Cape Town Teaching & Youth Development

Education is one of the key needs of children and is their doorway to a bright future. In South Africa all children have to go to school, because it is seen a basic human right, yet a large percentage of children struggle to go to or to do well at school due to the effects of unemployment, HIV AIDS, poverty and substance abuse. This project involves working with a school in the Hout Bay area of Cape Town, South Africa, which offers education and the hope of a future to many young people.

The Teaching Project aims to assist children at primary school level with support in a variety of ways including getting students to read and offering one-on-one support to children who are performing below the 20% pass rate. You also will be working in the after-school project that continues to support educational activities including reading and homework, as well as teaching life skills and activities to improve self-confidence. You don’t need to have prior experience to volunteer on this project; all you need is to be motivated and sensitive.

Volunteer role

Your role is split into two parts, firstly working at the school in the morning and then in the afternoon at an after-school program or youth center. Your role will depend on your experience and interests as well as the needs of the school you will work with qualified teachers and youth development staff to assist students who are struggling academically or experiencing challenges.

As a volunteer, you may get involved in many of the following activities:

● One on one sessions to assist students who are falling behind in their schoolwork by having a one on one session with them

● Helping students with their homework and their reading

● Assisting at programs to build confidence and resistance to peer pressure and gang-related activity

● Supporting extracurricular activities, such as drama, music, art and sports classes