Volunteer in South Africa

Youth during the apartheid era in South Africa played a significant role in bringing about democracy. Today, South Africa's national legislation and policies in its post-apartheid period directs its focus specifically at youth development realizing that previously very little attention focused on matters relating to youth. Policies in the past denied the majority of young men and women opportunities to develop meaningfully as young people and transit into meaningful adulthood.

The country continues to struggle with youth development in the areas of skills development, unemployment, youth training, and academic achievement. Our partner organization aims to focus on providing learning opportunities that align with the national initiatives. Volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in the social and academic development of young people in Venda, South Africa - the Limpopo Province.

The Program

Volunteers will contribute their valuable time as teaching assistants and tutors in primary and secondary schools, and childcare workers in day care centres in Venda, South Africa. They will have the opportunity to be directly involved in the motivation and development of young people's lives and ultimately helping to bridge gaps and influence change in the 'New South Africa'.

Please note that all projects require volunteers who are self-starters and can conduct their daily activities with minimal supervision. You will take part in a flexible schedule in one or more of the following areas, depending on program needs and volunteer skills. For example, you may work in the morning at a school and in the afternoon at a "place of safety" or day care centre.

Teaching Assistance/Tutoring: Volunteers with varying skills will be able to help in areas of academic and skill development through mentoring and tutoring activities. Currently there are schools in South Africa that struggle to meet their achievement goals, achieve specific skill sets, and motivate young people. There are many factors contributing to this challenge from high student to teacher ratio, lack of resources, and most important history. We have opportunities for volunteers to assist with teaching at preschool, primary and secondary levels. At primary and secondary levels, volunteer teaching assistants can help teach core subjects, such as English, mathematics, life skills, and science. The subjects will be relative to each school's needs; however the greatest need is typically in math and science, particularly at the secondary school level. There will be additional opportunities for tutoring, career development, and organizing extracurricular activities for students.

Volunteer preschool teachers will teach Basic English skills and carry out basic childcare duties. This role is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-directed person. At this time, a teaching qualification is not required but volunteers need to be confident in the above subjects and preferably have, or are studying towards a university degree.

Childcare: Volunteers may work in settings such as day care centres or "places of safety" in the community. The town's Children's Home and certain foster home situations are referred to locally as "places of safety". As a volunteer, you can help by working with children ages 2-6, helping with general caretaking like handing out porridge and brushing teeth, teaching English, reading, writing and pronunciation. Simple math and counting, body hygiene, crafts and educational games for younger children may be available as well. Volunteers will be able to use this time to display their mentoring experience, and motivate the students toward a positive future.

Typical Subjects
Cr�ches/Pre-schools
Language and Literacy
Creative activities (Music, dance and art)

Primary Education (6-11 years)/Drop in Center
English
Math
Science
*Tutoring and Career Development
*Recreational Activities and Life skill workshops

Junior Secondary (12-14 years)/Drop in Center
English
Math
Science
*Tutoring and Career Development
*Recreational Activities and Life Skill Workshops

Program Requirements

As a volunteer you must be:

• in good physical condition, and be able to walk reasonable distances
• 18 years old or over
• able to speak English
• able to work with a minimum of supervision
• obtain a police clearance from your home country prior to volunteering
• some knowledge and confidence in subject areas mentioned above

Program Location

Participating communities and schools are located about 4.5 hours north of Johannesburg within the Vhembe District, situated in the northernmost province of South Africa. Volunteer placements are primarily in the main town of Thohoyandou and its surrounding villages: Manamani, Dzwerani, Shayandima, and Itsane.

Program Schedule

This program runs year round. Volunteers start the program on the first or third Friday of each month so that orientation can begin on Saturday morning.

Program Cost

A US$350 application fee will secure your place on the program, with your program fee due for payment eight weeks before you begin your placement. You only pay your application fee once and then you can access any of GVN's volunteer programs over the next 5 years.

Your application fee includes the following benefits:

• Personal Staff Support
• Your South Africa Program Guide
• Your Fundraising Guide and Software
• Access to Your Own Online Journal

Once your application fee is paid the remainder of the cost for your time in the South Africa program is:

• Cost for 2 weeks - US $997
• Cost for 1 month - US $1070
• Cost for 6 weeks - US $1397
• Cost for 2 months - US $1740
• Cost for 10 weeks - US $2077
• Cost for 3 months - US $2410
• Cost for 4 months - US $3080
• Cost for 5 months - US $3750
• Cost for 6 months - US $4420

To see the cost in your local currency, we recommend you look here.

The in-country fee covers administrative charges, placement arrangement, accommodation, food, airport pickup, transport to placement, supervision, and transport back to Johannesburg at the end of your placement.

The other costs you will need to meet are flights, travel insurance, personal spending money, and any trips / tours you would like to take while you are in South Africa.

Your program fee includes the following benefits:

• Your In-Country Fee
• In-Country Support
• 24hr Emergency Line
• Membership To The Change Makers Club
• All Safe Travel Alert Service
• Letter Of Completion

Apply for the South Africa Program

Your application process is free and seamless and if you are successful we will provide you with a choice of application fee payment options that include a secure online service. We also are one of the few organizations that offer a money back guarantee on your application fee up to two calendar months before the month your placement begins.
Click here to apply for the South Africa program.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have put together the following page, which answers the majority of questions people have.
Click here

Articles

Read an article written about one of our volunteers in South Africa.
Click here

Volunteer Journals

If you would like to read about the experiences of some of our volunteers who are currently volunteering in South Africa, you can do so here. This journal service is provided free to all our volunteers.
Click here

Application Process

All applicants will be notified by email as to whether their application has been successful.

(1) Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form below. Upon receipt of the form we will assess your suitability for the program within two working days.

(2) Contact You: If you are successful we will then email you a letter of acceptance.

(3) Decision Point: Once you have read through the letter of acceptance and we have answered any questions or concerns that you might have, it is time to pay your US $350 application fee to secure your place on the program. Please note that we will refund your application fee if you decide not to go (refer to our Terms of Service for details on the refund policy).

(4) Confirmation: Once the application fee is paid, our volunteer partner will contact you to ensure everything is organized. We will also send you the link to our program guide which covers topics such as country information, travel links, visa application process, fundraising ideas and much more!

(5) Communication & Support: Throughout the application process, we are committed to working with you to answer any of your questions or concerns. During your placement we are also available as a form of support to you as a volunteer and will email you while in country to discuss how the program is going.

To apply for this program, click here