About The Project
By introducing at-risk children to sport and physical activity, this program has a positive impact on their lives. This wonderful program plays an essential role in supporting some of Cape Town’s most impoverished children. It involves coaching young people at a primary school level. Volunteers can assist in coaching sports and teaching children various skills such as fitness training. In some instances, sports coaching involves teaching children about healthy lifestyle awareness and team building. As physical education has only recently been introduced in the schooling system most schools have very limited equipment and resources. Volunteers do not need prior experience in teaching, however they will need patience, enthusiasm and a ‘can do’ attitude! Teaching children sports and the enjoyment and benefits of physical activity can make a huge difference to the lives of at-risk children. Boosting their confidence and self-worth and keeping vulnerable children off the streets are just some of the many positive impacts this program has on its participants.
Goals of this Project:
- Improve the future prospects of some of Cape Town’s most vulnerable children
- Alleviate health and social issues for the children of Cape Town by engaging them in sports and physical activity
- Provide education on healthy lifestyles, increase participant confidence and teach team work and other skills that will benefit at risk children into the future
- Create inter-cultural understanding which benefits both residents and international volunteers alike
How You Can Help
Engaging at risk children in sport and physical activity can have hugely positive benefits on their lives. By participating in this program volunteers are supporting and empowering children, keeping them off the streets and from participating in anti-social behavior, while inspiring them to become active and lead a healthy life. By teaching children sporting skills, it gives students a free or low cost social option to participate in sports alongside their friends, to meet new people with similar interests and to engage in positive social activity outside of school hours. Students will also benefit from a greater cultural understanding from working alongside international volunteers. Volunteers need to be flexible and use their initiative and imagination on this program. As with many things in developing countries some projects are very well structured and well managed while others lack infrastructure and resources. Volunteers will have 1-3 periods of sports education per day, and outside of this will assist teaching in the classroom. This can of course vary depending on the activities planned for the day, and the volunteer’s creativity and initiative to conduct their own physical education lessons with the children.
Volunteers on this program will participate in a variety of tasks and can expect to;
- Interact with the children on the program
- Assist with facilitating the lessons and sports/activities
- Get involved – play and participate alongside the children
- Help with setting up and packing down the equipment as required
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to help create a brighter future for children through the power of sports. This project is best suited to those who are either pursuing a career in the field of physical education, those who wish to explore an interest in this field, or those who simply wish to share the joy of sports with the next generation. As such, the project is open to all and does not require participants to have specific education, qualifications or experience, as you will be shown everything you need to know by one of local project leaders. Applicants must have a genuine willingness to help, be fit and active, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
The program is based in beautiful Cape Town, the tourism hotspot of South Africa, boasting a wonderful hospitality scene, gorgeous beaches, scenic landscapes and the iconic Table Mountain. Volunteers on this placement will be excited by all they can experience while based in this city, while also working on an important environmental protection program.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon arrival into Cape Town airport volunteers will be collected by a representative of the local project team and transported to their assigned accommodation where they will join a short welcome session. On Monday, volunteers attend the full orientation session where a representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience in South Africa. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town, South Africa (CODE: CPT)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this project are primarily accommodated at a fabulous Volunteer House located in one of the best suburbs of Central Cape Town - Observatory.
Observatory, or “Obs” as the locals call it, is Cape Town’s most bohemian suburb and lies about 15mins (drive) east of the city center. Located just 2km from the University of Cape Town, this student town is a vibrant, multi-cultural community that attracts young travelers from all over the globe, all year round. Our hostel is a 10min walk from Lower Main Road - the main entertainment area and heartbeat of Obs. You’ll find quirky restaurants, easy going bars, live music (everything from Reggae and Afro-jazz to Contemporary) and tons of cozy little coffee shops and cafés. During the Apartheid era, Observatory was one of the few “grey” suburbs – areas where people of mixed race, religion and cultures were allowed to live together. This spirit has lived on and has resulted in a suburb unique in its diversity. Within a 5km radius of Obs, you’ll find the Newlands rugby and cricket stadiums, various shopping centers, museums, art galleries and stage theaters, hiking trails and of course The Old Biscuit Mill - this vibrant spot is home to night and day markets, designer stores, delicious farm-stalls, decadent cafes as well as an awesome line-up of festivals and events.
There are two houses located right next door to each other, joined at the rear by a courtyard.
Each house boasts the following features:
- Accommodation for up to 50 volunteers in dorm-style rooms, sleeping between 4-8 people
- On-site, live-in Hostel Manager
- 2 fully-equipped Kitchens
- 2 communal lounge areas with satellite TV
- Fully-fitted bathrooms with 4 showers and 3 toilets in each house
- Individual lockers for each volunteer - padlocks not supplied
- Free WiFi internet connection
- Linen provided
- Centrally located on transport routes and close to supermarkets, internet café, launderettes, restaurants, etc.
- Self-service breakfast at the hostel on week-days (Monday – Friday, 6am – 8.30am). Cereals, bread/toast with various toppings, coffee/tea, variety of fruits.
- Lunch, dinner and weekend meals are not included but can be eaten out at any of the affordable and varied eateries. Supplies can also be purchased and meals prepared in the house kitchen.
- All volunteering projects are situated within walking distance or one taxi ride (10-20mins)
For those who prefer or if there is no availability at the volunteer houses, host family accommodations are also available. Home-stays are located at least 30-40 minutes from the center of Cape Town and are a fantastic way to be immersed in the culture of South Africa!
Fees
That’s just USD 32 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.