13 March 2025
Danielle Schittenhelm
August 2023- July 2024
Hey,
I am Dani and I was at iKhaya for 11 months. I directly went to iKhaya after graduating school and it was the best decision I made in my life so far. I spent a lot of time with the kids doing ECD program, helping out and playing with the babies, helping out in the storeroom, doing school runs and fetching food donations. The different age groups and different responsibilities and tasks makes it such a special place. My time here at iKhaya was a blessing and changed my life forever. It really encourages, changes you and will give you more back than you could ever imagine.
The African culture is so warm and welcoming and the church on the property welcomes you with open arms and hearts. IKhaya is not just a working spot but a full life experience and you will get a lot of love, appreciation, growth and blessing back.
Much love
Danielle
Fee Hiller
August 2023 - July 2024
Hey Hey,
My name is Fee and I volunteered at iKhaya for 11 months.
It was always been my dream to travel after graduating from high school, but also to do something more meaningful than just that.
I really wanted to invest myself and help out, outside of school and university. And also take the time and create space to explore my relationship with God further.
It turned out that iKhaya was just the right place for that.
Someday I would love to study psychology. Since I already majored in psychology in high school, the work at iKhaya really helped me to get a better and more practical understanding of the different lives and minds outside of the space I grew up in. Getting to know the kids and being able to walk with them, this part of their journey has been one of the most precious experiences to me. It brought me so much joy to witness each and everyone’s personal development over time. For example how they discover their own abilities, how they learn a new skill and improve in that, to watch how their personalities unfold or how they develop their own sense of humour. I also really enjoyed working together in a team with the staff, and to learn more about their culture and language and eventually becoming friends with them.
One of the greatest gifts I received in my time in South Africa, are the relationships I got to build with fellow volunteers, former volunteers, kids, staff, young adults and elders from Solid Ground Church. I got to really appreciate the hospitality and intentionality of the people here.
When I got to iKhaya, I really wanted to help and make a difference - have a positive impact, but it actually ended up being the other way around. My work at iKhaya, and also the time I spent with the community has significantly impacted and shaped me and my perception of many things in a very positive way.
I have been blessed in so many ways and really experienced God’s presence, guidance, provision and grace. iKhaya, became a Home to me and will always hold a very special place in my heart.
I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to come and serve here in South Africa, for these 11 months.
Rebecca Abt
October 2023 - July 2024
Hey there, I‘m Rebecca and I volunteered at ikhaya for 9 months, which was a blessing in so many ways! I am incredibly grateful for the people I met, the lessons I learned, and the many joyful moments I experienced.
Ikhaya likaBaba is such a special place that feels like a family. The community of Ikhaya and Solid Ground Church welcomed us with open arms, made us feel at home from the very beginning.
During my time there, I grew in so many areas—practical work, taking responsibility, entertaining kids, and much more. Ikhaya was the perfect place for me to explore and develop new skills. I especially enjoyed teaching the kids in the preschool program, helping with homework, and driving to different places. I’ve learned that building a relationship with children is key to gaining access to them, teaching them something, and earning their respect.
I am truly grateful to everyone who made this experience possible and supported me along the way. And thanks to God as well, who was faithful throughout the whole year & gave me solutions in situations when I was really challenged.
I will always cherish this amazing time, the wonderful people I met, and the valuable lessons I learned.