Overview
Volunteer Teaching at a Township School in Cape Town, South Africa

Get involved in a progressive educational program in a township primary school situated just outside Stellenbosch and 45 minutes from Cape Town. This exciting new volunteer program aims to assist children develop their literacy and numeracy skills as well as their conversational English through dedicated one-on-one coaching or tutoring sessions. GVI together with the teachers at this primary school have designed specific 2 week programs to help children who are struggling with English and who are falling behind their peers in reading and writing. Volunteers will be given approximately 8 students who have been selected by their teachers for each 2 week rotation. This specifically designed program covers part of their curriculum as well as some fun and creative exercises which will help the students' progress and grow in confidence.

Other training options available at this location include a short-term community development internship.

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It has been a real eye opener to see how some of these children live and yet they are still always so happy and ready to learn!

Elise Green, GVI Volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Many of the primary schools in townships throughout South Africa suffer from classrooms which are severely overcrowded. Many teachers are facing the challenge of having up to 50 students in their classroom which means that they are unable to give individual children in their classrooms the attention they require to develop and learn. In addition to the large class sizes, teachers are having to conduct lessons in English which is often not their home language. Some classrooms may have up to 11 different languages being spoken. GVI has partnered with a township primary school and in conjunction with the local teachers have designed a program which can be implemented by GVI volunteers. The focus is on providing individual coaching sessions to those children that have difficulties reading and writing. In addition to helping them with their literacy and numeracy skills, these one-on-one sessions should also help them with their English language skills and building their confidence.

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 to see Penguins, on a 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.