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Valerie joined us this year in South Africa as part of a Law and Human Rights programme. She has shared such a rich story with us, which we are excited to share with you. Read on to hear all about her time in South Africa!
Arriving in South Africa and Meeting the Team
For me, South Africa felt like home because I had grown up there, athough I’d not been back in over 10 years.
I did not set any strict expectations before leaving, because I wanted to approach the experience with an open mind, but I can confidently say I gained far more than I could have imagined. The placement allowed me to grow personally and professionally, to build relationships with people I will never forget, and to experience South Africa in a way that was both meaningful and authentic.
At the community foundation where we stayed, Sister Cynthia and the team took great care of us and made us feel welcome from the very beginning. I never felt like a visitor as they integrated us into daily life so quickly. I loved staying in both accommodations, the hotel and the community organisation, although I quickly began to miss the foundation after moving away because of the unique sense of family there. The hotel staff were incredibly kind and welcoming as well, and we became good friends with them, which made the stay even more special. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel at home, including Mphilo, Rachael, Nandipha, Dee, Grant, and even the owner, who we had the chance to meet and share stories and drinks with. There are far more names than I can list, but what stands out most is that we were truly rich in support, and kindness throughout the two months.
Both places offered a sense of comfort and safety, and each provided opportunities to build meaningful connections that enriched the whole experience.
Meeting the other Volunteers!
I got along very well with the other volunteers. We made lifelong friends on this trip, and I am really grateful for the group I went with. Vocational Impact’s decision to put us in contact with each other before we started made a huge difference, as we had already begun building a connection before we even arrived. For some of the volunteers who live geographically closer to me, we have already planned future meetups, but that does not mean I grew closer to them more than others!
Each person brought something unique to the group, and I valued those relationships equally. I really appreciate everyone I worked with, as they made the experience of living, working, and travelling through South Africa so much easier and more meaningful. The openness and outgoing nature of the group made even someone like me, an introvert, feel completely comfortable and included. We bonded quickly and naturally, whether during work, at the foundation, back at the hotel, or simply while spending time together day to day. Those friendships made the entire experience even more special and unforgettable.
Over the course of the programme, we were involved in both community and legal work that made the experience incredibly meaningful.
Volunteering on a Law and Human Rights Programme
Carol, despite her heavy workload, made sure we settled in and gave us direction to get started. The first week was mostly reading and familiarising ourselves with the work, which at first seemed slow, but as time went on we began to understand the importance of that foundation. Gradually, we got to know the colleagues better, and what started as a formal work environment grew into genuine friendships. The office dynamic became one where we supported each other, and every person’s contribution mattered. By the end, I felt like we were not just interns tagging along but part of a team working toward shared goals.
At the same time, working at the law organisation gave me the chance to contribute to client submissions, legal drafting, and case preparation, which was both challenging and rewarding.
During my time at the law foundation, I worked with around 45 clients on a range of refugee and asylum matters. I drafted submissions that supported successful appeals against Home Affairs decisions, secured renewals of vital documents, and assisted with applications for asylum. I was also involved in client consultations, where I interviewed clients, gathered evidence, and prepared case files. This gave me a real insight into how important it is to build trust and listen carefully to people’s stories. Alongside this, I prepared case summaries, legal reports, and policy documents, and I also contributed to a project looking into corruption in South Africa’s immigration system. These experiences gave me the chance to use my legal research and drafting skills in a practical way, and to see first-hand the difference that this kind of work can make for vulnerable communities.
This work built on my legal education but also gave me opportunities that go far beyond university. I drafted submissions, wrote case summaries, and conducted legal research, which connected closely to the skills I am developing in my studies. I was also trusted to take client consultations on my own, interviewing clients, gathering evidence, and preparing case files from start to finish. That experience was invaluable because it gave me the chance to practice communication and problem-solving in real situations where the stakes were incredibly high.
I threw myself into every case with passion and quickly understood the weight of what we were doing for our clients. These activities were directly relevant to my studies because they showed me how the law works in practice, but more importantly, they gave me confidence and skills that cannot be gained in the classroom. This work was the most educational part of the programme. Drafting submissions, writing reports, preparing case files, and sitting with clients showed me just how different real practice is compared to what you study. I learned how important it is to adapt quickly, to work carefully as part of a team, and to recognise that every small action carries weight when people’s lives depend on it.
The most life-changing part was realising how much corruption is destroying the lives of so many of our clients. Hearing their stories first-hand was both eye-opening and heartbreaking. It was not something you could just read about or imagine, it was something I saw directly in the cases we worked on. It made me understand the law in a new way, it opened my eyes to how powerful and important the law really is, but also how fragile life can become when that system fails. That has changed how I see my role in law and the kind of lawyer I want to become.
Everyone supported us throughout the experience, but our main supervisors were Carol and Tumelo. I am incredibly grateful for the whole team’s willingness to involve us and help us grow. What stood out most was how much responsibility and independence I was given at the law clinic. Putting it into words will never be enough, because the responsibility I was trusted with and the confidence I gained went far beyond what I thought would be possible. This was not a regular internship experience, it was a genuine life experience that challenged me, pushed me to grow, and showed me what I am capable of.
I also took clients independently, and even something as simple as listening became something I learned to treat as an art, because it was often the most important support I could give. On top of that, some of the stories I heard were truly heartbreaking and eye-opening, giving me a much deeper understanding of what is happening all over the world. Each case reminded me of the human side of the law and the weight that legal work carries in shaping people’s futures. I found myself fully invested in every client I worked with, taking on their stories with care and passion. The trust they placed in me and the responsibility I was given made me realise that the work we were doing was not just about law in theory, but about people’s lives in reality. That realisation is something that will stay with me forever.
