Education Supporter for Underpriviliged Children

The program

This program plays an essential role in improving the education of at-risk children in Cape Town. These children come from impoverished backgrounds, with many experiencing social and health issues. The schools are very under resourced, and lack teachers and basic supplies, books and equipment. Volunteers play a fundamental role in helping these children achieve a better education through their support. Volunteers may choose to assist in primary schools located throughout Cape Town, with most volunteers choosing to work within the most impoverished communities, knowing that this is where they can make the most difference to the lives of vulnerable children. Through donating their time, international volunteers are supporting children and youth who need a solid education to give them a chance at escaping the poverty cycle. Volunteers care, educational support and attention can give these children a fighting chance towards a brighter future.

Goals of this Project:

• Provide a quality education to underprivileged children in Cape Town
• Improve the future prospects of at risk children and youth through an enhanced educational experience
• Boost the confidence and aspirations of marginalized children
• Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both students and international volunteers alike

How you can help

Volunteers play an essential role in supporting impoverished children on this program. The main duties of a Volunteer Teacher will be to assist the local teachers with lessons. However, volunteer presence and involvement in every aspect of schooling will be an invaluable contribution to the children involved in this project. From English conversation and writing skills, to sports activities and games, volunteer participation and presence will have a huge and beneficial impact on these children. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to impact the children in their own way by bringing their own set of skills/knowledge/interests to teach them. There is also a need for volunteers to teach computer skills as a number of computers have been donated but go unused much of the time as there are not enough teachers to dedicate to this. A willingness to help in other areas of the project would also add value e.g. upgrades to the facility, finding creative ways to make learning aids/material.

Volunteers on this program will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:

• Assist with teaching the children
• Teach English and focus on the children's self-esteem
• Help children with their homework
• Give reading and counting classes
• Organize the recreation time and snacks
• Involve children in sporting activities
• Teach children the skills/interests of the volunteer

A volunteer’s work day on this project will generally last between 4 and 6 hours and while we ask all volunteers to be flexible in this regard, a typical daily schedule is likely to go something like this:

7:00am Breakfast at the volunteer house

7:30am Walk or bus to your project site

8:45am Pre-start meeting with project supervisor

9:00am VOLUNTEERING DUTIES START

A tea break and lunch break will be fitted in during the day, but often the timing of breaks will change based on the needs of the local staff and number of volunteers on hand.

3:00pm VOLUNTEERING DUTIES END

3:15pm Debrief with project supervisor

3:30pm Walk or bus back to the accommodation

Evenings Volunteers are free to explore the local area, check out the multitude of local restaurants, bars and cafes, or relax with the other volunteers!

This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.