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Primary School / Education Volunteering Program - South Africa

  • Africa, South Africa, Cape Town
  • |
  • Duration : 4 to 12 Weeks

Program Highlights

  • Experience South Africa's unique culture and way of life.
  • Be a part of the SA Education system.
  • Experience Cape Town's coastal beauty.
  • Make unforgettable memories with similar-minded people.
  • Visit Cape Town city and all its many tourist attractions and activities.

UN’s Sustainable Development Goals:

No Poverty Good Health and Well-being Quality Education

This program is ideal for

Volunteers who believe that every child deserves a chance! You should be aware that your current efforts will definitely make a difference in South Africa’s underprivileged children's futures and they will stand a better chance of rising out of poverty. As your tasks will vary based on various factors, you should be open to helping out in any kind of activity that is prioritised while you’re there.

The Stay Africa Primary School Teaching / Education program is focused on assisting trained/qualified local teachers, in their day-to-day duties, to achieve their aim of educating and empowering children living in disadvantaged communities.

Due to the lack of funding, resources, and infrastructure, the lack of basic reading, writing, and arithmetic skills is a massive problem in Cape Town, predominantly in poor communities locally known as “townships”! These areas are often heavily overpopulated (locals and migrants) and the few schools that exist here, simply cannot cope with the high number of children. As a result, many schools in the middle-income areas of the city, have opened their doors to assist – the children are bussed in every day and many schools also incorporate feeding schemes in order to avoid these children learning on an empty stomach.

While this is a great help to these children and communities, it has adversely resulted in high teacher-student ratios. Most classes now operate at a ratio of 40-45 children for everyone teacher, and in addition to this, the children coming in from different communities often have very different learning abilities, and many require special individual attention! This can be extremely challenging for teachers, and this is where our volunteers come in.

Volunteering in South Africa offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a diverse and vibrant culture while making a positive impact on the community. During your free time, there are various activities you can engage in to make the most of your experience. Here are some popular options:

Wildlife Safaris: South Africa is renowned for its incredible wildlife. Explore national parks and game reserves, such as Kruger National Park, and go on safaris to see the "Big Five" (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) and other exotic animals.

Hiking and Outdoor Adventures: South Africa boasts stunning natural landscapes. Hike in the Drakensberg Mountains, explore the Garden Route, or go rock climbing, abseiling, or white-water rafting in various locations across the country.

Beach Relaxation: South Africa offers some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Whether in Durban, Cape Town, or along the Wild Coast, you can relax, swim, surf, or simply enjoy the sun.

Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in South African culture by visiting local townships, attending traditional dance performances, or participating in craft workshops. You can also learn about the country's history, including the apartheid era, at museums and historical sites.

Volunteer Social Events: Many volunteer programs organize social events and gatherings for volunteers. These can include cultural exchange evenings, community dinners, and excursions, providing a chance to connect with other volunteers and locals.

Community Engagement: Use your free time to continue helping the community. Participate in local community projects, teach, or offer your skills to support local initiatives and organizations.

Learn the Local Language: South Africa is a diverse nation with many languages. Take the opportunity to learn some basic phrases in the local language, such as Zulu, Xhosa, or Afrikaans, to better connect with the people.

Visit Local Markets: Explore local markets and craft fairs to discover unique South African crafts, clothing, and artwork. These markets often offer a chance to interact with local artisans.

Food Exploration: South African cuisine is rich and diverse. Try traditional dishes like bobotie, bunny chow, and boerewors, or visit local restaurants and street vendors to sample a variety of flavors.

Volunteer Reflection and Planning: Use your free time for self-reflection and planning for your volunteer work. Consider your impact, discuss strategies with fellow volunteers, and set goals for your remaining time.

Remember that your free time activities should align with the ethical guidelines of your volunteer program and respect the local culture and customs. South Africa has much to offer in terms of exploration and cultural experiences, so make the most of your time while contributing to a worthwhile cause.

Your Volunteering journey simplified

Select a destination & project.
Apply for free.

Directly talk to us & your selected organisation.

Pay a 15% deposit fee to secure your place at the volunteer program.

That’s it! Get ready to volunteer aboard. We’ll support you every step of the way!

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