Community Outreach In South Africa
Arriving at the community organisation was the warmest welcome I had ever received. The kids did not even know us yet, but they received me as though I was a friend returning after a long time. Very quickly, we became the best of friends with the younger ones, and I instantly felt a sense of belonging. It took about a week longer to make friends with the older kids and the mums, as they at first assumed we were only there for the younger children. Once we got to know each other properly, we connected quickly, and before long we had built strong bonds and a great relationship with the whole community. The sense of acceptance and belonging extended far beyond my expectations, and it truly set the tone for the rest of my experience.
At the organisation, we set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the kids, and with the support of family and friends we were able to make a real contribution. We also organised activities like swimming trips, movie nights, and regular visits for games, which allowed us to spend quality time together and build trust and friendships.
My time with the community outreach was both wonderful and eye opening. The experience was filled with joy but it was also at times heartbreaking because it never felt like we could do enough for the children in the time we had. Still, we gave our very best during our stay, and the love and openness we received in return was unforgettable. Even though our placement has ended, we will continue to show our support from afar and remain connected to the community, because the impact of this experience will stay with us. The team here – such as Thabo, Simo, Cynthia, and many of the mums – welcomed us and made us feel part of their community.
My time at the organisation gave me a broader perspective on the social impact that legal work can have. Fundraising, organising activities, and supporting the children outside of a legal setting reminded me of the importance of empathy and community engagement.
Adventuring In South Africa
We made the most of our time outside of work and went on so many unforgettable adventures. One of the biggest highlights was the free falls at the Soweto Towers, which was both terrifying and exhilarating. We also visited museums, explored the townships, and tried to take in as much culture and history as possible. There was so much more to do than we could ever fit in!
One of the best things we did was make a list of the experiences everyone wanted to have and put a cost next to each of them. That helped us stay organised and budget properly. I would definitely recommend trips to places like Zimbabwe, Durban, and Cape Town if possible, because they add so much to the whole experience.
Evenings and weekends were some of the most special times, because they allowed us to bond with each other outside of our placements. The nightlife was incredible, and it helped that we had people who knew the areas and could guide us around safely. Sharing meals together was one of my favourite parts, as we often sat down to talk about what each group had done in their respective programmes. I can confidently say we never ran out of things to talk about, and I personally did not watch a single movie or show on Netflix the entire time because there was always something happening or to talk about that it was always enough. We also went to the cinema, planned dinners together every now and then, and just enjoyed being in each other’s company.
South Africa is a country that you don’t just see, you feel it in every sense. The music, the food, the energy of the people, and the landscapes all created an atmosphere that was both vibrant and grounding. It was not only beautiful to look at but something you could experience through taste, sound, and connection. That magic is something that is hard to put into words, but it left a lasting impression.
Tips for future Volunteers
My biggest tip is to never be afraid to try something new, because if you hesitate, you may miss out on opportunities you’ll never get again.
For packing, the lifesavers were things that kept me comfortable and prepared for long days out, but the most important thing to bring is genuine excitement and openness. That mindset made everything about the programme, from work to travel, so much more meaningful.
My biggest advice is to go into the experience with an open mind. Be ready to say yes to opportunities, try new things, and embrace every part of the programme, even the moments that may feel challenging at first.
When it comes to time at the community organisation, please do not overlook the older kids and the mums. It might feel easier to focus on the younger children at first, but taking the time to build those connections is so worthwhile and will give you some of the most meaningful relationships of your placement.
I would absolutely encourage my friends and peers to do this placement. It is an experience that combines professional development with genuine community engagement, and that balance is rare to find. You grow in ways that you cannot at university alone, both academically and personally. Others should do this placement because it challenges you, shows you new perspectives, and allows you to make a real contribution.
Making and Feeling the Impact
The three things that stand out most are: the fundraiser that showed how collective effort can make an impact; the joy of bonding with the children during activities; and the professional growth I experienced at the law clinic, where I did more than I initially thought possible.
Taken together, these experiences have made me feel more well-rounded as a future lawyer, combining both technical legal expertise and people-focused insight, and I know this will guide and strengthen my career going forward.
I do feel that I made an impact and supported the projects, even if in small ways. At the community organisation, it was not just about the activities we organised like swimming trips, games, and movie nights – but also about being present and consistent. The bonds we built with the children and the mums gave them a sense of care and connection that I hope continues to mean something even after we left.
At the Law and Human Rights clinic, I was able to contribute to casework and client submissions that directly affected people’s lives. Knowing that the work I did helped clients secure documents or strengthen their asylum cases gave me a real sense that I was supporting the team and the wider mission. While I know there is always more that can be done, I left with the feeling that my time and effort added real value to both placements
Without a doubt, the placement has already had a strong impact on both my studies and my future career path. At the law foundation, I developed practical skills such as client interviewing, drafting submissions, and carrying out legal research. I also learned how to work independently, take initiative, and handle responsibility in a professional setting. The experience strengthened my ability to manage time, adapt quickly, and collaborate effectively as part of a legal team. From a career perspective, it connects directly to my ambition of working in law on an international level. Being exposed to different legal systems and working with clients from a wide range of backgrounds gave me resilience, cultural awareness, and the confidence to know that I can adapt to new environments. The amount of confidence I gained in myself is immeasurable, and it has truly shaped how I see my future career and the areas of law I want to pursue.
