Overview
Volunteer Holiday in Cape Town, South Africa

This volunteer holiday involves volunteering in townships that surround the beautiful city of Cape Town in South Africa. It includes tours to all the hot spots in Cape Town, such as; Robben Island, Cape Point, Boulder's Beach and many others. A safari and a wine tasting tour is also included so volunteers have the opportunity to make the most of their stay in South Africa.

Volunteers will either help local school teachers with English literacy workshops, assist in sports coaching, or help with childcare at a local orphanage. Many of the schools suffer from severe over-crowding and some of the teachers are not fluent in English themselves, making it difficult to prepare their students adequately.

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It has been so wonderful to have the opportunity to teach children who are so willing to learn, combined with seeing all the best Cape Town has to offer!

Tom Atkins, GVI Volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

GVI have paired up with a small but rapidly expanding children's home that caters for orphaned children. GVI are designing an educational program to be implemented by GVI volunteers. Currently no such program exists and there is a desperate need at the home for extra hands and skills to help deliver and run these educational activities for the children.

One of the biggest challenges schools in townships throughout South Africa have to face is overcrowding. Many teachers have the added challenge that English is not their first language, which means that they are unable to give children the preparation they require, to develop the basic English and literacy skills they need.

Our sports program aims to offer children within these communities the opportunity to take part in various sporting activities, which will encourage healthy living and provide them with a positive environment where they can develop their skills and hopefully provide an alternative to roaming the streets with nothing to do in the afternoons. The program will also offer opportunities for talented individuals to compete in local sports tournaments and events.

Highlights

Work and live in an attractive coastal village close to Cape Town and Stellenbosch, with direct exposure to local culture and communities. Several side trips are included; wildlife safari, wine tasting in Stellenbosch Winelands, mountain biking at Cape Point, a trip to Robben Island and a visit to the penguins at Boulder's Beach. Visits to Table Mountain can also be arranged during volunteers' free time for an additional cost.

Location

Gordons Bay is a picturesque coastal village nestled at the foot of the Hottentot Hollands Mountain Range, just outside Stellenbosch and 45 minutes from Cape Town. The area is home to beautiful swimming beaches, magnificent wine farms and popular restaurants and bars. Gordons Bay is also the beginning of the scenic and well-known Garden Route, making this the perfect base to explore the best sites and activities the Cape has to offer.

Field Conditions

Your accommodation will either be dormitory style in a local backpackers or GVI apartments inside a modern estate. This is within walking distance of the beach, shops and restaurants. There is electricity, hot and cold showers, and flushing toilets. Access to the internet is available nearby. Food is simple and nutritional and will be prepared for you each day.