Teach at poverty stricken township schools

location
2 - 12 weken  ·  Leeftijd 17 - 50+

rating  Briljant 4.7  · 
  Geverifieerd door Volunteer World
  Uitstekend Responsgraad

Highlights

  • Assist with teaching English and other subjects in primary and high schools in the poverty stricken townships of the beautiful coastal town of Knysna on the Garden Route
  • Help with sports and physical education in Life Orientation lessons. The learners love soccer and netball and are very keen on cricket and rugby too. Perfect for those Physical Education students.
  • Share your love and knowledge of the Creative Arts in Music, Drama and Dance classes and inspire learners. Share your skills with the teachers and introduce new methods and instruments.

Highlights

  • Assist with teaching English and other subjects in primary and high schools in the poverty stricken townships of the beautiful coastal town of Knysna on the Garden Route
  • Help with sports and physical education in Life Orientation lessons. The learners love soccer and netball and are very keen on cricket and rugby too. Perfect for those Physical Education students.
  • Share your love and knowledge of the Creative Arts in Music, Drama and Dance classes and inspire learners. Share your skills with the teachers and introduce new methods and instruments.
  • Help a child grasp a subject they were battling with, teach a choir a new song, show the teacher different drama exercises or helped coach a new sport. Volunteers are greatly appreciated.
  • Visit big cat and primate sanctuaries, wildlife reserves, whale watch, paraglide, local craft and food markets, hike magical forests or enjoy some chill time on spectacular beaches in your free time.


  • Vooral geschikt voor

    Leeftijd 17+
    Alleenstaanden
    Koppels
    Families
    Groepen
    50+

    Over het programma

    Assist teachers from Grade R to high school in poor communities with various subjects like English, Sport, Creative Arts, the Sciences and Mathematics

    We work within several schools in the townships of Knysna. Mainly primary schools although we also do work with a local high school too. All these schools are government schools which cater for the poorer communities and charge very low school fees and in some cases, nothing at all. Therefor ...

    Over het programma

    We work within several schools in the townships of Knysna. Mainly primary schools although we also do work with a local high school too. All these schools are government schools which cater for the poorer communities and charge very low school fees and in some cases, nothing at all. Therefor amenities and facilities are very basic, and classes are big with teachers having to cope with larger numbers in the classrooms. In the past we have seen classes with learners of over 60 in a class although the average is around 45 learners per class.

    English is taught from Grade 1 in South Africa, so we normally focus on the older classes from Grade 4 upwards although many volunteers prefer helping with the little ones. The learners mother tongue is often isiXhosa or Afrikaans, so the learners learn English as a second and sometimes third language. Volunteers really help a lot in this area as just by spending time with the learners they improve their conversational English making them more confidant with the language so we often as volunteers to try and do a few English classes too along with the other subjects they would like to assist with.

    Volunteers give additional support to teachers and help wherever possible from lesson plans, taking lessons, marking papers and assessments, and coming up with fresh new ideas to keep the class stimulated. Help with social media, fundraisers, sports events, or talent shows is also hugely appreciated. For those not so confidants of their teaching abilities, there are work books to assist you with your lesson plans which are all based around the South African syllabus so you have guidelines to work from which is a huge help

    There are a variety of areas volunteers can assist in.

    • Foundation phase classes of Grade R and Grade 1- the cutest classes of the schools
    • Drama, dance, and music in Creative Arts classes. Please let us know how your talents can be utilised here.
    • Physical Education and Sports which often take place in Life Orientation classes
    • Teaching English- always a huge plus!
    • Mathematics
    • Small reading groups with the librarian in the library
    • Natural Sciences
    • Social Science
    • Technology and in some cases Computer skills depending on school

    The school day starts at 7.45 am and ends the latest at 2.30. There are two small breaks in between for a snack or even just choir practice if music is your passion.

    If you already have a qualification, skill, or experience, we will be extra happy to be able to put it to good use on your placement.  If you are using this project for practical credits for your studies, please let us know so that we can liaise with your university lecturer. If you do not have any qualifications or previous experience, then do not worry! The whole idea of volunteering is to provide help and assistance wherever needed, immerse yourself in a different culture, and make a lot of memories- both for you and the learners!

    This project runs in the South African school terms only. We do suggest you try and book closer to the beginning of term and not the end as that is when assessments and exams take place. The last 3 weeks of the 4th term of the year are never a good time to volunteers as when the children have finished writing their final exams, the majority only attend school to pick up their reports and the numbers are very low in the classroom

    If you are not able to volunteer in the dates of the school term and can only volunteer in the school holidays, we suggest that you get involved in our youth development placement holiday program or our safe house volunteer project helping to give the foster children safe, busy and occupied with fun activities in the holidays

    After-school activities

    There are a few activities that you can take part in after-school. You can either help at the children at the safe house with their homework, the after-school club with the youth development centre, assist with grassroots soccer coaching, visit the local elephant park, do some shopping, have lunch at the Waterfront on the lagoon edge, hike the Pledge nature reserve or just getting a well needed nap as the children can be exhausting as they have so much energy. Please note that after-school activities do not take place every afternoon.



    Dagelijkse activiteiten

    7am- Breakfast time and get ready for the day. It is advisable to pack a light lunch for the day

    7.30am- Be collected at your volunteer accommodation by our driver and be driven to the school
    7.45am- School starts. Monday starts with an assembly first. Lessons then take place until the next break and ...

    Dagelijkse activiteiten

    7am- Breakfast time and get ready for the day. It is advisable to pack a light lunch for the day

    7.30am- Be collected at your volunteer accommodation by our driver and be driven to the school
    7.45am- School starts. Monday starts with an assembly first. Lessons then take place until the next break and can be anything from 30 minutes to an hour longer depending on the school you are placed at
    10.15am- quick break
    10.30am- lessons resume
    12.30pm- break for a lunch
    13.00pm- lessons resume
    2.30pm- school ends for the day and you are collected by our driver. You may want to take part in an after-school activities or return to your volunteer accommodation to explore the town

    Depending on which school you are placed at may impact on the length of lessons and the time the school closes for the day. You will be given a roster of which classes you will be helping with and may have a free lesson or two in the school day which can be used to prepare for lesson plans or catching up on marking assignments and tests in the staff room


    Vrijetijdsactiviteiten

    Knysna is one of South Africa’s favourite towns based around the beautiful Knysna estuary with views of the iconic headlands. It is not known as the jewel of the Garden Route for nothing and is surrounded by magical forests, farmlands and a breath-taking coastline dotted with blue flag beaches ...

    Vrijetijdsactiviteiten

    Knysna is one of South Africa’s favourite towns based around the beautiful Knysna estuary with views of the iconic headlands. It is not known as the jewel of the Garden Route for nothing and is surrounded by magical forests, farmlands and a breath-taking coastline dotted with blue flag beaches which are great for swimming, BBQ or just simply watching dolphins surfing in the waves. It is also home to the famous elusive Knysna elephant which are the most southern free roaming elephants in the world and there are still hot debates about the numbers with some saying there is only one left and others a small herd of about 4.

    The area that Knysna is situated is the Garden Route of the province of the Western Cape and it is a dream for animal lovers and extreme sports enthusiasts as there are numerous private wildlife reserves, national parks, whale watching, predator sanctuaries, primate sanctuaries, elephant sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries, reptile sanctuaries, wolf sanctuaries, skydiving, paragliding, ziplining, paragliding, hiking, numerous interesting markets and so much more so boredom is not an option.


    Voorwaarden

    Voorwaarden

    Minimum leeftijd: 17 jaar

    Om deel te nemen aan het programma dien je ten minste 17 jaar te zijn op de startdatum van het programma.

    Taalkennis

    Je dient over volgende taalkennis te beschikken Engels (basis niveau)

    Bewijs van goed gedrag en zeden

    verplicht

    Nationaliteitsbeperkingen

    Geen beperkingen. Helpende handen van over de hele wereld zijn welkom.

    Andere vaardigheden

    We welcome students studying teaching, physical education or related fields and of course professionals. However we are happy for those who would just like to help and for the learners to practise their English, is paramount especially when they reach high school.

    Tijdsinzet

    Uw helpende hand wordt verwacht op maandag, dinsdag, woensdag, donderdag en vrijdag van 07:30 - 14:00

    Diensten ingesloten

    Diensten ingesloten

    Diensten door Volunteer Int. Adventures

    We include so much into this volunteer project to not only give a full experience to the volunteer but with safety prioritised. The cost of this project includes shared self-catering accommodation in the town, a food allowance, daily transport to and from the project Monday to Friday, meeting you at George Airport, airport collections and drop offs, staff on the ground available for emergencies 24/7 and to oversee your stay and safety, a branded t-shirt, marketing costs, donations to your chosen school, a Saturday tour of markets and a Big 5 Wildlife reserve (safari drive for your own cost) and a Sunday braai (BBQ) either at the beach or the forest. The cost does not include flights, travel insurance, visa costs-if any- or spending money for free time activities. 

    Afhaal aan de luchthaven op George Airport

    You will need to fly into George Airport between 09h00 and 16h00 for your airport collection where you will be met by your Volunteer International Adventures representative and driven to your volunteer accommodation in Knysna. On completion of your project, you will be driven back to George Airport in time for your return flight which must be any time after 10h30. If arriving by coach from Cape Town, you will be fetched and dropped off at the coach depot in Knysna. Arrivals and departures must be Monday to Fridays and not weekends.

    Accomodatie

    The volunteer accommodation is a comfortable, self-catering flat located just a few minutes’ walk from Knysna town center, providing easy access to shopping malls, restaurants, takeaways, gyms, nightlife, entertainment, and essential services. The flat features a fully equipped kitchen with a dining table, fridge, kettle, induction plate, and all necessary utensils for meal preparation. The bathrooms are fitted with showers, sinks, and toilets. For leisure, there are TVs and access to a pool for hot summer days, as well as a private garden area with a picnic table for outdoor dining. Laundry facilities are available for personal use, and we provide laundry detergent. The property is secured with perimeter beams and situated in a quiet, safe neighborhood. Accommodation options include shared or private rooms, depending on volunteer numbers. Additionally, there is WIFI, and arrangements can be made for couples, friends, and families to stay together. There is a cleaner once a week.

    If the volunteer flat is full, we have other self-catering options that are walking distance to the town centre and its amenities and very comfortable.

    Eten & Drank

    You will receive a food allowance to cover your basic groceries for self-prepared meals. As part of your induction, you will be taken on a grocery shopping trip upon your arrival, allowing you to select specific foods that meet your dietary requirements. Knysna boasts several grocery stores as well as a variety of excellent restaurants and takeaways for those times when you prefer not to cook. The kitchen is well-equipped with an induction plate, microwave, fridge/freezer, kettle, toaster, and grill.

    Internet toegang

    Makkelijke toegang op de project site

    Wat is er NIET inbegrepen?

    Wat is er NIET inbegrepen?

    Vlucht tickets

    De dichtste luchthaven is George Airport (GRJ) in George. We assisteren u met het vinden van goedkope vluchten naar Zuid-Afrika. VIND GOEDKOPE VLUCHTEN

    Reisverzekering

    Naar het buitenland reizen is een avontuur en het is best om goed voorbereid te zijn. Plots ziek worden of gewond raken, annulaties of diefstal - een reisverzekering voor Zuid-Afrika biedt zekerheid en is een meerwaarde. KRIJG EEN OFFERTE

    Vaccinaties

    Als je de intentie hebt om als vrijwilliger aan de slag te gaan in Zuid-Afrika dien je eerst medisch advies in te winnen alvorens je eropuit trekt. Kijk de benodigde vaccinaties na voor Zuid-Afrika. VACCINATIE CHECKER

    Gegevens over jouw aankomst

    This project takes part in the South African school term only. Arrival and departure days are Mondays to Fridays. On arrival at George Airport, our coordinators will meet you and take you to your volunteer accommodation, settle you in at your self-catering shared apartment and take you for a grocery shop.


