South Africa - Cape Town Teaching and Community

Location

About the Project

The focus of the teaching project in Cape Town is to provide these underprivileged neighborhoods with a sustainable community development plan which empowers, educates, and inspires youth to grow and become contributing members of their communities. Volunteers will have lasting impacts on the children they work with, providing them with the tools to determine their own bright futures. 

Volunteer Work and Contribution

During this project you will have the opportunity to contribute to the education system in Cape Flats through one of three main portals, based on the communities' immediate needs:

Preschool: you will work with infants and children ages 6 months to 6 years old. At the preschool, you will:

• Stimulate development in the children through song, play, and fun activities
• Assist staff in basic child and infant care
• Teach fundamental lessons to prepare the older children for entering school

Mainstream primary school: here you will develop a true sense of the school system in Cape Town. You will have the opportunity to:

• Teach English lessons
• Facilitate classroom routine
• Give one-on-one attention to struggling students

Non-government school: assist in this unique school for at-risk and vulnerable children. At this project, you will:

• Teach lessons in reading, mathematics, sports, and leadership development
• Help implement intervention and coping strategies
• Provide one-on-one attention to children
• Assist teachers in any of their needs

After school care: contribute to this specialized after school care program designed to keep at-risk children off the streets during the after-school hours. Your responsibilities will include: 

• Help with homework
• Provide reading support
• Plan outdoor activities
• Organize arts and crafts projects

After teaching in the mornings, volunteers may choose to spend their afternoons at any one of the below projects. 

• Orphan care: provide your support to a wide range of orphanages in the area. 
• Sports development: coach children in a variety of sports through daily practices, drills, and games. 
• Dance: provide at-risk youth and teens with an outlet to express themselves through dance.
• Healthcare: assist the nurse in an orphanage for children affected by HIV/AIDS.

Living Arrangements

Accommodation: fully furnished, spacious house in Observatory – a Bohemian-style, artsy suburb of Cape Town, a ten minute drive from the city, full of quirky restaurants and laid-back bars. Rooms and bathrooms will be shared with up to 6 other people. All bedding is provided, however you will need to bring your own towels. The house is staffed with a housekeeper and cook. A small safe is available to lock up your valuables. 

Food: 3 meals a day provided. Breakfast is on a serve-yourself basis and usually consists of cereal, toast, fruit, coffee, and tea. Lunch and dinner will be prepared by the volunteer house cook, five days a week. Packed lunches can be arranged. On weekends you can explore the restaurants of the area or cook for yourself at the volunteer house. 

Internet: WIFI available for small fee

Laundry: service provided weekly

Travel Highlights

During your free time, you are welcome to explore any of various the exciting outdoor activities or culturally enriching sites Cape Town has to offer. Past volunteers have enjoyed:

• Aquila Safari: explore Africa's "Big 5" at this private game reserve
• Swimming with Penguins at Boulder Beach
• The hop-on, hop-off Cape Town sightseeing bus
• Take a hike or cable care to the top of Table Mountain
• Shark cage diving
• Sky diving
• Shopping at Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum age 17
• Travel and medical insurance
• Ability to work well with others
• Immunizations (consult doctor)
• Police background check