Early Childhood Development in rural communities

Highlights

  • Make a real, lasting difference in small children's lives through your participation in our early childhood development projects.
  • Gain valuable hands-on experience in play based learning
  • Experience the amazing learning opportunities from a completely different cultural perspective.
  • Visit Kruger National Park and get the chance to see an elusive leopard or experience the gentleness of an elephant.
  • Enjoy an authentic South African experience in food, culture and wildlife together with staff, locals and other volunteers from around the globe!

Overview

Join Us in Shaping a Better Tomorrow

Since 2016, our Rise Creche has been providing the most vulnerable children—many from broken families and unable to afford school fees—with a safe and nurturing learning environment. We currently support 62 children (ages a few months to 5/6 years old) in 2025 who come to our preschool daily for three nutritious meals and developmental learning. With our Outreach Creches we support almost 700 children.

At Rise Creche, we focus on Early Childhood Development (ECD) through play-based learning, specialized in Sensory Integration, helping children develop essential skills for their future. We believe that Early Childhood Development is the foundation for creating a better tomorrow, and you can be part of making that happen!

Your Role as a Volunteer

Volunteers will assist in various daily tasks within the classroom, supporting the team with learning activities designed to stimulate children’s growth and development. You’ll also engage in playground-based learning activities, where children explore and learn through interaction and play.

On some days, you’ll join the Rise Creche Coordinator for outreach visits to other preschools we support in the local area, giving you a broader view of our impact and a deeper connection to the community.

This program offers hands-on experience, so expect to be busy—but always remember to have fun! You’ll be an integral part of the team, helping to create a positive and supportive learning environment for the children.

Holistic Approach & Community Integration

At Nourish, we believe that conservation and community development must go hand in hand. Through all our programs, we aim to interlink, grow, conserve, and uplift communities by focusing on education, enterprise, and tourism. This holistic approach allows us to work with the community as a whole and tackle challenges from a broader perspective.

Our Program Structure

Green Kidz: Environmental education for local elementary schools
Social Enterprise: Supporting and growing small businesses
Agro-Ecology: Sustainable farming education
Rise Creches: Early Childhood Development, supporting 6 preschools
Eco Village: Recycling programs and community outreach
As a volunteer, you’ll be fully immersed in one of these projects, whether focusing solely on ECD or combining it with other initiatives. The work is hands-on, and you’ll learn a lot from the team while making a tangible impact.

Cultural Exchange & Immersion
This is more than just a volunteer program—it’s a chance to immerse yourself in local culture. Learn the Tsonga language, join our staff at church (free), and experience traditional village events (when available). It’s a unique way to connect with the local community and broaden your cultural understanding.

Explore & Unwind
Weekends are yours to explore the stunning landscapes of the area. We can arrange excursions to Kruger National Park, the Panorama Route, and more (additional cost), so you can unwind while discovering the beauty of South Africa.

  • Accomodation
  • 3 Meals per Day (7 days per week)
  • Project and logistical support
  • Immersive field and programme activities
  • Cultural Village walking tour
  • Wifi access, SIM Card if needed
  • Nourish T-shirt
  • Optional language workshops can usually be arranged
  • Airfare
  • Domestic Airfare
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visa
  • Weekend Activities

Important Information

We welcome volunteers all year around.

We ask volunteers to arrive on Sunday, where we can pick them up in Hoedspruit, in town or at Eastgate Airport.
Volunteers can start directly the next day with an introduction, then they will be shown around the property of Nourish Eco Village before starting directly from one of our programs.

Our programs run from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 4pm with 1h lunch break, volunteers will follow the same schedule.

During the weekend volunteers can choose to chill and enjoy the pool with a cold drink as we do have a bar on site or exploring the area!

Write a Review
  • Alexa Wolfs recommends this program
    |
    Apr 19, 2025

    Great experience

    I had a wonderful time at Nourish, the community and the staff are very open and I have taken everyone to my heart. I will definitely be back and can recommend it to others.