Volunteer Home Construction in South Africa

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Volunteer Community Building Project in South Africa

Mixing concrete

Whether you are volunteering on a gap year, between semesters, or for a career break or vacation, if you want to get your hands dirty and see physical results from your international volunteer work then our Community Building Project may just be for you.

Building volunteers work in Cape Town in the townships of Lavender Hill, Grassy Park, and Imizamo and are involved in helping to construct buildings for local orphanages and care centers in the communities we work with.

Volunteer Building Project in South Africa with Projects Abroad

Volunteers work alongside local workers assisting with all levels of building and construction. The buildings are made using an eco-bag system. Eco-bags are filled with sand and using this technique it is possible to build better quality houses for less money, while also using Earth-friendly materials.

These construction techniques are simple to master and are ideal for sites with limited facilities. No electricity is required at the site and only minimal amounts of water and cement are necessary.

Many of the projects also focus on improving existing structures that are in inadequate. Our volunteers work to make big improvements, whether by building a new classroom for a kindergarten or a new bedroom at an orphanage.

Volunteering on the Community Building Project in South Africa

Building project picture in South AfricaThe volunteer work will vary, but includes digging a foundation in the sand, mixing and pouring cement by shovel and wheelbarrow, placing cinderblocks to build walls and rooms, building a roof, or putting the finishing coat of paint on the completed house.

The building work takes place early in the morning and late in the afternoon so you'll have plenty of time to get involved in township life. Each site is overseen by a qualified builder from the community. This person will help volunteers and homeowners with the construction process.

You do not need previous building experience to take part in this project. Anyone who does have any relevant skills will be very welcome and will be able to take on a more specialized role. All volunteers should be in shape and prepared for working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

This project is available for less than a month if you don't have time to join us for a month or more. This project has been selected by our local colleagues as being suitable for shorter durations for both the host community and the volunteer. Although you will gain valuable cultural insight and work intensely within the local community please be aware that you may not be able to make the same impact as someone participating for a longer period.


All volunteers taking part in any of the Cape Town based projects in South Africa have the opportunity to add a 7-Day Conservation Project to the end of their main placement. For more information visit our Conservation in South Africa project page.