South Africa Teaching and Development Volunteers

  South Africa

• Cape Town: 
Cape Town (Kaapstad)

Length of Position: Contact us for more information.
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Starts 1st and 3rd Friday every month.

Description: You will spend your time teaching in 2 different schools within the Fish Hoek area, on the outskirts of Cape Town whilst also assisting in a number of excellent development schemes, aimed at supporting the wider community.

* Teaching: As a volunteer you will work as a teaching assistant in the classroom. You will find that most of the schools have meagre and ill-equipped facilities, but a wealth of children with a desire to learn. As a volunteer, you will assist teachers and contribute to our effort of providing children with a better education.

* Community Development: After having spent the morning at a school, you will help out the local community in different areas in the afternoon.

These areas include:

    * Education and Care Centre - Assist teachers by helping to serve meals, playing with the kids, story time, etc
    * Community Development Project - Support both orphans and children with HIV/AIDS.

Highlights: South Africa is the southern most country on the African continent, stretching over 2500km along the coast, from Namibia to Mozambique. It is one of the most developed countries on the continent, with very good infrastructure and excellent facilities for travellers.

South Africa has it all; from the picturesque beaches for ultimate relaxation, to bustling metropolises for some shopping and partying, to the safaris and wilderness that have made this continent so popular. Cape Town has long been a favourite spot for tourists. Overlooked by Table Mountain, its reputation for being a fun and beautiful city is something that is certified by most people who visit.

South Africa was originally inhabited by the Bantu-speaking people who migrated across Southern Africa. It was first marked on the 'map' in the 15th Century when the Portuguese explorers arrived on the shore of the Cape of Good Hope, making settlements and establishing trade routes. As a result of this, modern South Africa has huge diversity in all aspects of life, stemming from the traditional, tribal and European influence.

The recent history is a mixed affair. As a developed country with political ties to Europe, South Africa gallantly took part in both World Wars. However, only as recently as 1994 has South Africa ended the Apartheid regime. This was engineered by the minority White race and was a horrific and suppressing existence for all who opposed it. One can now hope for a just and democratic state.

Sadly, South Africa's diversity extends to economics, with roughly half the population living below the poverty line in shantytowns and mud huts. South Africa has one of the fastest growing HIV epidemics in the world and also the highest number of patients being treated for HIV/ Aids in the world. The government has tripled it's spending on HIV/Aids treatments, although it is doing little to reduce it's prevalence. The average life expectancy for men is just 47 years old, with women outlasting them by only four years, to 51 years old.

Cost in US$: from 2,279; 250 deposit

Experience Required: no

Age Range: Minimum 18 years, maximum decided on potential participants health

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Written Application

Real Gap Experience's Mission Statement:

Real Gap offer over 350 projects and travel options in over 35 countries over 6 continents. So whether you are interested in volunteering, community work, conservation, paid work overseas, teaching English, learning a new skill, adventure travel or sports and expeditions, you will find what you are looking for with Real Gap.

Not only about we passionate about responsible travel, we are pretty keen on making sure you have a good time too! Our travel advisors have traversed the globe and taken their own gap years, so they can give you all the advice you need to plan yours. You will also get support from both our on-site and office staff who understand the needs and expectations of Real Gap travelers.

Year Founded: 2005