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United States
This was an incredible experience! SYI is an amazing program that really and truly is making a positive impact in the community. The program gives local kids a safe place to spend the day and provides them with education, entertainment, and a community hub. I worked as an educator, game leader, food server, painter, and hospital observer during the 8 days I was there. Joshua makes sure you get to try a variety of experiences and is open to ideas for projects. During the week, I spent around 6 hrs at SYI, including a ~2 hr lunch break. The accommodation and provided food was good.
6 months ago
Thanks for the recommendations well definitely work on this.
Portugal
My experience with SYI was absolutely incredible. Everything was very well organized, and I felt respected and supported from the beginning. Joshua was amazing — always helpful and attentive throughout my stay. The volunteer house felt like home, and Joan took great care of me, always preparing amazing meals and making sure I was okay. The work they do with the children is truly inspiring, and being part of it was life-changing. I truly hope to come back one day. I highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for something meaningful ❤️
6 months ago
Denmark
I had two wonderful weeks at the project. The project is very meaningful, and it's rewarding to see the impact it has on the children's daily lives. For most of my stay, I was the only volunteer, which made it a bit harder to explore the area in the afternoons, so those hours sometimes felt long. Other than that, I had a great experience!
7 months ago
Italy
I stayed two weeks at SYI. I was welcomed by Joshua who has always been present and nice. The volunteer house is nice and I enjoyed Joan's company and her cooking. SYI is an amazing project which provides the kids with a safe place as well as the training center for the young adults. I also really liked to go to the public and private schools. These two weeks were sometimes challenging considering the kids have different ages and not everyone speaks English, so it's hard to find an activity that suits all of them, but they were all very nice and welcoming which made everything easier.
7 months ago
Thank you so much for your honest and thoughtful words. It truly means a lot to us.
We’re very happy you felt welcomed and comfortable during your stay. Joan will be so happy to hear you enjoyed her cooking
You’re absolutely right — working with different ages and language levels can be challenging, but your patience and willingness to adapt made a big difference. The children really appreciated your presence and energy.
We’re grateful you chose to spend your time with SYI.
Germany
I spent one month with the project and would highly recommend this experience. It was my first time volunteering and I couldn't have imagined a better start. It took me a few days to get used to the culture and living conditions, but after that I truly felt at home. I felt very welcome from the beginning and really comfortable in the volunteer house. Joshua and the whole team are very supportive, flexible and open to new ideas, and they genuinely care about the well-being of the volunteers. Overall, it was an intense and inspiring experience – thank you for everything!
8 months ago
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words! We’re truly grateful you chose to spend your first volunteering experience with Soweto Youth Initiative. It means a lot to hear that you felt welcomed, supported, and at home with us.
Your openness, ideas, and positive energy made a real impact on our community, and we’re glad the experience was both inspiring and meaningful for you. Wishing you all the best in your future journey—and you’ll always be part of the SYI family.
Portugal
Was an beautiful experience, SYI is doing a great job and was a pleasure to be part of it for 2 weeks. Volunteers house was really nice, meet other internacional Volunteers and Jaon took care of our meal, Joshua was lovely and all his team, the kids were adorable, my favorite part was playing with them. Hope I have the chance to come back in the future and see how they are growing ❤️
8 months ago
Thank you so much . It was a pleasure having you at SYI. We’re glad you enjoyed your time with the team, the volunteer house, and especially the moments with the kids—they loved you too. You’re always welcome back, and we hope to see you again in the future .
Switzerland
Life-changing experience at SYI, an organisation that is sincerely committed to creating hope, perspective and positive change for every person in its community. I learned a lot from the heart-touching children, the dedicated volunteers and the inspiring activities there. A special thanks to Joshua who was an angel, made me feel supported and at home from the very beginning. This is an experience that I will never forget and am sincerely grateful for.
8 months ago
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for these touching words. We’re truly grateful you were part of SYI and for the positive energy you shared with the children and the team. It means a lot to know you felt supported and at home. We wish you all the best, and you’ll always be part of the SYI family .
Spain
Overall, my experience in the project was enriching. The accommodation is comfortable, and Joan is wonderful, always making you feel at home. Joshua and George have big hearts, and their dedication really shows in the project, creating a warm atmosphere together with the rest of the team. Working with the younger children was a highlight — they are full of energy and very affectionate. The schedule can sometimes be a bit longer than expected, but it's manageable and the environment is dynamic. Some moments can be more challenging with teenagers and young adults, so flexibility is key.
5 months ago
Romania
I spent two full weeks at SYI and truly enjoyed being around the kids. I taught them different languages, played games together, learned some basic sign language, and spent meaningful time with them. It was both challenging and rewarding. The team was welcoming and the family at the guesthouse made me feel at home.
9 months ago
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We’re really grateful for the time, effort, and heart you gave to the kids. Your contribution truly made a difference, and we’re glad you felt welcomed and at home with both the team and the guesthouse family. Wishing you all the best on your journey.
Italy
The experience at SYI was amazing. It is an organization that makes a difference, always helping those in need. I felt welcome right away, both by Joshua, who picked me up at the airport, and by Joan, who delighted me with her dishes; but above all I felt welcome by the children, who were very friendly and kind, creating real good relationships with them. I want to thank SYI for the hospitality and the opportunity, hoping to return as soon as possible.
10 months ago
Thank you so much for these beautiful words. We’re truly grateful you were part of SYI and that you felt welcomed from the very beginning. It means a lot to know you connected so well with the children and built genuine relationships with them. Thank you for your contribution, and you’ll always be welcome back.
