling markets.
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Project FAQs
Do I need to have a medical qualification to join this project?
Our hospice and medical volunteering project in Cape Town does not require you to be a qualified doctor or healthcare practitioner, nor does it require you to be a medical student. You will be working alongside and supporting qualified doctors and nurses who will be by your side for all project work. Your passion to make a difference is all that is required to join this project.
Is this project a good fit for me if I'm interested in healthcare?
Absolutely! Volunteering at a hospice is an ideal opportunity for individuals, particularly those considering careers in medicine or nursing, to gain valuable experience in a unique healthcare setting. You’ll witness firsthand the importance of compassionate care and gain insights into hospice support, while also contributing meaningfully to the well-being of patients and their families.
What vaccinations are recommended for participating in this project?
For hospice and medical volunteering in Cape Town, several vaccinations are typically advised. Here’s a general list:
- Routine vaccinations: Ensure you’re up-to-date on routine vaccines such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), polio, and influenza.
- Hepatitis A and B: Recommended for most travelers, especially those working in healthcare settings.
- Typhoid: Recommended for most travelers, particularly if you’ll be working in rural areas.
- Yellow Fever: Not required for entry to South Africa, but may be required if you’re traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
It’s important to note that vaccination recommendations can change and may vary based on your specific situation, including your health status, the exact location of your volunteer work, and current health advisories. Always consult with a travel health specialist or your healthcare provider at least 4-6 weeks before your trip for the most up-to-date and personalized advice.
How can I make the most of my volunteer experience in Cape Town?
Be open to new experiences, embrace the local culture, and actively participate in program activities. Take initiative, ask questions, and connect with fellow volunteers and community members. Remember, volunteering is a two-way street – you have the opportunity to learn and grow just as much as you contribute to the community.
