Overview
Long Term Volunteer Teaching Positions in Township Schools in South Africa

Volunteers will be teaching children a range of subjects, including basic literacy and numeracy, in townships that surround the beautiful city of Cape Town. Many of the schools which are situated inside townships are suffering from severe over crowding and volunteers might be assisting teachers with as many as 50 students in their classroom. By volunteering you take a lot of pressure off the local teachers and can give the children more personal attention. These long-term volunteer placements provide the children with much needed continuity and assistance which greatly aids their development. This GVI program runs in conjunction with community leaders and local teachers and volunteers will run educational reinforcement programs, and assist at understaffed schools. Two weeks downtime is scheduled every 3 months so volunteers have an opportunity to relax or travel around Cape Town and other areas of Southern Africa.

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I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on this program. It has been an immensely rewarding and life-changing experience!

Ben Swift, GVI Volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

One of the biggest challenges primary schools in townships throughout South Africa have to face is overcrowding in their classrooms. Many teachers have up to 50 students in their care which means that they are unable to give individual children the attention they require, to develop and learn. In addition to the large numbers of children in their class, teachers are having to teach in English which is not their home language and are teaching in classrooms with as many as 11 different languages being spoken. GVI has partnered with such primary schools to work together with these teachers and the large numbers of students they have been given to teach. In addition to helping children with their literacy and numeracy skills GVI volunteers will also help them with their English language skills as well as their self confidence and self esteem.

Highlights

Work and live in an attractive coastal village close to Cape Town and Stellenbosch, with direct exposure to local culture and communities. Optional side trips are available to Robben Island, Table Mountain, Cape Point and Penguins, Cape Town wildlife safari, wine tasting in Stellenbosch. For those travelling onwards there is easy access to the Garden Route and cheap domestic flights to Kruger National Park from Cape Town.

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 be inside an estate in modern apartments with typically no more than 4 people per room and 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.