from 1,679€

Perfect 4.6rating (11)

Hout Bay Child Care Assistant

location
4 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Work with an inspirational team in a very welcoming & loving environment.
  • Bring happiness and joy in the daily life of children and youth - leave a lasting impact on their life.
  • Volunteer in one of the most picturesque areas around Cape Town.
  • Combine the project with an English course in the morning and choose between 3 afternoon options.
  • Experience amazing tours and adventures in and around Cape Town.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples

About the program

This program caters for children in a developing community in Hout Bay. You care for young children in the mornings and assist older ones in the afternoon.

The Hout Bay Children’s Programmes project provides early childhood development services and care to the poor in the community of Imizamo Yethu near Hout Bay in South Africa.

This project services an Educare Centre in the morning and three separate after-school programmes in the afternoon ...

About the program

The Hout Bay Children’s Programmes project provides early childhood development services and care to the poor in the community of Imizamo Yethu near Hout Bay in South Africa.

This project services an Educare Centre in the morning and three separate after-school programmes in the afternoon volunteers may choose from. 

 

Educare Centre:

The Educare Centre offers basic care and preschool and also provides two warm, nutritious meals, snacks and fresh fruit and yoghurt.

Children are cared for in a loving environment and are taught Christian values and simple life skills, and are prepared for formal schooling by employing teachers from the community and empowering them to become excellent professional educators.

Their mission is to give the children that vital head start for successful lives in the future South Africa.

Since 1999 the school has grown and now cares for 285 children between the ages of 1 and 6 years, with 18 staff members from the community. The Educare Centre consists of 11 classrooms, 17 toilets, a well-equipped kitchen, 2 offices, a covered veranda and a large playground.

 

After-School Programmes & Education Hub:
The projects' core work is to provide a safe and nurturing space for vulnerable children between the ages of either 6 and 12 or between 13 and 18 years who have suffered from the effects of HIV/AIDS, poverty, and other stressful life circumstances.  

These programmes offer a structured, holistic after-school care programme and a family support centre including:

  • Homework assistance
  • Academic performance assistance
  • Literacy and numeracy skills as well as life skills
  • Gardening 
  • Psycho-social activities
  • Counselling as well as assistance in emotional resilience to negative life events

 

Six out of ten children live in multidimensional poverty. This makes them vulnerable to abuse and trauma, which again leads to psycho-social problems in their young adult life. 
Research shows the development of emotional intelligence, along with academic support, has the potential to help sustain learners in school and improve their prospects of employment, further education, and training. 

 

Education brings hope for the future and promotes self-worth and dignity. All people should have the right to these.



Typical day

Your Role

Educare Centre: Monday – Friday, from 09:00 – 13:00.

Generally, the role can include:

  • Welcoming the children and assisting in getting ready for their day at the school,
  • Meals – help with laying and clearing of tables, supervise meals,
  • Brushing of teeth – assist with toothpaste, ...

Typical day

Your Role

Educare Centre: Monday – Friday, from 09:00 – 13:00.

Generally, the role can include:

  • Welcoming the children and assisting in getting ready for their day at the school,
  • Meals – help with laying and clearing of tables, supervise meals,
  • Brushing of teeth – assist with toothpaste, supervise brushing of teeth,
  • Washing of hands and toilet routine during and between lessons,
  • Before morning break – prepare fruit and hand out to the children, 
  • Water/tea to be served to each child,
  • Outside play – assist the teacher in supervising and playing with the children
  • Music ring – assist with songs, rhythmic activities, games and books,
  • Sleeping time – assist with floor cleaning and preparing classroom for resting time,
  • Bring in your own experience, try new things and implement new programs, be creative and flexible,
  • Emotional support

 

Furthermore, you can choose between three after-school programmes:

Primary After-School Programme

Monday – Thursday, from 14:00 – 17:00 and Fridays from 14:00 - 15:30.

 

Tasks involve: 

  • Assisting in the kitchen and with food service,
  • Assisting with art, music, or physical science during class or later with homework,
  • Paying special attention to either English, writing, drawing, maths, or general schoolwork,
  • Teaching children small nursery rhymes and songs,
  • Bringing in your own experience (try new things, be creative and flexible),
  • Emotional support,
  • Tutoring, also in groups (lessons on your home country, cooking etc.)

 

Secondary After-School Programme 
Monday – Thursday, from 14:00 – 17:00, Fridays from 14:00 – 15.30 

 

Your responsibilities include the following:

  • Help students from grades 8-12 with their homework and assignments,
  • Facilitate “ice breakers” with the students (to creat a connection),
  • Engage in the life skills/leadership programme on Monday and Friday 
  • Assist students in maths on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday (optional),
  • Facilitate and participate in English language improvement sessions. 

