Teaching Volunteer Project Abroad in South Africa, Port Elizabeth

Teaching in South Africa
Although South Africa is considered to be one of the most developed African nations, there is still a clear imbalance in the educational opportunities available throughout the country. Many of the township schools are largely under-funded and under-staffed, but this teaching project will give you the chance to make a significant difference to the standard of education that so many children are deprived of.

Your Teaching Placement
You will be based in Port Elizabeth where there is a variety teaching opportunities available to you. As in every education system, there are different schooling stages in relation to the age of the children. This means you can be exposed to a range of teaching methods and standards in the townships. With the younger children, you will have the opportunity to teach English as a foreign language, aiding your students to develop their fluency and conversational confidence.

For the older children, English skills are stronger, and so there will be ample opportunity to teach a broad range of subjects that may include English Language, English Literature, Maths, Science, French, IT, RE, Design, Construction and Agricultural Studies. There may also be opportunities to teach drama, journalism or sports coaching. Although it may appear daunting, having fluent English and numeracy skills makes you a very valuable individual. It is from this platform that you can really start to make a positive difference to the lives of your students.

Your Teaching Role
You will be attached to one of the under-resourced schools in Port Elizabeth , which will most likely be in one of the townships. From here, your role will be to offer inspiring and exciting lessons that will improve the literacy, numeracy and communication skills of your class. You will probably start by supporting local teachers, assisting in lessons and helping to organise other extracurricular activities. This will allow you to build close friendships with your pupils and the local teachers. From this grounding, you will venture out and start to plan and teach your own lessons. Furthermore, help with issues such as lesson planning, discipline and cultural courtesies will be available from a number of sources, including the teachers, our in-country staff and the other volunteers. You will quickly grow in confidence as you learn how to engage your students. Before long, you will develop your own teaching style that inspires and excites the class.

Although you will have support from our staff and the local teachers, you should remember that your role is intended to be as independent and self-supported as possible. You will also be encouraged to introduce your own ideas and get involved with extra-curricular activities such as art and design, drama, music, sport or the production of a school newspaper. Above all, we want to give you the flexibility to decide how you can best contribute to the school environment and education in South Africa .

Our teaching placement is extremely rewarding, not only because of the close friendships you will form with your pupils and local teachers, but from seeing how eager the children are to learn from you. Not only is this a humbling experience, it will undoubtedly change your perspective on the educational privileges we have in the ‘west’. It will help you to value the standard of education back home and, more importantly, understand the positive impact this can have on the lives of others who simply do not get the same opportunities.

CRB/DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) Check
It is advised that participants complete a CRB/DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) check in order to take part in this project. We can provide this service for you at an additional cost because some people may already have one that is valid (please get in touch for more details).

Gap Year and Career Break Teaching in South Africa
A gap year teaching project in South Africa during your gap year is the perfect way to enjoy gap year travel while giving something back through a gap year volunteer project. Our teaching project will provide fantastic gap year opportunities, unforgettable gap year memories, close friendships, and the gap year experience of your life.

Programme Dates 2021
23rd Jan – 5 to 11 weeks
27th Feb – 4 to 6 weeks
13th Mar – 4 weeks
10th Apr – 5 to 12 weeks
15th May – 4 to 7 weeks
5th Jun – 4 weeks
10th Jul – 5 weeks
21st Aug – 5 to 12 weeks
25th Sep – 4 to 7 weeks
16th Oct – 4 weeks

Note 1: 4 weeks = 28 nights, 5 weeks = 35 nights, 6 weeks = 42 nights, 7 weeks = 49 nights, 8 weeks = 56 nights, 9 weeks = 63 nights, 10 weeks = 70 nights, 11 weeks = 77 nights, 12 weeks = 84 nights

Note 2: dates are based on school holidays and are subject to change.

Note 3: All programmes run from Saturday to Saturday

Visa
British Nationals only require a visa to enter South Africa if they intend on staying over 90 days. We recommend you research this yourself depending on what Nationality you are.

Accommodation
Volunteer lodge with shared rooms (4-10 people per room); Basic but comfortable; Shared toilet and shower facilities; Communal areas for socialising and relaxation inclucing pool, TV and games room and bar; Single and double rooms may also be available – contact us.

Food
3 meals a day; Basic but nutritious.

Airport Pick-Up
Included on arrival and departure date. Ask us for details if you are arriving early.

Training
Full project induction and local orientation given on arrival.

Support
Pre-departure help and advice; Local in-country team; 24 hour emergency support.

Donation
Part of your fee maybe used to buy decent equipment for the project and community you work with. We also encourage you to bring any extra equipment that you are happy to give away but this will need to fall within your personal weight allowance with the airline you travel with.

Flights; Travel Insurance; Visas; Vaccinations; Spending money; In country travel; Laundry service; Extra activities not on itinerary.

Preferred Duration
We would like volunteers to come for as long as possible. This ensures better management of the project and also helps you get the most from the social activities and group travel opportunities on offer. Any duration in between 5 and 12 weeks can still be arranged.

Typical Hours
Monday-Friday; 4-6 hours a day; Occasional work at weekends but usually free for personal time and travel. Please be aware that some public holidays may cause disruption to times / days during your volunteer project.

Pre-requisites
No prior teaching experience is required, although some knowledge in the subject is helpful for teaching older students. Completing a TEFL course may also be useful.

Ideal For
Volunteer Teaching Holidays and Placements in Africa; Volunteering and Activity Breaks in South Africa; Volunteer Teaching Gap Years and Career Breaks.

Suitable for ages 18 to 80

Most participants are between 18 and 25, so please be aware of this. We do welcome older people because of the value and experience they bring to the community. We have even had people in their late 70s join us so don't be put off!