    School terms for 202
    5

    • Term 1: 15 January 2025 to 28 March 2025 
    • Term 2: 8 April 2025 to 27 June 2025 
    • Term 3: 22 July 2025 to 3 October 2025
    • Term 4: 13 October 2025 to 10 December 2025
    There is no availability from the 4th of October to the end of 2024.

    We advise volunteers to book the beginning of the school terms when lessons take place. Towards the end of the school term, the school learners are often busy with assessment and exams. 

    In the 4th term of the year, we do not take volunteers after mid-November due to final year exams and lack of attendance of the learners once exams are finished. 

    Beschikbaarheid
    jan. feb. mrt. apr. mei. jun. jul. aug. sep. okt. nov. dec.

    Programmakosten

    2 weken (min. verblijf) 1.198€
    3 weken 1.639€
    4 weken 2.081€
    5 weken 2.522€
    6 weken 2.963€
    7 weken 3.404€
    8 weken 3.846€
    9 weken 4.287€
    10 weken 4.728€
    11 weken 5.170€
    12 weken (max. verblijf) 5.611€
    Gemiddelde kosten 532€/week

    Programmakosten

    532€ per week 2 - 12 weken Leeftijd 17 - 50+

    Betaalmethodes

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    GEEN CREDITCARDKOSTEN


    Duurtijd

    2 - 12 weken

    Waarborg

    De waarborg dient om je plek als vrijwilliger te verzekeren. Betalingen worden door PayPal behandeld, onze betrouwbare betalingsprovider. Indien je niet over een PayPal account beschikt, kan je ook met een credit kaart betalen.


    Finale betaling

    Uw finale betaling zal worden goedgekeurd door Volunteer Int. Adventures gedurende de aanmeld procedure. Veel voorkomende oplossingen zijn een banktransfer of contante betaling op de projectsite.


    Ontmoet je organisatie

    Volunteer Int. Adventures

    Briljant 4.7 rating (70 beoordelingen)

    Agentschap - opgericht in 2020

    Geverifieerd door Volunteer World

      Uitstekend Responsgraad

    Gepresenteerd door

    Sharon

    Gesproken talen: Engels, Afrikaans

    Over de organisatie

    We are a hands-on volunteer organisation with 16 years' experience of working with volunteers in animal care, veterinary, conservation and youth projects.

    Ontmoet je organisatie

    Volunteer International Adventures is dedicated to youth and animal projects, which are areas of great passion for us. We recognize the need for assistance from international volunteers in developing countries and have witnessed the transformative impact of their hands-on involvement on communities and conservation efforts.

    "Empowering Change Through Ethical Volunteer holidays"

    Our core priorities are as follows:

    1. Culture and Cultural Sensitivity:

    We encourage our volunteers to fully immerse themselves in the culture of the country they are volunteering in, understanding that volunteering differs significantly from being a tourist. By working closely with local communities and project partners, our volunteers gain profound insights into the challenges faced by the country. We actively support and facilitate opportunities for volunteers to engage in various activities, interact with locals, and educate themselves about the nation's history, no matter how difficult it may be. Cultural sensitivity is paramount, and we ensure that our approach is collaborative rather than imposing our own ideas. We welcome suggestions and creative ideas from our volunteers, as they often prove to be feasible and enrich the communities we serve.

    2. Fulfilling Volunteer Experiences:

    We strive to ensure that all our volunteers leave with a sense of accomplishment. Whether it is helping a child grasp mathematics, teaching cricket to school children, providing sewing classes to uplift youth, participating in wildlife conservation efforts such as satellite collaring African wild dogs or rhino relocation, collecting data on great white shark populations, treating sick indigenous wildlife, assisting with animal sterilization in disadvantaged communities, instilling a love for reading in children, or teaching marimba classes—the list is diverse and extensive. We want our volunteers to develop a deep connection with the country they are assisting and forge lifelong friendships that can serve as future ambassadors for their respective nations.