 

Education Hub
Monday – Thursday, from 14:00 – 17:00, Fridays from 14:00 – 15.30 

 

Volunteers assist the teachers with the following: 

  • everyday tasks,
  • making sandwiches,
  • preparing lessons and classrooms,
  • waiting for the children to arrive, 
  • taking delight in their stories about their day, 
  • helping the teacher understand any specific needs of any particular child, 
  • help to organise outside activities for the children, 
  • be a referee in all sports games,
  • assist with any learning gaps the child has during homework hour,
  • assist in being creative when trying to complete their homework,
  • read with the children, a vital part of their day! 


It is important to note that this description serves as an example only. The daily tasks and challenges depend on the volunteer and the work that needs to be done. The final job description can therefore vary substantially from the above.


Free-time activities

Hout Bay is just 20 minutes away from Cape Town and easily accessible by public transport. A highlight is the Hout Bay Harbour Market with craft beer, delicious food, a craft market and live music. Hout Bay is a beautiful place where you can meet travellers from all over the world.

You will live at ...

Free-time activities

Hout Bay is just 20 minutes away from Cape Town and easily accessible by public transport. A highlight is the Hout Bay Harbour Market with craft beer, delicious food, a craft market and live music. Hout Bay is a beautiful place where you can meet travellers from all over the world.

You will live at the Volunteer House in Cape Town and be taken to and from the project every day. It is a private house in an upmarket residential area with single beds and twin bedrooms. Volunteers are accommodated in twin bedrooms but may upgrade to single rooms upon request. There are 4 bathrooms to share, a communal kitchen, a dining room, a lounge with TV and DVD and a beautiful garden with a swimming pool. Bedding is provided, towels are not provided. 

The house is self-catering. The main shopping areas as well as restaurants, pubs, etc. are within walking distance of the Volunteer House. 



Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (intermediate level)

Education Requirements

at High School level

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

Enrolment form, curriculum vitae, letter of motivation, passport copy, proof of medical insurance and police clearance certificate

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

You must have an intermediate level of English. You should have experience with children, or even be qualified as schoolteacher or nursery school teacher. Dance, arts and crafts would be a recommendation.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 17:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Good Hope Volunteers

Included:

  • Program placement and booking fee
  • Airport transfer on arrival
  • Accommodation (Volunteer House Cape Town: shared room, shared bathroom, self-catering)
  • Daily transfer to and from the program
  • A donation towards the program
  • Good Hope Volunteers welcome pack
  • An orientation at the beginning of your volunteering
  • Participation in the activities of the Social Club (extra charges may apply)
  • Electronic certificate (printed copy on request)
  • Local support including a 24-hour emergency number
  • Wi-Fi

Airport Pickup at Cape Town International Airport

You will need to arrive at Cape Town International Airport. Our driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation.

Accommodation

You will live at the Volunteer House. It is a private house in an upmarket residential area with single beds and twin bedrooms. Volunteers are accommodated in twin bedrooms but may upgrade to single rooms upon request. There are 4 bathrooms to share, a communal kitchen, a dining room, a lounge with TV and DVD and a beautiful garden with a swimming pool. Bedding is provided. Towels are not provided.

The accommodation is self-catering. The main shopping areas as well as restaurants, pubs, etc. are within walking distance of the Volunteer House.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Food & Beverages

Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

The program runs from February through November and may be booked for a minimum stay of 4 weeks. 

You will need to arrive on a Sunday at Cape Town International Airport. Our driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation.

After an orientation meeting at the language school in Newlands on Monday, your first day of volunteering will be on that same Monday too.

The project finishes on a Friday and departure should then be on that following Saturday. 

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

4 weeks (min. stay) 1,679€
6 weeks 2,269€
7 weeks 2,564€
8 weeks 2,858€
50 weeks (max. stay) 15,248€
Average fees 362€/week

Program fees

362€ per week 4 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

4 - 50 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Good Hope Volunteers during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Good Hope Volunteers

Perfect 4.6 rating (11 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2009

Verified by Volunteer World

  Excellent response rate

Coordinated by

Doris

Spoken languages: English, French, German, Italian

About the project

We provide volunteer projects in Cape Town, in other parts of South Africa and in Namibia.

Meet your organization

Overview

We offer a couple of different volunteer programs in and around South Africa and Namibia. Volunteers can participate for anything from 2 weeks to a year and should be at least 17 years old and fluent in English.

