Gap year & Travel News

Leapers model the latest builder fashions in South Africa

September’s South Africa team did us proud by using their Leap donation to help at-risk children in the townships near to Kwa Madwala. After spending a week teaching at Mjokwane School they felt they wanted to give something extra to the kids, many of whom had lost their parents to HIV/AIDS. After interviewing the children they decided to build a house for two orphaned boys who were living in a shabby metal shack.

Before!

After!

So, the nine Leap volunteers set to with construction; drawing up a budget, sourcing the materials from local building suppliers, recruiting local people to help and mixing cement like their lives depended on it! They quickly became local celebrities with kids lining up to squeeze their muscles (yes Charlie, we mean you!) and making headline news in the local paper.

Charlie gives one lucky boy a ticket to the gun show!

It took the team about a week to finish the two bedroomed house, working in between their other Leap projects in the game reserve. The two boys couldn’t have been happier when, at the end of the week the Leapers threw them a house warming party. One of the team, Jon Scott says the whole community joined in the celebrations dancing for hours (one very enthusiastic boy more than most!) and helping the boys settle into their new home.

The cost of every Leap Team placement includes a volunteer donation of up to £100, in most cases Leapers choose how this is invested.

How will you make a difference…?