Lyndsey volunteered with us on a psychology and criminology placement in South Africa this past summer!
“You will come back so enriched with knowledge. I would 100% encourage anyone that could benefit from going on this trip to do so!”
Hear all about how she got on…
Arriving in Johannesburg
I felt very ready to go out to South Africa as I was well equipped with information. I chose to come into the country with an open mind but I came to realise quickly how kind and caring the people are.
The hotel was such a comforting place to stay. You are so well looked after and build up a friendship with the workers. You just know you can go to them with any needs and it would be sorted with no doubts. Again, I went into the organisations with an open mind as well – I just wanted to learn in depth what it is that they do. The staff were always accommodating to your needs, and I got along very well with the volunteers too.
Volunteering on the Psychology Programme
I really enjoyed my time at the foundation, and particularly enjoyed the court preparation day with the kids. Although I took a bit more of an observatory approach, I was able to see how beneficial it was for the kids and how for the younger ones especially were having fun with the toy dogs. Other things I did on my programme included outreach programmes, training days and event working. While focussing on gender based violence we were able to see a safe house, a sensory space and visit the diversion programme (which breaks the cycle of abuse).
Other outings included visiting a mental health support house and giving talks on gender-based violence, as well as working on community outreach to gain petition signatures and visit companies and stakeholders for donations.
Standout Experiences and Relating them to University Studies!
A stand out experience for me was visiting the police station and meeting Paula. I felt so invested in her work and it really opened my mind to what I want to do in my future.
I don’t believe there was a “most” educational experience as the whole time I spent out there I learned something every day. I did also take part in networking, whihc meant helping get in touch with people and spreading awareness for an education event we were part of, and I directly learnt about programs and the system that directly links to what I learn at university. I 1000% I believe this experience will make me stand out from other candidates.
Adventuring in South Africa!
Most evenings we stayed in the hotel for dinner but every so often we would go out and have dinner elsewhere. But we went on a lot of adventures on our placement! A graffiti tour; market shopping; apartheid museum; Johannesburg nightlife; quad biking; a beach day; animal sanctuaries; safari; horse riding and a spa! We also took a 3 day trip to Knysna and explored the area.
For future volunteers: I would definitely go into the trip with some loose ideas of what you want to do with your weekends. You will often find that the other volunteers are on a very similar page to you! We made sure every weekend we had something planned as it gives you something to look forward to.
Making an Impact and Parting Wisdom
I do think I left behind an impact, but obviously much smaller in comparison to the team and the locals! I still feel I have left my little mark on some of the people I have met. Always stay open minded and absorb everything that everyone tells you, that way you will come back so enriched with knowledge. I would 100% encourage anyone that could benefit from going on this trip to do so!
