WAGs highlight the plight of South Africa ahead of the World Cup games

June 2, 2010 - PRLog -- With the FIFA World Cup just a few weeks away, the eyes of the world are firmly fixed on South Africa and while fever pitch spreads through much of the country, some of its most famous visitors have been experiencing the less glamorous side of life. As part of the fascinating BBC3 series ‘WAGs, Kids and World Cup Dreams’ 5 WAGs have left behind their hair extensions and credit cards to lend a hand with community work in some of the country’s poorest areas.

The series documents the pampered ladies’ journey across the impoverished and deprived neighbourhoods of South Africa that their high flying partners will never see. Aiming to increase awareness of the difficulties of life in poverty, the WAGs roll up their sleeves to help at a range of volunteer projects where their perceptions and priorities get a drastic overhaul.

Working as volunteers across care homes, orphanages, rehabilitation centres and townships, the WAGs are able to provide a valuable insight into the struggles faced by South Africa’s poor and the vital importance of volunteering. The series shows that local organisations are often the only support available for impoverished youngsters and can make a difference to entire communities.

For those who feel inspired to lend a hand, there are plenty of opportunities to assist with community work in South Africa. Leading volunteer travel provider i-to-i have been working in partnership with projects and organisations across the globe for several years, many of which are based in South Africa. For volunteers who want to play a hands-on role, help to improve the standard of life and enhance future prospects for locals, i-to-i offer an array of choices in South Africa’s largest capital, Cape Town.

Speaking about the recent publicity South Africa has received, i-to-i representative Bruce Haxton was keen to show his support: ‘the BBC coverage and the buzz about the World Cup has thrown the spotlight on South Africa and while this has increased awareness of just how fantastic it is as a destination, it’s also increasing awareness of the difference between rich and poor and the need for volunteer assistance, which is so vitally important.’

Travellers can make a huge difference at a number of i-to-i projects in the poorer areas of Cape Town, saving children from life on the streets and giving them some much-needed care. Volunteers can choose to Work with children in a township near Cape Town  where creativity and enthusiasm are in high demand, put their entertaining skills to good use with Community work in a children's hospital near Cape Town or give youngsters the tools they need to build a better life as they Help children to read near Cape Town, South Africa.

For more information about i-to-i’s South Africa volunteer projects travellers can visit http://www.i-to-i.com/volunteer-south-africa.html or call 0800 011 1156 to speak to an expert adviser.