    3. Ethical Projects:

    We strictly oppose trophy hunting and the breeding of lions for commercial gain. Our wildlife and animal projects take place in free-roaming reserves, registered rehabilitation centers, or sanctuaries where the animals are non-releasable due to injuries, human habituation, or being non-indigenous to the area. We support local and ethical animal sanctuaries and reserves, which our volunteers can visit during their free time. When working with children in teaching, care, or youth development projects, we require a recent paper copy of a background check (CRB check) from volunteers' countries of origin. This precaution ensures the safety and well-being of the children we serve, who often come from challenging socio-economic backgrounds and have been let down by adults in the past. We prioritize the protection of innocent animals and children who cannot advocate for themselves.

    4. Responsible and Sustainable Approach:

    We take pride in implementing responsible and sustainable projects that involve local community members, ensuring the continuity of operations even when volunteer numbers are low. While some projects rely heavily on volunteer support due to limited funds, we strive to strike a balance by involving sufficient local participation.

    5. Cost Effectiveness:

    Having collaborated with volunteers on projects for nearly 15 years, we recognize that volunteering can come at a significant cost. Therefore, we are committed to making volunteering more accessible, reasonable, and inclusive. Our projects encompass various extras, and we maintain affordability by keeping costs low and encouraging increased hands-on assistance. We offer negotiable family, friends, and group discounts, as volunteering together enables us to further reduce expenses. Loyalty is rewarded, and returning volunteers receive special recognition in our projects. Additionally, our costs include donations to our projects, contributing to their sustainability and impact.

    6. Safety:

    The safety of our volunteers is of paramount importance. We thoroughly vet and assess all our projects, ensuring adequate safety measures are in place. While certain areas may be off-limits due to potential risks, it is important to note that complete safety guarantees are impossible in any location. We have established channels for reporting incidents and maintain close relationships with in-country support on the ground. Furthermore, we possess liability insurance and require all participants to have personal travel insurance. To provide comprehensive support, we arrange airport collections and drop-offs, ensuring our volunteers are assisted throughout their entire journey. We pride ourselves on delivering a personal touch and remain available 24/7 to address any emergencies.

    Please remember to arrange your comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking your trip, as it is an essential aspect of ensuring your well-being and peace of mind.

    We sincerely appreciate your interest in Volunteer International Adventures and our commitment to making a positive impact through responsible volunteering. Should you have any further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

    70 beoordelingen · rating4.7

    Jenny Bakewell rating4.8

    2018 at Teach at poverty stricken township schools

    There’s so much to say about this trip because it was the best time of my life. But first and foremost Sharon Dreyer made it possible and made me feel at ease. This trip was a big deal for me , to go somewhere on my own and face my fears as I suffer with anxiety. But Sharon made me feel good and ...
    Kemly Yambay rating5

    2024 at Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation

    An experience that I will never forget and forever in my heart thanks to all the team of the Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation. Amazing team and good people My best wishes for the new farm and see you guys very ...
    It is difficult to know where to begin, this process has utterly changed my life in the most positive ways. During my stay in Knysna I got the opportunity to volunteer at a local NGO that offers so many people the support they need. The work involves engaging and educating prisoners to working in ...
    I have absolutely loved my experience in South Africa volunteering with Endangered Wildlife Monitoring and Research, and I am sad that I have to leave in a few days. By the time I leave I will have spent six weeks in South Africa, so I've been lucky enough to volunteer at all three of the reserves ...
    Esther Burden rating5

    2024 at Big Cat Sanctuary on a Wildlife Reserve

    I would 100% recommend this excellent volunteer programme to anyone interested in big cats. I know now that i didn’t do enough research about the lion industry and ethical vs non-ethical sanctuarys before my three-month stay at this sanctuary, but i was very lucky to end up somewhere where the ...
    Lynn van den Broecke rating5

    2024 at Ethical Predator Sanctuary Assistant

    A massive thank you to everyone who was involved in this project! I felt safe and well taken care of. I think about this experience a lot. I would definitely recommend it to everyone! ...

    Plaats


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