Community Assistant & Educator
Coordinator | Shona
Coordinator | Shona
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Assist in the facilitation of poverty prevention programs and uplifting settlement communities in Cape Town.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
About the Program
The main objective is the facilitation of poverty prevention/reduction programs and uplifting
the settlements; we aim to create self-sufficient and thriving communities. Poverty reduction is such an important issue for SAVE Foundation because we are situated on the outskirts of Cape Town and confronted on a daily basis with the poverty and dire living situations that a large portion of the population exists in every day. Volunteers on this project can expect to be part of various campaigns and projects to improve the living conditions for individuals within local settlements (we mainly assist the Wolverivier Settlement). Employment and education opportunities are also provided where possible.
Poverty reduction
is such an important issue for SAVE Foundation
because of the location where we are situated. In Tableview, on the outskirts
of Cape Town, we are confronted on a daily basis with the poverty and dire
living situations that a large portion of the population exists in every day.
Through the operation SAVE, we aim to reduce poverty and
make our local and national community the best that it can be.
For example, we have instituted programs such as a swap shop, where community members can exchange labor (such as working at one of the vegetable gardens we have created or assisting with construction and maintenance) for goods like clothing and groceries.
Settlement volunteers will be involved in various initiatives depending on the needs of the community at the time. Volunteer tasks can include, but are not limited to: assisting to repair structures in the community (especially during the winter months when rain leakage is an issue), cultivating community vegetable gardens, developing new sustainable initiatives such as a recycling program, and distributing donations among the community members.
Volunteers will work alongside a volunteer leader and authorities within the community to assess and respond to specific needs. The day-to-day activities can vary depending on the project at the time; volunteers can split their time between working in the SAVE office to plan an initiative with their volunteer leader and implementing this initiative within the settlement community of Wolverivier.
2 Day Cape Town Orientation
DAY 1: Friday
You are collected from the airport and taken to your volunteer accommodation. You will be shown around and given a map of the area. Depending on your arrival time, you will meet your volunteer leader and learn more about your project, if you arrive late you will be given a time that you will meet your leader. You have the day at your own leisure so you can explore the beach, shops, bars and restaurants. In the evening we have a traditional South African BBQ, called a braai, at the hostel.
DAY 2: Saturday
Start the day with breakfast and head to Saltycrax backpackers.
A SaltyCrax staff member will teach you about the bus system before you head out to Cape Town city centre.
You have two options to choose from:
1. Walking Tour:
Do a walking tour visiting historical sites like the Castle of Good Hope and the Grand Parade. Learn about life under apartheid in South Africa at the Parliament Buildings and the District Six Museum. Shop for African arts and crafts in Greenmarket Square and St George’s Mall.
2. The hop on hop off bus pass:
Board this open rooftop bus that takes you to all the sites you need to see, such as Camps Bay, the V&A Waterfront and Table Mountain… all from the comfort of your seat!
After one of the above activities you can take a bus or walk to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Sit back and sip a cocktail, enjoy some fresh fish and watch the ships in the busy working harbour or walk around taking in the shops, markets and musicians on the side walks. Alternatively, you can take the cable car up Table Mountain and enjoy breathtaking views of the city, or visit the famous Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held in prison during the apartheid era (own expense).
In the evening head back on the local bus to Table View where you can start planning your next day. We will help you book and arrange all that you need. Later, you can join the staff, guests and the locals at one of the restaurants or bars along the beach front in Table View – all within rolling distance from the hostel where you will be staying the night.
Day 3: Sunday
You will have at your own leisure to relax and get ready before your projects starts.
