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 and in primary schools in Soweto, 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.
Soweto Project: 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 primary level. 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. There will be additional opportunities for tutoring, career development, and organizing extracurricular activities for students.
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
Crèches/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
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
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
* Online Video - Preparing For Your Trip
Once your application fee is paid the remainder of the cost for your time in the South Africa program depends on the length of time on the program. See our
http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/southafrica/youth for details.
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.
If you have any questions please contact us at
info@volunteer.org.nz
The Global Volunteer Network offers volunteer opportunities in community projects throughout the world. We currently provide volunteer programs through our partner organizations in Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Ghana, Honduras, India, Kenya, Nepal, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Romania, South Africa, South Dakota, Thailand, Uganda, and Vietnam.