South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, but there is much more to this fascinating country than what the average tourist sees. There are large social inequalities and the growing population is putting more and more pressure on nature. Countless NGOs and other projects, in addition to government programs, work hard to help people in great need and to protect animals and their habitats. Their work would not be possible without local and international volunteers.

Who We Are & What We Do

Good Hope Volunteers is an offspring from Good Hope Studies, an English language school in Cape Town, providing English lessons for foreign tourists since 1995. 

In 2009, we started offering volunteering, first through a partner, but soon we’ve organized our own volunteer programs. Over the years our programs grew and we decided to let it flow under its own brand. 

Our passion really is in intercultural exchange programs. We strongly believe that South Africa is one of the best places around the world to go and spend some extra time. Be it to learn English or to gain as a person from getting involved in social or conservation programs on a voluntary basis. 

We are a service company, bringing volunteers together with programs who depend on volunteers. Supplying the right people to the right programs is one of the core things we do. We are very service focused, believing that volunteers need a lot of support in order for their involvement becoming a success. 

We are based in Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa. We also operate a volunteer house in Rondebosch, Cape Town and a residence in the student area of Observatory, Cape Town. Some of the most interesting programs are also located in and around Cape Town. However we offer programs throughout South Africa and in Namibia.

We at Good Hope Volunteers are dedicated to providing real and sustainable experiences. Our programs have been researched, visited and evaluated to make sure they meet our vision. Feel free to ask us anything you want to know - we have a policy of being transparent and open.

Don’t hold back on experiencing everything you can: EAT, PLAY and ENJOY. Whether it’s sticking your hand in an elephant’s mouth or dancing with a big group of Xhosa kids – embrace every moment and give it your everything. Volunteering in South Africa will give you memories for life. South Africa has an abundance of cultures, adventure sports and beautiful wildlife. Jump off the highest bungee jump in the world, take a sunset safari drive, eat boerewors and pap at a braai or climb Table Mountain - submerge yourself in everything this rainbow nation has to offer. Remember that life starts when you step out of your comfort zone. Yes, you will be nervous at first and everything will be different and not what you are used to, but rock it! Make new friends -, savor the moment where you and people of all these different cultures come together. 

Why Pay for Volunteering?

The fee you pay covers the costs incurred by the program, the administrative costs incurred by Good Hope Volunteers, and, in some cases, a donation to the program. Though it varies from program to program, the fee may go towards the costs of accommodation, food, clothes, transport and excursions as well as volunteer training, preparation and supervision.

Your Personal Safety

Southern Africa is an area of infinite diversity - rich cultures, spectacular natural beauty and an untamed wilderness that lends itself very well to the young international traveller. When traveling in South Africa, however, like any other major developing nation, there are a number of key things to remember with regards to personal safety. 

During the application process you will be given our Volunteer Handbook which not only gives information regarding your program but also informs you on what to expect when you arrive and some tips on health, safety and welfare in Southern Africa. Our helpful volunteer coordinators will also be on hand to make sure all the information you and your family need is comprehensive and easy to understand.

11 reviews · rating4.6

Gabriela rating4.6

2017 at Hout Bay Child Care Assistant

My experience can be described with one word: perfect! I received pure love and warmth from these kids at the project. My time there was not so long but I've learnt so much from them. I'm so glad that I choose this project and Good Hope Volunteers. I will always be thankful for the incredible ...
Vanessa rating4.6

2016 at Hout Bay Child Care Assistant

It was a wonderful experience to assist the teachers in this project. I also learned interesting facts about the culture and life of the people thru the children's eyes. Despite the poor living conditions the children were always full of joy, fun and laughter. The children and the people I spent ...
Raphaela rating4.4

2016 at Hout Bay Child Care Assistant

Working with the kids was the best experience of my life, it was an unique opportunity to grow and open my eyes to what is really important in life and how we should be thankful for everything we are. I’ve learned a lot and I'm going home with the certain that I'm not the same person I was when I ...
For me, working at Children's Hospital was an incredible experience. I will remember for the rest of my life what I have learnt here. I'll be back to contribute even more to this amazing project. Thank you GHV for giving me this opportunity. I'll keep it in my heart ...
Every human being has an impact on others, when I first got here I thought I could give some love to the ones who need it. But then I realised it was me who received the most love from them. It was a great experience and I really want to do this ...
I had an amazing experience at the Children's Hospital, I learned a lot with the children and after spending all this time with them I learned that we really need to think about the bigger picture instead of focusing on the little problems in life. This experience made me feel that we have ...

Location


You might also be interested in

Contact Doris
  Excellent response rate
English, French, German, Italian

Most volunteers ask about


Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Doris
Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy