Page 126 iStudy Guide 2019/20
P. 126
126
iStudy
2019/20
As part of the community work completed by Siyafunda,
volunteers had the opportunity to visit a local orphanage.
Run by Catholic nuns and teachers, the orphanage was
home to approximately 90 children, ranging from one-
year old babies to 16 year old teens, the majority of
which were diagnosed with HIV. In preparation for the
trip, we went via a bulk-buy store and, with donations
from all the volunteers, purchased essential food and a
few treats to bring to the orphanage. On arrival, we were
bombarded with smiling children who were excited to
show us new trampolines that had just been donated
to them.
After a lot (and I mean a lot) of bouncing, we did face
painting, had a tour of the class rooms and dormitories,
and enjoyed the chocolate puddings we had bought
with the children, which caused a lot of excitement. I
was honoured to spend an hour running around in the
nursery playground with toddlers, happily receiving
many cuddles and high-fives. I bonded with one boy in
particular, and I still remember how big his smile was
to this day. Getting to visit the orphanage, speaking
to the nuns and interacting with the children was a
truly rewarding experience and I would go back in a
heart-beat.
ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS
HOLY FAMILY ORPHANAGE
My volunteer group and I visited a reptile park in
Hoedspruit, home to some of South Africa’s deadliest
snakes, during one of our days off. After wondering
around and gazing at Nile crocodiles, water lizards and
scorpions, we settled in to watch a reptile demonstration
where experienced guides showed off some of their
most poisonous inhabitants. We witnessed the handling
and feeding of black and green mambas, boomslangs
and Mozambique spitting cobras – all from a safe
distance of course! We were taught many interesting
facts about each species including feeding habits,
distribution and venom types.
The park is dedicated to protecting reptiles and educating
visitors on their vital role within the eco-system. We were
lucky enough to be able to handle baboon spiders and a
few (non-venomous) snakes – a thrilling experience. Whist I
can’t say I held the snake for long, being able to hold some of
the reptiles and learn about individual species’ habits made
for a fun afternoon out. The two resident squirrel monkeys
also provided great entertainment by coming to sit on our
shoulders and cheekily swinging from the trees above. We
came away from the Khamai Reptile Park with some great
photos and, thankfully, a secure knowledge of which snakes
to stay clear of when out in the bush.
KHAMAI REPTILE PARK
iStudy
2019/20
As part of the community work completed by Siyafunda,
volunteers had the opportunity to visit a local orphanage.
Run by Catholic nuns and teachers, the orphanage was
home to approximately 90 children, ranging from one-
year old babies to 16 year old teens, the majority of
which were diagnosed with HIV. In preparation for the
trip, we went via a bulk-buy store and, with donations
from all the volunteers, purchased essential food and a
few treats to bring to the orphanage. On arrival, we were
bombarded with smiling children who were excited to
show us new trampolines that had just been donated
to them.
After a lot (and I mean a lot) of bouncing, we did face
painting, had a tour of the class rooms and dormitories,
and enjoyed the chocolate puddings we had bought
with the children, which caused a lot of excitement. I
was honoured to spend an hour running around in the
nursery playground with toddlers, happily receiving
many cuddles and high-fives. I bonded with one boy in
particular, and I still remember how big his smile was
to this day. Getting to visit the orphanage, speaking
to the nuns and interacting with the children was a
truly rewarding experience and I would go back in a
heart-beat.
ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS
HOLY FAMILY ORPHANAGE
My volunteer group and I visited a reptile park in
Hoedspruit, home to some of South Africa’s deadliest
snakes, during one of our days off. After wondering
around and gazing at Nile crocodiles, water lizards and
scorpions, we settled in to watch a reptile demonstration
where experienced guides showed off some of their
most poisonous inhabitants. We witnessed the handling
and feeding of black and green mambas, boomslangs
and Mozambique spitting cobras – all from a safe
distance of course! We were taught many interesting
facts about each species including feeding habits,
distribution and venom types.
The park is dedicated to protecting reptiles and educating
visitors on their vital role within the eco-system. We were
lucky enough to be able to handle baboon spiders and a
few (non-venomous) snakes – a thrilling experience. Whist I
can’t say I held the snake for long, being able to hold some of
the reptiles and learn about individual species’ habits made
for a fun afternoon out. The two resident squirrel monkeys
also provided great entertainment by coming to sit on our
shoulders and cheekily swinging from the trees above. We
came away from the Khamai Reptile Park with some great
photos and, thankfully, a secure knowledge of which snakes
to stay clear of when out in the bush.
KHAMAI REPTILE PARK
