Social Work and Youth Development

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Great for Social Work students looking to get practicl experience working with child care workers in a different culture and country.
  • Volunteers that are interested in creative arts for art therapy or with music talents to help teach the youth how to play the marimba for the centre band are very welcome.
  • For qualified Counsellors, Social Workers and Psychologists, this is a great opportunity to assist youth at risk, school dropouts and street children in the NPO sector and the challenges they face.

Highlights

  • Great for Social Work students looking to get practicl experience working with child care workers in a different culture and country.
  • Volunteers that are interested in creative arts for art therapy or with music talents to help teach the youth how to play the marimba for the centre band are very welcome.
  • For qualified Counsellors, Social Workers and Psychologists, this is a great opportunity to assist youth at risk, school dropouts and street children in the NPO sector and the challenges they face.
  • Help take basic literacy and numeracy classes or one-on-one reading sessions. Sometimes the youth attend computer skills classes at a local library so you can help in this area stoo.
  • Jam packed weekends filled with extreme sports, whale & dolphin watching, local markets, lagoon cruises, beach & forest walks, wildlife safaris & animal sanctuaries


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Assist with youth at risk and street children with social work, sports, art, music, teaching and counselling for their personal development

    Join a team of caring childcare workers in South Africa at a daily drop-off centre for youth at risk. This is fantastic project for educators, counsellors, social work, psychologists or those with similar interests. The main aim is to assist and support the childcare workers in their daily program ...

    About the program

    Join a team of caring childcare workers in South Africa at a daily drop-off centre for youth at risk. This is fantastic project for educators, counsellors, social work, psychologists or those with similar interests. The main aim is to assist and support the childcare workers in their daily program with the youth that are all there voluntary. For those wishing to do this project as a social work student, you will gain practical experience of the challenges that youth at risk experience in a foreign country and culture. 

    The centre is set in one of the poorer areas of Knysna, the town in which the project is based, and the youth that attended the centre are fetched every morning and dropped off later. There is a daily program and the youth have programs from life skills, art therapy, sports, numeracy, literacy, reading, music to personal development and more.

    As many of the youth are school dropouts, the project runs in the school term with the long-term aim of facilitating the youth back into local schools if at all possible and preparing them to deal with the challenges that they face in the education system and in life.

    Many of the youth have challenges at school due to learning disabilities which in the long run ends up with them dropping out of school. The childcare workers try and address those challenges so that help can be given. They also actively have parenting sessions too so that families are equipped to be a solid support structure.

    We love any volunteers with a passion for youth upliftment and helping with socio-economic issues so any skills or just enthusiasm will be of a great benefit. Please let us know if you have any special interests or talents that we can utilize to enhance your time and to benefit the project

    There are a few activities that you can take part in after-school. You can either help with the children at the local safe house with their homework, assist with grassroots soccer coaching, visit the local elephant park, shopping, have lunch at the Waterfront on the estuary edge, hike the Pledge nature reserve or just getting a well-deserved nap as the children can be exhausting as they have so much energy. Please note that after-school activities do not take place every afternoon.



    Typical day

    7.30 to 8am- Get up, get ready and have a bite to eat. It is advisable to prepare a snack for the day especially if you are staying for the after-school group. 

    8.30am - Be collected at your volunteer accommodation and taken to the centre. The youth that attend the centre will be arriving around the ...

    Typical day

    7.30 to 8am- Get up, get ready and have a bite to eat. It is advisable to prepare a snack for the day especially if you are staying for the after-school group. 

