Volunteer with Children in South Africa

Volunteer work with children in South Africa is a great fit for anyone who wants to help improve the lives of children living in disadvantaged areas.

You’ll gain practical childcare experience, which could help your future career. It’s also the perfect project to help you develop important skills such as teamwork, leadership, and planning.

If you have loads of energy, and enjoy the challenge of creating a better learning environment, this project is definitely for you.

You don’t require any previous experience. All you need is a willingness to help. You’ll support local teachers and caregivers and our staff are there to help and guide you if you need it. We also run regular workshops for all Childcare volunteers, where you can discuss ideas and challenges.

Cape Town

You’ll work in and around Cape Town in areas deeply affected by poverty. These areas are known as townships. Childcare facilities in these areas are often overcrowded and understaffed, with a high student-teacher ratio. As a volunteer, you’ll be a welcome pair of helping hands for local caregivers and teachers. By being there, you also help us reach a larger number of children.

The city is nestled on the southernmost point of the African continent, and is flanked by vast stretches of natural beauty. Table Mountain – arguably the greatest natural highlight – is popular with everyone visiting Cape Town.

Your day usually begins at 9am, and your week runs from Monday to Friday. Morning classes end at 12pm, and you will have a one-hour break for lunch.

Your afternoon starts up at 1pm, and usually ends around 4pm. During this time, you’ll do workshops and community outreaches.

However, working hours vary greatly throughout the week. You should be prepared to adapt to a flexible schedule.

Your days will be filled with lots of activity and it will undoubtedly go by in a flash. South Africa childcare volunteers will do activities that support early childhood development, like arts and crafts, puzzles, and more. You may also offer remedial classes to small groups of children who need additional support.

Your evenings, however, will be much more laidback. You can spend your free time with other volunteers, and take advantage of exploring the city. Spend time with your host family, who will give you great insight into the local culture.

The aim of this project is to improve early childhood development.

Preschools and kindergartens in townships receive very little support and funding. Most of the time, there is not enough space for all the children from the community. As a result, many young children do not receive the educational support they need, and struggle once they start school.

Through our development checklists and Global Impact Database, you will monitor children and support them in areas where they’re behind. This way, we can make sure children meet the development milestones required for their age group.

To help us with our work in South Africa, we have identified four major goals to work toward:

• Increase literacy
• Promote Early Childhood Development
• Raise awareness of healthy living, the environment and family planning
• Improve English

Projects Abroad has elected not to work with children in orphanages in South Africa, but rather focus on community-based programmes that allow children to remain within their families.

We have a number of volunteer opportunities with children for you to join in Cape Town. Join our Chilcare Project in South Africa and be part of our efforts to improve the lives of disadvantaged children.

You’ll stay with a host family in Cape Town. They will welcome you into their home, eager to share their customs and have you teach them about your own culture. We believe that this is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of South Africa and have a truly unique experience.

We will always try to let you live alongside at least one other Projects Abroad volunteer or intern at the same host family. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.

Your programme fee includes three meals a day.

Find out more about our accommodation.

Known as the Rainbow Nation, South Africa has a diverse mix of cultures. Our projects are based in Cape Town, a region filled with an exciting variety of activities to do during your free time.

You can catch a wave at Muizenberg beach or just relax in a seaside restaurant. There’s plenty of local cuisine to try, including delicately spiced Cape Malay curries and the creamy milk tart dessert.

South Africa has a difficult past, which you can learn more about at the District 6 Museum and Robben Island.

For an awe-inspiring experience, you can spend the day getting lost in the towering silos that make up the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Arts Africa. Finally, no trip to Cape Town would be complete without a cable car ride up iconic Table Mountain.

We run many different projects in South Africa, so there’s sure to be other volunteers in the country with you. So if you want to travel with a group, you’re sure to find like-minded people who’ll join you on your adventures.

Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on-hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.

Find out more about safety and backup.