Volunteer in South Africa and teach children from poor farming communities
As host to the first African World Cup, South Africa is a country that has been under the international spotlight, making it an increasingly popular destination for gap year travel. While journalists have been keen to highlight the social and economic problems of urban townships, little attention has been paid to the plight of rural populations who often struggle against similar hardships.
Despite the beautiful scenery surrounding them, many rural communities in the Western Cape of South Africa live in very difficult circumstances and children do not receive a good level of education. This volunteer project is an opportunity to teach in South Africa and help a local community-based organisation to improve the lives of children from disadvantaged families.
Gap year volunteer role:
This gap year project aims to re-motivate young children and give them a foundation of knowledge that will improve their prospects for the future. As a teaching volunteer in South Africa you will work in day care centres which look after neglected and underprivileged children from local farming communities.
The voluntary work involves teaching English to the children, though because many are from Afrikaans-speaking families, interactive learning activities are encouraged. Computers are available to teach basic PC skills
but volunteers teaching in South Africa should be willing to bring new ideas and energy to motivate the children.
Those who teach in South Africa should be prepared to get involved with other areas of the organisation’s community work, including childcare. There are also opportunities for gap year volunteers to run sporting activities to entertain the children and give them some exercise.
Your gap year experience:
This volunteer teaching placement can be part of a rewarding and varied gap year in South Africa. Because the role is based within a childcare community project, teaching is not formal and your voluntary work can be adapted to your own skills and interests.
Whatever your input, the emphasis is on creating a stimulating learning environment and gap year volunteers can help communicate the value of education to students and parents. Your contribution can help poor farming communities to escape the problems that face them every day.
As a volunteer in South Africa you will have the chance to explore the natural beauty and charismatic culture of ‘The Rainbow Nation’. This volunteer project is located at the heart of the spectacular winelands region and within easy reach of glorious beaches and the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town.