from 1,485€

Perfect 4.6rating (59)

Community Assistant & Educator

location
4 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups

About the program

Assist in the facilitation of poverty prevention programs and uplifting settlement communities in Cape Town.

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 ...

About the program

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.

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. ..

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!


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

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.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (intermediate level)

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

police clearance, application form, proof of travel insurance, flight details and copy of passport

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Positive attitude, medium+ level of fitness.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 16:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by SAVE Foundation

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

Airport Pickup at Cape Town International Airport

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*

Accommodation

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.

Food & Beverages

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*

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

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. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

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. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

4 weeks (min. stay) 1,485€
11 weeks 3,882€
24 weeks (max. stay) 8,333€
Average fees 359€/week

Program fees

359€ per week 4 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

4 - 24 weeks

Deposit

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.


Final Payment

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.


Meet your organization

SAVE Foundation

Perfect 4.6 rating (59 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2007

Verified by Volunteer World

  Good response rate

Coordinated by

Shona

Spoken languages: English

About the project

SAVE Foundation works to enrich, educate, and empower various township and settlement communities, as well as protect and rehabilitate wildlife in areas of Africa.

Meet your organization

SAVE Foundation is a Non-Profit Organisation. We are NOT a booking agent; we run, manage, and fund all of our humanitarian projects with the help of volunteers. We believe in transparent and sustainable programs that positively impact our local community.

SAVE Foundation is a registered and 18A tax-exempt, non-­profit organisation (NPO) that assists communities in Africa. Our work involves setting up and facilitating sustainable community and conservation development projects in South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi and Kenya as well as assisting other non-­profit organisations that are actively involved in the local communities.

Volunteers pay a fee that covers the costs of their stay such as accommodation, transport and meals as well as a donation that assists to finance the projects. In return, volunteers get to experience African culture, see our beautiful countries, learn some new skills and make a difference to those in need. As well as making many new friends, the memories made are sure to last a lifetime!

Our volunteer packages include teaching children to (kite) surf and swim, building schools and homes, assisting at local schools, teaching business skills to adults, working with sharks, cheetahs and other wild animals.

Every little bit helps and one can come and volunteer for anything from two weeks to two years!

SAVE Foundation Vision

The vision of SAVE Foundation is to provide local communities with education, youth development, sports development, and skills that will enable them to help themselves rise above the vicious cycle of poverty, and to provide conscientious and responsible wildlife conservation. Through the assistance of enthusiastic volunteers, generous sponsors, and dedicated staff, SAVE Foundation has broadened its reach from a small community-based South African outreach project, to 6 different countries with 35 humanitarian and wildlife projects over the past 9 years. SAVE Foundation hosts like-minded, dedicated volunteers from all over the world; in 2015 the organization amassed 2, 050, 200 total volunteer hours.

SAVE Foundation is committed to providing ethical volunteering opportunities with African wildlife. Our wildlife projects focus on conservation and rehabilitation of endangered, injured, and abandoned animals.

RESPONSIBLE VOLUNTEERING

Humanitarian Projects

SAVE Foundation is committed to providing responsible and sustainable volunteering opportunities. We believe that responsible volunteer practices are paramount to any high quality international volunteer organization. SAVE differs from other non-profit organizations because of the way that we work to create self-sufficient and thriving communities. Each project goes through a rigorous assessment-in conjunction with local authorities on the matter-to identify the needs of the particular community and/or school and how SAVE can best assist them to achieve their goals. SAVE aims to do more than provide Band-Aid solutions to larger issues, but instead work alongside locals to assist with development that will continue to positively impact the community throughout generations.

