Volunteer as an Assistant Teacher at a Public School in Cape Town, South Africa
Work as an assistant teacher at a public school in order to improve education for the children and teenies from a pour community. The Southern Peninsula of Cape Town with its beautiful landscape attracts many tourists every day. However, what tourists don’t realize, in the same area there are still poor communities, where the residents lack education and employment.
Teaching Assistant at a Primary School in the Community
But at the very heart of the community, a primary school thrives to provide an excellent education for the children. Even with a shortage of funds, teachers dedicate themselves to provide a better future for their young students. That’s where you can jump in to fill the gap, supporting the local teachers. After all, you will enjoy teaching these enthusiastic youngsters at school. With your volunteer work at this teaching internship, you really will make a difference in their lives!
Working Schedule during the Teaching Internship
During the day, you’ll assist the local teachers in their classes. You can also work in parallel on other fantastic development projects in order to support the school. Bring your smile, your creativity and all your great ideas about learning in order to help these children finding their way out of poverty. While these smiling little faces will open up your heart, you will look at life in a different way. After all, you will take unforgettable memories home!
Key Benefits of the Teaching Internship:
Using and practicing your teaching skills to teach underprivileged children who really need your help
Learn about these communities, their history and culture – and how you can make a difference.
Experience beautiful Cape Town and all it has to offer.
Make a Difference for the Young Students in Cape Town
Help teach these enthusiastic youngsters and really make a difference in their lives. You’ll have the opportunity to teach children aged 6 – 18 years old. You will assist teachers in their classes and on other fantastic development projects which support the school and the rest of their community. With only 33 teachers for nearly 750 children, this is a fantastic opportunity to gain teaching experience or work alongside a teacher.
About the Teaching Internship at the Primary School in Cape Town
This is a government primary school which is open to the kids in the area who generally don’t have much money. The school is so important because there are still high levels of illiteracy. Even though funds are short, the staff at this school work hard to provide quality education for these children. So children will be able to develop their full potential. After school, they will have better job opportunities.
The teachers at school strive to foster initiative, individuality, and integrity and provide the children with the learning to be able to tackle life head-on. They teach them the power of positivity, perseverance, and ambition. Within their limited means, the kids are given a chance to have a promising future and stop the circle of poverty.
Your creativity and input are very much welcomed at the school if you have any suggestions to help improve learning in the classroom please tell the local team.
Have a look as well at the other two new volunteer projects in South Africa, Occupational Therapy for children with special needs and a fasinating Marine Biology Internship in Cape Town!
Start Dates
Project duration: Four or eight weeks
Location of project: Southern Peninsula, Cape Town
Arrival airport: Cape Town (airport code CPT) arrive by 4.15pm at the latest
Activities: Working as a teacher’s assistant, helping underprivileged children with learning and play activities
Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8am – 2pm, weekend are free
Requirements: Minimum age 18, police check required (fees apply)
For you to organise: Flights, insurance, visas, return airport transfer (at the end of your trip)
Advice & Safety
Throughout your programmes you will have the support and guidance of the programme co-ordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay and someone will always be available in case of emergency.
Fees – Teaching Internship in Cape Town
- The program fee is paid directly to the host organization.
- All of the projects incur a registration fee of US$ 149.00 on top of the program fee.
What is included in the volunteer program fee?
- Airport Pickup
- Orientation
- Accommodation for all projects
- Meals are included in most programs (please check the description of your chosen project)
- Support from local staff & Program supervision
- In-country 24/7 support throughout your stay
- In-country administration costs
- Donation to support the local project
For you to organise: Flights, insurance, visas, return airport transfer (at the end of your trip)
There are no hidden costs. Most of these projects are the most affordable to volunteer in South Africa.
Iko Poran is an NGO based in a developing country. We are dedicated to helping you help others, at the lowest possible price. We are interested in making volunteering abroad more accessible so that more people can help do really important work.
Participants in our South Africa programs normally find US$100 to be sufficient for weekly expenses in the country.
The program fee should be paid to the host country and it is due 30 days before the project start date.
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteer House - on the Terrace
Our large volunteer house in Fish Hoek will be your happy home for this trip. It accommodates up to 20 people (our volunteers only) in dormitory-style, same sex rooms with bunk beds, a maximum of six people per room. There are three bathrooms with hot, running water, showers and regular flush loos. There’s also a lounge area, balcony, lush garden and barbeque. You’ll be only a short distance from the shops and beach. You’ll find lockers at the accommodation to lock your valuables away but please remember to bring a padlock and keys with you! You’ll need to pay R1000 deposit when you arrive which will be given back to you when you leave if everything’s still as you found it.
Meals
You’ll be self-catering while in the house. The kitchen has everything you need from cookers, loads of fridge space and microwave to toaster, kettle and kitchen utensils. You can eat at the dining room table or lounge on the balcony. There’s a barbeque outside or, as we call it in SA, a braai, which is the best way to cook on a warm evening. You can also grab
takeaways at the many spots in the town, about 10 minutes’ walk away.
Note: While in the house you will be responsible for keeping the place clean so please tidy up after yourself, especially in the kitchen. Budget around US$50 per week for groceries, as prices are similar to home.
Facilities and the area
There’s a phone at the house for incoming calls, and buy local phone cards to make outbound phone calls.
Washing can be done at the laundry down the road: simply drop off your clothes and pick them up later!
Cape Town has a temperate climate but winter is still chilly so pack warm jumpers and even some cosy socks as SA doesn’t have central heating.
Bedding is provided but bring a sleeping bag for away weekends and extra warmth.
Bring along a towel
The Neighborhood
Fish Hoek’s main street is only10 minutes’ walk away where you’ll find a supermarket, serviced laundry and internet café, as well as banks and other shopping. The beach is just a stone’s throw beyond that!
Bars, restaurants, more shopping and more beautiful beaches are only 10 minute’s drive away.
Fish Hoek is on the train line and trains are a great way to travel but they stop running at 7pm.
Taxis to Cape Town CBD cost around US$35/ R250 each way.
Requirements for the Teaching Internship
Minimum qualifications and experience required to take part in this internship:
- Grade 12 certificate
- CV, including certification of any completed courses
- Please note: work experience in the field of teaching is beneficial but not essential.
- CRB Check
- Minimum age 18, police check required (fees apply)
More Volunteer Opportunities in South Africa
Find out about all the programs to teach in South Africa here.
At the public school, you can also teach sports.
If you love to work with children, you can also teach at Doreen’s Crèche, in Cape Town.
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