Volunteers are placed at pre-schools serving disadvantaged communities, where they have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children. No previous teaching or childcare experience is required — just patience, enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved.

As a volunteer, you will work alongside the school’s teachers and staff, assisting them with the daily activities of the classroom. Rather than replacing the teachers, volunteers provide valuable additional support, helping to create a positive, engaging and caring learning environment for the children.

Depending on the needs of the school, volunteers may assist teachers with educational activities, reading, drawing, arts and crafts, songs, games and basic classroom activities. They can also help supervise children during playtime, encourage participation and provide individual attention to children who may need a little extra support. Simply spending time with the children, playing with them and offering encouragement can make a meaningful difference to their day.

Sunshine Edu-care was founded in Skandaalkamp settlement, an informal “bush” settlement situated on the Frankdale waste disposal site, just off the N7 outside Table View. Its Xhosa name, Umta Welanga, meaning “when, in a dark and cloudy sky, a ray of sunshine breaks through,” perfectly captures what this remarkable facility represents.

Sunshine Edu-care is an oasis of hope in a community facing significant challenges. It provides children with a safe and caring environment where they can learn, play and develop, while also providing important support to families in the community.

The school began in a desperately undersized shack, with just one tiny window, where around 70 children between the ages of 1 and 8 were accommodated in a single shared room. In January 2014, the school moved to a cleared piece of land, where SAVE and KILROY helped establish two beautiful classrooms.

Through extensive fundraising and community support, additional improvements were made, including fencing around the school, a cement pathway for the children’s scooter bikes and grassed areas where the little ones could play safely.

Today, Sunshine Edu-care remains an important facility in the community. Volunteers play a valuable supporting role by working alongside the teachers, helping with classroom activities, engaging with the children and contributing to a warm and encouraging environment.

The experience offers volunteers a wonderful opportunity to gain insight into early childhood education while learning from local teachers and becoming part of the daily school environment. Most importantly, volunteers can give children their time, attention and encouragement, helping them learn, play and grow in a safe and supportive setting.