Overview
Teaching English and Childcare in South Africa

Volunteers joining this project will teach at local primary schools or work in orphanages and childcare centres in South Africa. Most of the work takes place in the Immizama Yethu township in Cape Town, as it has a number of under-resourced and under-funded crèches, care centres and primary schools that urgently require volunteer help. These provide care and education for disadvantaged children, many of whom are from broken families as a result of the AIDS pandemic.

A number of state primary schools in the region also provide structured education for disadvantaged children who will depend on their education to escape from poverty. Due to the high number of students in each class, volunteers perform an important role in assisting the teachers to carry out their lessons.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, volunteer stories from the field, volunteer video diaries and more at the programs media centre

I had an amazing time in South Africa. I enjoyed working with the children in my crèche, and seeing how happy they were to have us there. Even small things seemed to make a big difference.

Ciara, 2007 Volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

South Africa is emerging as a rainbow nation, despite its apartheid past. The country boasts some of the world’s most exciting attractions ranging from natural scenery, beaches and wildlife to bustling cities rich in cultural diversity. With its dramatic mountain backdrops and white sand beaches with an amazing diversity of cultures and associated urban life, Cape Town is hard to beat as a city worth visiting. Yet it also faces some of the greatest social challenges with sprawling townships that are poverty stricken and ravaged by HIV AIDS. Our teaching and child care projects hope to alleviate some of these problems.

Highlights

Working on a worthwhile project in a friendly town and community, helping the lives of some remarkable children, exploring South Africa to see beautiful sights and meet inspirational people.

Location

Volunteers will be based in the Hout Bay area of Cape Town which is on the edge of Cape Town city to the west of Table Mountain between Landudno beach, and Kirstenbosch gardens. Cape Town is known as the “mother city” and encapsulates much of the diversity South Africa is famous for. Being Africa’s first major port it is steeped in history but is also one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Field Conditions

Volunteers will stay at a volunteer house in Hout Bay within walking distance of the Immizama Yethu township. The house sleeps up to 12 people in dorms with bunk beds and communal bath rooms. A bunk-bed, mattress, sheet and pillows will be provided (a sleeping bag is required). There is a veranda and there is a communal kitchen where meals are prepared. There is also a TV lounge, garden and a communal barbecue (braai) area. Internet cafes, shops and restaurants can be found in the local area.