Volunteer Teaching Program
OPEN NOW!
South Africa is now open to all international arrivals! See the Additional Info. section for COVID-19 arrival information.
This program plays an essential role in improving the education of at-risk children in Cape Town. These children come from impoverished backgrounds, with many experiencing social and health issues. The schools are very under resourced, and lack teachers and basic supplies, books and equipment. Volunteers play a fundamental role in helping these children achieve a better education through their support. Volunteers may choose to assist in primary schools located throughout Cape Town, with most volunteers choosing to work within the most impoverished communities, knowing that this is where they can make the most difference to the lives of vulnerable children. Through donating their time, international volunteers are supporting children and youth who need a solid education to give them a chance at escaping the poverty cycle. Volunteers care, educational support and attention can give these children a fighting chance towards a brighter future.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide a quality education to underprivileged children in Cape Town
- Improve the future prospects of at risk children and youth through an enhanced educational experience
- Boost the confidence and aspirations of marginalized children
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both students and international volunteers alike
How You Can Help
Volunteers play an essential role in supporting impoverished children on this program. The main duties of a Volunteer Teacher will be to assist the local teachers with lessons. However, volunteer presence and involvement in every aspect of schooling will be an invaluable contribution to the children involved in this project. From English conversation and writing skills, to sports activities and games, volunteer participation and presence will have a huge and beneficial impact on these children. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to impact the children in their own way by bringing their own set of skills/knowledge/interests to teach them. There is also a need for volunteers to teach computer skills as a number of computers have been donated but go unused much of the time as there are not enough teachers to dedicate to this. A willingness to help in other areas of the project would also add value e.g. upgrades to the facility, finding creative ways to make learning aids/material.
Volunteers on this program will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Assist with teaching the children
- Teach English and focus on the children's self-esteem
- Help children with their homework
- Give reading and counting classes
- Organize the recreation time and snacks
- Involve children in sporting activities
- Teach children the skills/interests of the volunteer
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to help create a brighter future for children through the power of education. This project best suits those with experience and/or qualifications in the field of childhood development and education, though volunteers who simply wish to explore an interest in this field are also welcomed as there are many ways you can assist in the classroom. Whist not mandatory, completing a TEFL course prior to joining this project would prove to be highly beneficial. Ideally, volunteers on this project will have at least a basic knowledge of the local language in order to communicate effectively with staff and students, though this is not a pre-requisite as English is widely spoken. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
Project Location
Volunteers on this popular project can assist in educational primary schools located throughout beautiful Cape Town. Known as the tourism hotspot of South Africa, Cape Town boasts a wonderful hospitality scene, gorgeous beaches, scenic landscapes and the iconic Table Mountain.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon arrival into Cape Town airport volunteers will be collected by a representative of the local project team and transported to their assigned accommodation where they will join a short welcome session. On Monday, volunteers attend the full orientation session where a representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience in South Africa. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town, South Africa (CODE: CPT)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this project are primarily accommodated at a fabulous Volunteer House located in one of the best suburbs of Central Cape Town - Observatory.
Observatory, or “Obs” as the locals call it, is Cape Town’s most bohemian suburb and lies about 15mins (drive) east of the city center. Located just 2km from the University of Cape Town, this student town is a vibrant, multi-cultural community that attracts young travelers from all over the globe, all year round. Our hostel is a 10min walk from Lower Main Road - the main entertainment area and heartbeat of Obs. You’ll find quirky restaurants, easy going bars, live music (everything from Reggae and Afro-jazz to Contemporary) and tons of cozy little coffee shops and cafés. During the Apartheid era, Observatory was one of the few “grey” suburbs – areas where people of mixed race, religion and cultures were allowed to live together. This spirit has lived on and has resulted in a suburb unique in its diversity. Within a 5km radius of Obs, you’ll find the Newlands rugby and cricket stadiums, various shopping centers, museums, art galleries and stage theaters, hiking trails and of course The Old Biscuit Mill - this vibrant spot is home to night and day markets, designer stores, delicious farm-stalls, decadent cafes as well as an awesome line-up of festivals and events.
There are two houses located right next door to each other, joined at the rear by a courtyard.
Each house boasts the following features:
- Accommodation for up to 50 volunteers in dorm-style rooms, sleeping between 4-8 people
- On-site, live-in Hostel Manager
- 2 fully-equipped Kitchens
- 2 communal lounge areas with satellite TV
- Fully-fitted bathrooms with 4 showers and 3 toilets in each house
- Individual lockers for each volunteer - padlocks not supplied
- Pre-paid WiFi internet connection can be purchased at the hostel
- Centrally located on transport routes and close to supermarkets, internet café, launderettes, restaurants, etc.
- Self-service breakfast at the hostel on week-days (Monday – Friday, 6am – 8.30am). Cereals, bread/toast with various toppings, coffee/tea, variety of fruits.
- Lunch, dinner and weekend meals are not included but can be eaten out at any of the affordable and varied eateries. Supplies can also be purchased and meals prepared in the house kitchen.
- All volunteering projects are situated within walking distance or one taxi ride (10-20mins)
For those who prefer, host family accommodations are also available on request. Home-stays are located at least 30-40 minutes from the center of Cape Town and are a fantastic way to be immersed in the culture of South Africa!
Fees
That’s just USD 32 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
COVID-19 requirements:
All international arriving flight passengers will need to adhere to the following:
- A negative Covid-19 test result, taken no more than 72 hours prior to their departure. Those arriving without this will be tested and placed in quarantine (at their own cost) until a negative result is achieved/obtained.
- All incoming passengers will be screened upon arrival, for Covid-19 symptoms
- All arrivals are asked to download the Covid Alert SA App. Information on this is available here: https://sacoronavirus.co.za/covidalert/