Typical Tasks
Volunteers will help in the daily running of the project, for example:
- Teaching in the educare centres
- Running fun days and sports activities
- Teaching computers skills
- Educating children in life lessons such as HIV, drugs etc
- Teaching adults in the community
- Helping with events
- Fundraising
- Office admin
- This program is very flexible and open to ideas volunteers have about supporting the community
Project Highlights
- Working with the educare centers
- Working in settlements with disadvantaged families
- Creating your own educational programs to teach children
- Supporting and training adults
- Learning about running a non-‐profit organization
- Gain experience in working with children and groups
- Flexible projects and hours
- Learning about South African cultures and way of life
- Making new life time friends
Typical day
Monday
A.M : Educare / P.M: Weekly meeting/training
Tuesday
A.M: Educare / P.M: Vegetable garden
Wednesday
A.M: Educare / P.M: Cleaning resources (chairs,tables,toys)
Thursday
A.M: Educare / P.M: Fundraising
Friday
A.M: Fundraising / P.M: General duties
Saturday
A.M: Off or activity day with children / P.M: Off
Sunday
Off
Free-time activities
As a volunteer you can arrange a number of activities to do in your free time such as skydiving, kloofing, quad-biking, sandboarding, and multi-day Western Cape tours. SAVE also runs weekly socials for our volunteers that can include bubble soccer, outdoor movie theatre, bowling, ice skating, etc. On weekends you can take the bus into town to explore the city of Cape Town or climb the iconic Table Mountain. We are located a mere 5 minutes walk away from the world famous Kite Beach in Tableview, as well as restaurants and public transit, so there is always something to do!
Water Sports
Swimming
Concert/
Music
Music
Diving/
Snorkling
Snorkling
Climbing
Safari/
Zoo
Zoo
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Opera
Sports
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
You need to speak English (intermediate level)
required
police clearance, application form, proof of travel insurance, flight details and copy of passport
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Positive attitude, medium+ level of fitness.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
from
08:00
- 16:00
What's Included
Airport pick up - 2 day Cape Town orientation - Accommodation - 3 meals a day - Weekly social events - Transport to and from projects - 24 support and supervision - Donation to the project - Certificate of appreciation
Our driver will have your name written on a SAVE welcome sign. If you have any issues, please report to the Information Desk and call us directly. *Please note: only the pickup from the airport to SAVE is included, transfers back to the airport must be arranged*
As a volunteer, you will stay at one of our 2 volunteer houses. Both are a few minutes walk from each other and located about a 5 minutes walk from the beachfront. Most rooms sleep 4-6 volunteers and are co-ed. Some rooms have en-suite bathrooms and some share a central bathroom in the house. Volunteer houses are safe and secure, with common lounge areas and kitchen facilities. Double and private rooms are available upon request.
Breakfast: Self-serve including bread, cereals, milk, yogurt, coffee/tea, and spreads, Lunch: Self-serve options including sandwiches, salads, etc. ,Dinner: A variety of hot dishes will be provided as well as salad/vegetables/starches. Twice a week there will be a traditional South-African meal such as a braai or potije. *Complimentary tea and coffee are always available* *Vegetarian and gluten/dairy-free options available*
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
4 - 24 weeks
Program fees
4 weeks
(min. stay)
$1,531
11 weeks
$4,002
24 weeks
(max. stay)
$8,591
Average fees
$370
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
SAVE Foundation
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with SAVE Foundation during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
Why book with Volunteer World
Volunteer World is the world's leading comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We guide you through a safe and easy
application process
- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if SAVE Foundation cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by SAVE Foundation.
What are people saying about Volunteer World?
Community Assistant & Educator
Assist in the facilitation of poverty prevention programs and uplifting settlement communities in Cape Town.
$370/week
You might be also interested in
Escazu, Costa Rica
As part of our local animal shelter, you'll be responsible for a variety of activities such as feeding, maintenance and engaging with animals!
Quepos, Costa Rica
Volunteer and save turtles, make a difference and meet one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Join us in Pacific CR!
Tenerife, Spain
Contribute to critical whale & dolphin conservation initiatives in the beautiful subtropical island archipelago - Canary Islands.
Napoli, Italy
Help the refugee and migrant community to gain a foothold in Europe by supporting shelters, schools, health care and activities tailored to their long-term integration.
Dullstroom, South Africa
Experience a equine adventure in the pristine countryside of the South African Highlands where you will have the opportunity to work with horses and the local community.
Windhoek, Namibia
Conserve the land, cultures & wildlife of Namibia and rescue species threatened by an ever-shrinking habitat. They will also have a number of Research sites to work on
404 Not Found
Why am I seeing this?
You requested a page that doesn't exist on this site any more. This could be caused by a link you followed that was out of date, by a typing in the wrong address in the address bar, or simply because the post has been deleted.