We work in several schools located in the townships of Knysna, primarily in primary schools, though we also support a local high school. All of these are government-funded schools that serve low-income communities. School fees are minimal — and in many cases, not charged at all — which means resources and facilities are very basic. Class sizes are large, often with over 45 learners per class, and in some instances, we've seen classes with more than 60 students. Teachers work under significant pressure with limited support.

English is introduced from Grade 1 in South Africa, but since learners often speak isiXhosa or Afrikaans as their first language, English is a second or even third language for many. We generally focus on supporting learners from Grade 4 and up, though some volunteers love working with the younger grades as well.

Volunteers make a real difference in improving learners’ confidence and fluency in conversational English. Just spending time engaging with the students in English can be incredibly beneficial, and we often encourage volunteers to assist with English classes in addition to other subjects they’re passionate about.

Volunteers support teachers in various ways — from helping with lesson planning and delivering classes to marking papers and assessments, or even bringing in creative, fresh ideas to keep the learners engaged. There's also plenty of opportunity to assist with extracurricular activities like sports days, talent shows, school fundraisers, or social media promotion.

For those who may feel less confident about teaching, we provide structured workbooks aligned with the South African curriculum to guide your lessons. These are a great resource and help ensure you're always supported.

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 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
• Special needs classes for those children with physical or mental disabilities, Due to the lack of resources, there is only one such class to cater for all ages. 

The school day starts at 07h45 and ends the latest at14h30 depending on the school. 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 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.