Engage in Cape Town’s township’s educational programs while gaining valuable experience on a work placement

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Program Overview
Life on the Program
Program Details
Volunteer Testimonials

Program Overview

Hop out of the grind and into a life-changing work placement in the fascinating city of Cape Town to educate eager children in local townships.

Your internship will start with a 12-week volunteer project where you will familiarize yourself with the educational programs available to the deprived township schools, day care centers and orphanages, receiving an internationally recognized certificate in Team Leading. Once you have completed this phase you will be placed in a 12-week work position allowing you to further develop your skills and take on a leadership role in the educational programs (including childcare, sports and crafts) for the young children.

Developing personally and professionally are only two of the many benefits you will gain while making a real difference in the lives of these townships.

Life on the Program

You will begin the program with an orientation where you will gain insight into South African customs and cultures, what life is like inside a township as well as common Xhosa lingo! You will of course be provided with training on how to build effective curriculum, lesson planning and student-management.

Your work-week will run from Monday-Friday in the townships, with days running from 8:30am-4:00pm. In addition to this you will most likely spend an hour or two each day prepping lessons for the next day, or working on your studies for the internship requirements.

The provided accommodation is in houses and apartments with shared rooms and bathrooms, hot running water and electricity. You will have weekends to explore Cape Town and any local sites you may wish to see.

Program Details

This program is part of a connection of schools, orphanages and day-care centers where GVI run educational programs within the local Cape Town townships.

Activities you will be involved in with the kids could include: outdoor exercises and games; arts and crafts; music and drama activities; storytelling; assistance with homework; working with special needs children; health workshops; numeracy and literacy; and, sports.

Please do remember that it will not be possible for you to choose the exact location of your placement. GVI appreciates your flexibility and open-mindedness which will enable us to place you where the need is greatest, and/or wherever your skills, interests and experiences will be best used.

Volunteer Testimonials

Federica Brusca, Italy

I interned in Gordon’s Bay, South Africa, on the Community Development Project and it was the most eye-opening, intense and amazing time of my life! It may sound an exaggeration…but believe me, it’s not! The people you meet, the children you teach, the places you visit, the friendships you build…everything together makes this experience truly inspiring. This is why I want to become a GVI Ambassador…because it feels great talking and spreading the word about such a reliable organisation and, above all, the great experience I had!!

Cat Hellewell, UK

Being an intern meant I got to spend time on several of the amazing projects GVI runs in Cape Town. The children were all so much fun and so eager to learn that they made my job easy. I also got to complete a BTEC in Team Leading while working on project which has allowed me to bring back valuable experience as well as amazing memories. It was the best months of my life and I can’t wait to plan my next trip with GVI. Do it! I promise you won’t regret it.