Volunteering is a rewarding experience, allowing individuals to give back to the community and contribute to important causes such as education, environmental conservation and healthcare.
With a variety of reputable organisations offering volunteer programs in and around the city, there are opportunities for everyone to make a positive impact in Cape Town.
Here are some spots to volunteer at in and around the city:
1. The Homestead
The Homestead is an NPO that provides shelter, education and support to street children and vulnerable youth in the city by operating a number of programmes aimed at providing long-term solutions.
These programs include emergency shelter services, transitional housing, education and skills development programs and family reunification services.
The organisation’s emergency shelter program provides a safe and secure temporary home for street children who are in crisis. The shelter provides basic needs such as food, clothing, and medical care, as well as counselling and other support services to help these children overcome their challenges.
Volunteers at The Homestead can assist with a variety of tasks, including tutoring, mentoring, recreational activities, administrative tasks and fundraising.
2. The Haven Night Shelter
The Haven Night Shelter provides emergency shelter, basic needs, and support services to homeless individuals and families in the city.
The organisation operates numerous shelters throughout Cape Town, each with its own unique set of programs and services designed to help individuals experiencing homelessness regain their independence and become self-sufficient.
In addition to emergency shelter services, The Haven Night Shelter also offers a range of programmes and services aimed at helping individuals experiencing homelessness rebuild their lives, including skills training and job placement, education and literacy programs, counselling and support services and addiction and recovery programs.
Volunteers at The Haven Night Shelter can assist with a variety of tasks, including meal preparation and service, clothing and hygiene item distribution, administrative tasks, and tutoring and mentoring services.
3. Soil for Life
Soil for Life focuses on promoting sustainable food gardening and improving food security for individuals and communities. The organisation’s mission is to empower individuals and communities to grow their own food using environmentally sustainable methods.
Soil for Life offers a range of services to help individuals and communities start and maintain their own food gardens as well as training and support in sustainable living practices and nutrition.
Volunteers at Soil for Life can assist with a range of tasks, including gardening and farming activities, administrative tasks, fundraising and education and awareness campaigns.
Volunteers can also provide mentorship and support to individuals and communities starting their own food gardens.
Also read: Opportunities for volunteering with animals in Cape Town
4. Cape Mental Health
Cape Mental Health provides mental health services and support to individuals and communities in the Western Cape. The organisation aims to promote mental health, prevent mental illness and improve the lives of individuals affected by mental health challenges.
The organisation offers therapy services, support groups and vocational and rehabilitation services to help individuals with mental health challenges find employment and achieve financial independence.
Volunteers can assist with administrative tasks, fundraising and community outreach efforts, and event planning and coordination.
5. Scalabrini Refugee Centre
The Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town provides support, advocacy and services to refugees, asylum seekers, and other migrants in Cape Town, aiming to help them build new lives in South Africa.
The centre offers legal assistance and advocacy, psychosocial support, education and training and livelihoods support as well as accommodation, food and other basic necessities to refugees and asylum seekers.
They provide education and training programs that help refugees and migrants learn new skills and find employment opportunities and participate in cultural activities.
Volunteers can help with administrative tasks, assist with education and training programs and generally help people adjust to new lives in South Africa.
6. The Cape Town Society for the Blind
The Cape Town Society for the Blind (CTSB) provides a range of services to people who are blind or visually impaired, including vocational training, mobility training and social and recreational activities.
The organisation’s vocational training program aims to equip visually impaired individuals with the skills needed to become self-sufficient.
The mobility training program helps individuals with visual impairment to learn how to navigate the world around them, with the organisation also providing social and recreational activities.
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Picture: Ladles of Love