Denis, Business administration apprentice, South Africa

The motivation

This year, the Turing Scheme was opened to apprentices for the first time. I was eager to take advantage of this opportunity.

As a Staff Apprentice, I had different responsibilities, particularly in coordinating the Turing Scheme as part of my day-to-day job. However, I wanted to experience first hand what the placements are like in South Africa. This would help me understand the programme better and enable me to support our HRUC students in having an unforgettable and enriching experience.

The placement

I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer with United Through Sport, a charity dedicated to supporting young people from disadvantaged communities.

Over four weeks, alongside helping to coordinate the programme for our HRUC learners, I also coached a variety of sports, assisted in teaching subjects like maths and English, and worked in a childcare setting with children aged 1-6.

My placement was a real eye-opening and unforgettable experience. It taught me that, while you may not be able to change the world, you can absolutely change someone’s world. Whether it’s for the young people being supported, who gain confidence and new opportunities, or for the volunteers, who develop new skills and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by others – every small action can make a big difference.

This experience highlighted how even the smallest contributions can have a lasting impact, both on others and on ourselves.

The location

Gqeberha felt so much safer than I initially thought it would. The community was welcoming and made us feel at ease throughout our stay.

I really enjoyed the excursions that were organised for us, especially the overnight stay at Jeffrey’s Bay. The warm hospitality of the people in Gqeberha made the experience even more memorable. The kindness and friendliness of everyone we met truly stood out.