South Africa Youth Volunteer Program

  South Africa

Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Ongoing opportunity

Description: Volunteers will contribute their valuable time as teaching assistants and tutors in primary and secondary schools, and childcare workers in day care centres in Venda, South Africa. They will have the opportunity to be directly involved in the motivation and development of young people's lives and ultimately helping to bridge gaps and influence change in the 'New South Africa'.

Please note that all projects require volunteers who are self-starters and can conduct their daily activities with minimal supervision. You will take part in a flexible schedule in one or more of the following areas, depending on program needs and volunteer skills. For example, you may work in the morning at a school and in the afternoon at a "place of safety" or day care centre.

Teaching Assistance/Tutoring:

Volunteers with varying skills will be able to help in areas of academic and skill development through mentoring and tutoring activities. Currently there are schools in South Africa that struggle to meet their achievement goals, achieve specific skill sets, and motivate young people. There are many factors contributing to this challenge from high student to teacher ratio, lack of resources, and most important history. We have opportunities for volunteers to assist with teaching at preschool, primary and secondary levels. At primary and secondary levels, volunteer teaching assistants can help teach core subjects, such as English, mathematics, life skills, and science. The subjects will be relative to each school's needs; however the greatest need is typically in math and science, particularly at the secondary school level. There will be additional opportunities for tutoring, career development, and organizing extracurricular activities for students.

Volunteer preschool teachers will teach Basic English skills and carry out basic childcare duties. This role is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-directed person. At this time, a teaching qualification is not required but volunteers need to be confident in the above subjects and preferably have, or are studying towards a university degree.

Soweto Project:

Volunteers with varying skills will be able to help in areas of academic and skill development through mentoring and tutoring activities. Currently there are schools in South Africa that struggle to meet their achievement goals, achieve specific skill sets, and motivate young people. There are many factors contributing to this challenge from high student to teacher ratio, lack of resources, and most important history. We have opportunities for volunteers to assist with teaching at primary level. Volunteer teaching assistants can help teach core subjects, such as English, mathematics, life skills, and science. The subjects will be relative to each school's needs; however the greatest need is typically in math and science. There will be additional opportunities for tutoring, career development, and organizing extracurricular activities for students.

Childcare:

Volunteers may work in settings such as day care centres or "places of safety" in the community. The town's Children's Home and certain foster home situations are referred to locally as "places of safety". As a volunteer, you can help by working with children ages 2-6, helping with general caretaking like handing out porridge and brushing teeth, teaching English, reading, writing and pronunciation. Simple math and counting, body hygiene, crafts and educational games for younger children may be available as well. Volunteers will be able to use this time to display their mentoring experience, and motivate the students toward a positive future.

Typical Subjects
Crèches/Pre-schools
Language and Literacy
Creative activities (Music, dance and art)

Primary Education (6-11 years)/Drop in Center
English
Math
Science
*Tutoring and Career Development
*Recreational Activities and Life skill workshops

Junior Secondary (12-14 years)/Drop in Center
English
Math
Science
*Tutoring and Career Development
*Recreational Activities and Life Skill Workshops

Highlights: Our partner organization aims to focus on providing learning opportunities that align with the national initiatives. Volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in the social and academic development of young people in Venda, South Africa - the Limpopo Province.

Qualifications:
As a volunteer you must be:
    * in good physical condition, and be able to walk reasonable distances
    * 18 years old or over
    * able to speak English
    * able to work with a minimum of supervision
    * obtain a police clearance from your home country prior to volunteering
    * some knowledge and confidence in subject areas mentioned above

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Global Volunteer Network's Mission Statement: The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a private, Non Government Organization (NGO) based in Wellington, New Zealand. Our incorporation number is WN/1194442. Our vision is to support the work of local community organizations in developing countries through the placement of international volunteers. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.

Year Founded: 2000