SAVE Foundation provides responsible volunteering opportunities by ensuring that:

  • Volunteers do not replace paid employment opportunities for local people
  • Volunteers work alongside local staff to assist them with day-to-day operation and the implementation of improvements
  • The goal of each project is to create a self-sufficient and locally run program
    • Ex. We assist schools achieve a high level of education and operation to obtain official school registration.
    • Once a program/school is successfully up and running, we identify a new program in need of our assistance, and leave the local staff to run the operation on their own
  • Volunteers receive training upon their arrival to provide the best assistance possible within their specific placement
  • SAVE regularly collects feedback from volunteers and local project staff
  • SAVE evaluates programs on an ongoing basis
    • Assess both needs for improvement/assistance and areas of growth
  • SAVE does not use “stereotypical” aid images in our marketing campaigns to garner attitudes of pity or victimization amongst the individuals that we work with
    • The images and film that SAVE disseminates simply depicts the activities and projects in which volunteers participate
  • We encourage the dissemination of resources and education, rather than simply donating funds and goods
    • Our aim is to contribute to the self-sufficiency of struggling communities by teaching valuable skills and educating the citizens to empower themselves
    • We do not promote the idea that these individuals are simply beneficiaries of charity.

Furthermore, SAVE takes a developmental approach to poverty reduction by working with communities in need at all stages of life, from education and care in preschools to empowerment through business and skills development for adults. We believe that it is not enough to simply work with a single sector of the community; it must be a holistic approach that will promote a change in the cycle of poverty.

Wildlife Projects

SAVE Foundation is committed to providing ethical volunteering opportunities with African wildlife. Our wildlife projects focus on conservation and rehabilitation of endangered, injured, and abandoned animals. SAVE also strives to educate volunteers about the various species that we support. All interactions with the animals are in a safe and respectful manner with constant supervision from a professional.

SAVE provides responsible volunteering opportunities with wildlife by ensuring that:

  • We do not treat animals as a tourist attraction; no animals are trained to perform in front of an audience
  • We only support breeding at projects that are specifically designed for re-population purposes of endangered species
  • The animals at our projects receive professional and attentive veterinary and handling care
  • SAVE aims to release all animals back into the wild that are capable of doing so
  • The projects act as a safe haven for orphaned, injured, and traumatized animals
  • Each enclosure provides adequate space for the animals to roam freely
  • Volunteers work closely with researchers and project staff to enhance their knowledge about the wildlife
  • We provide a Pre-Vet project that is geared towards individuals with an interest in the professional fields of veterinary science, animal welfare, and animal management; thus, contributing to the future of animal conservation and protection through the addition of further professionals

59 reviews · rating4.6

Fran Cripps rating4.4

2016 at Community Assistant & Educator

Seeing how happy the kids are with the very little was one of my favorite parts about volunteering. I feel more grateful, more understanding of the world. I had no experience working with disabled kids but I was trained how to interact with them. I assisted the teachers with feeding and stimulation ...
Lucas Sinclair rating4.6

2016 at Community Assistant & Educator

Getting to know the kids was amazing, staff were also amazing. I loved to build relationships with the kids, they remembered me. I really had a great ...
Nanna Borregaard rating4.6

2016 at Community Assistant & Educator

I gave a lot of attention to the kids, I spent a lot of time with the kids in a fun way, the kids are so open minded and happy. I can say that this project opened my eyes and made me thankful for what I have. It changed me ...
Volunteering isn't new to me. I've taught kids English in Peru, built schools, coached a disabled children's soccer team, and trained veteran service dogs in the States. So working with adults on a business skills development project in Cape Town for five weeks seemed like a great next feat. Well ...
I've been lucky enough to travel my entire life, and interact with many cultures. However, this is my first time doing any sort of volunteer work. I thoroughly researched before as to what organization to volunteer with, and I could not be happier with my decision volunteering with SAVE. The ...
Nina Rotcajg rating3.2

2017 at Animal Sanctuaries

Animal Sanctuary was globally a good project, I really liked it. But, you need to know that we need a lot of money there, for example the WiFi is not free and the activities like the safari is at 4500 R. I didn't know, and because of that, I haven't been able to do one. Also, it is some hard work, ...

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