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Assist teachers in Cape Town by helping teach the poorest children in the local community. You can teach many subjects and you'll be VERY appreciated by all!

You'll work in a school in Cape Town that has many children from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and poorer parts of the community. Your help and support are appreciated by everyone, but mostly by the children! General facilities at the schools are somewhat limited although the school does have computer facilities and so would also very much appreciate the help of volunteers with computer experience!

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

Our teaching project is located in a suburb, called Observatory, situated at the bottom of Devil’s Peak (so named because of its shape). This peak makes up the left-hand formation of the famous Table Mountain, so named ‘tablecloth’ of clouds that cascade down its slopes. The view of the peak from the school is quite spectacular.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

-> An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa and the many diverse cultures in South Africa
-> The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them.
-> New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
-> An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
-> And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

WORK CONTENT:

Cape Town has everything to offer with its stunning beaches, great surf, penguins, great nightlife and of course Table Mountain!

The average class size is between 28 and 40 although usually you’ll be needed to take small groups of children or individuals out of the class and work with them privately. Classes last between 30 - 60 minutes. Standards are generally very high and the enthusiasm of the students and colleagues more than makes up for any hardships they may experience.

Observatory Primary mainly caters for the poorer African children that come from the township areas of Cape Town. These are the most needy and make up 98% of the school's children. You can also coach sports as well as English teaching and language enrichment, music, art or any other subject that you have particular knowledge in.

Observatory Junior is a multi-cultured and racial school and mainly has children at the school between 5 - 13 years of age. English is not the children's mother tongue, but their general standard of language is about Fair to Good.

The school also runs the SHINE Centre – (Support and Help In Education). This is a volunteer programme with local and international volunteers who assist their learners with numeracy and literacy. This Centre has been running for approximately 4 years and is fully sponsored. Volunteers interact with learners on a one-to-one basis according to the times and days that the volunteers are available. They interact with the same learner/s throughout the year.

This is an excellent outreach programme and they always welcome new volunteers to give their assistance. You will have the opportunity to get involved in this programme if you wish to, in addition to the main stream teaching programme. The students have a never-ending enthusiasm and energy, which is amazing considering the hardships they may experience at home.

SCHOOL TERMS IN SOUTH AFRICA:
Dates for the 2010 school terms (semesters) are given below.
Term 1: 13th Jan – 26th March
Term 2: 12th April – 9th June
Term 3: 13th July – 23rd Sept
Term 4: 4th Oct – 10th Dec

Teaching is not available during school holidays, but if a holiday falls during your proposed placement, you could use this time to do any independent travelling and sightseeing.

TEACHING COURSES:

Travellers also offer teaching courses, day intensive, weekend TEFL or online TEFL. See website for details.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:

-> 5-DAY OR 7-DAY SAFARI from Cape Town up the renowned Garden Route: taking in Dolphin and Whale Spotting, visits to many tourist attractions, such as a visit to a brewery(!), the Bloukrantz Bungy Jump (reportedly the highest in the world), and a guided tour of the Cango Caves.

-> 1 WEEK WHALES, SHARKS AND DOLPHINS Project: This is an extraordinary and exciting project in a beautiful location, surrounded by white beaches and blue ocean. And two hours from the world's third favourite city - Cape Town. What more could anyone want?

-> SURFING COURSES: In the buzz city of Durban.

-> PARAGLIDING COURSE: Soar over the impressively beautiful Drakensburg Mountain. You'll get a licence at the end of the course which qualifies you to do solo paragliding around the world.

ACCOMMODATION:

Nestled under the mountain near the city, is the trendy and arty suburb of Observatory, the student Mecca of Cape Town. We have chosen this location as an accommodation base and make use of Riverview Lodge, where you will be staying. It’s distance from the projects, safety conscious attitude and very friendly staff make this the ideal home away from home.

Riverview lodge has three living rooms, four bathrooms and full catering kitchen, where you can buy home-cooked meals if you wish. The back of the house has a beautiful palm-tree covered terrace, where you can soak up the sunshine and enjoy a real South African “BRAAI” (BBQ).

FOOD:

A healthy self-serve breakfast of cereals, toast and tea/coffee is included every morning, and you will be given a food allowance to buy your own food for lunch/dinner. The lodge is also equipped with a self-catering kitchen, with all the necessities to cook a good meal.

OUR PARTICIPANTS SAY:

“I loved the teachers and the children there, and felt very much at home. Teaching art in afternoons was excellent, I loved having the freedom and responsibility of looking after my own class and arranging the lessons myself, planning and providing lessons and materials that otherwise the children wouldn’t have access to." Hannah Cooke

“So far so good. I've just had the most incredible day. Although I didn't need to, I decided to go to Sunridge. The warmth I was given by the children and staff was quite something. Don't think the kids had seen anything like me before. They either pointed, smiled or just came up and hugged me. A number of them asked me if I was a pop star ! Also pleased with house. Own room which is good and very nice people to share with. Off out to meet volunteers from other house tonight.” Adrian Tate's

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

It’s as easy as that.

Duration

Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Start Dates

Flexible start and finish dates you choose. Our placements are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences. For availability please contact the office.

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £725 for two weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.

Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Requirements

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.