Overview
Teach English in South Africa

This project is ideal for anyone looking to teach or work in childcare in South Africa. The Emjindini township of Barberton has a large number of crèches and daycare centers that are understaffed and under-funded. The work volunteers’ do is therefore invaluable, as you provide care and education for the number of disadvantaged children in the area (many of whom are from broken families as a result of the AIDS pandemic) that rely on these limited facilities.

The township also has a number of poorly-resourced primary schools, which provide structured education for disadvantaged children who depend on their education to escape from poverty. Due to the high number of students in each class of these schools, volunteers perform a valuable role by reducing the pressure on the few teachers at the schools.

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

I had a great time at my placement and met some very interesting people who I hope to keep in contact with and perhaps see again one day in the future.

Andrew, 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.