    8.30am - Be collected at your volunteer accommodation and taken to the centre. The youth that attend the centre will be arriving around the same time after being collected from 8am and they will also make sure the centre is tidy for the day's activities

    9am - Sylvia the cook serves the youth a nutritious breakfast to give them energy for the day. This is the perfect time to get acquainted with the youth and form a rapport. You can also assist Sylvia if you have some ideas for a fun breakfast- or even prepare a typical breakfast found in your country. After breakfast some of the youth will take care of the chore of washing dishes

    9.30am- Now it is time for a fun short session of motivation which has lots of singing and dancing to set the mood for the day and get energy levels up. It is also a great icebreaker for new volunteers and new youth registered at the centre

    10am- The daily sessions now start and depending on the day of the week could be any of numeracy lessons, literacy lessons, art therapy in the form of working with clay or banner painting projects, personal development sessions dealing with topics like anger management, peer group pressure, substance abuse, children's rights, bullying and skills development like cooking and sewing 

    13pm- Lunch is served for the youth followed by some last-minute chores of making sure the dishes are done and the centre is tidy. After lunch is a perfect time to enjoy some sports development with the youth before they get dropped off for the day

    2 to 2.30pm- The youth are dropped off for the day and you will be fetched and taken back to your volunteer accommodation unless you are staying for the after-school club. Your time is now your own for a little shopping, sightseeing or other activities that the project offers like helping with homework at a local children's safe house.


    Free-time activities

    There is a wealth of activities in the area to suit most volunteers from the extreme sports lovers who would like to jump the world's highest bridge bungee which is only an hour away, paraglide, skydive, hike the magical forest home to the last most southern free-roaming elephants, take a surfing ...

    Free-time activities

    There is a wealth of activities in the area to suit most volunteers from the extreme sports lovers who would like to jump the world's highest bridge bungee which is only an hour away, paraglide, skydive, hike the magical forest home to the last most southern free-roaming elephants, take a surfing lesson or snorkel one of the ship wrecks in the lagoon to those who love animals and wildlife with primate, bird, predator and elephant sanctuaries in the vicinity, horseback and vehicle wildlife safaris and whale and dolphin boat based viewing. For those who enjoy shopping there are plenty of interesting shops and many local weekend markets filled with delicious food and unique arts and crafts. A variety of restaurants cater for those looking to try some of the delicious food South Africa is known for and also included is a Saturday tour of markets and wildlife viewing and a Sunday South African braai (BBQ)  


    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 (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Volunteers with qualifications in education, social work, psychology, counselling, arts and crafts and sports coaching are very welcome

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 14:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Volunteer Int. Adventures

    The cost of the project includes lovely shared accommodation, a food allowance, daily transport to and from the project, airport collections and drop offs, staff on the ground available for emergencies 24/7 and to oversee your stay and safety, marketing costs, donations to the project, a Saturday tour and a Sunday braai (BBQ) either at the beach or the forest.

    Airport Pickup at George Airport

    You will need to fly into George Airport for your airport collection Mondays to Fridays where you will be met by your Volunteer International Adventures representative and driven to your volunteer accommodation in Knysna. On completion of your project, you will be driven back to George Airport in time for your return flight. If arriving by coach from Cape Town, you will be fetched and dropped off at the coach depot in Knysna

    Accommodation

    The volunteer accommodation is a lovely self-catering apartment in the town of Knysna close to shopping malls, restaurants, take-aways, gyms, nightlife, entertainment areas and essential services. There is security and the area is safe to walk around. Accommodation is either shared with another volunteer or single depending on volunteer numbers, a TV, bathroom with a shower, basin and toilet, living area and a kitchen. There is also WIFI and a washing machine. Couples, friends, and families can be accommodated. Single upgrade for a fee by arrangement.  

    Food & Beverages

    You will also receive a food allowance for your basic food essentials for your self-prepared meals. You will be taken for a grocery shop as part of your induction on your arrival. This means that you can choose the specific food if you have set dietary requirements. There is a kitchen for cooking

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is George Airport (GRJ) in George. 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

    Starting days are Monday to Friday in the South African school term. A more fun based holiday program is also available in school holidays. Closed from December to the 15th of January.

    Please be aware that during the South African school holidays a fun based programme takes place for the local community youth. The regular programme only takes place in the South African school terms.

    School terms for 2025

    • Term 1: 15 January to 28 March 2025 
    • Term 2: 8 April to 27 June 2025 
    • Term 3: 22 July to 3 October 2025
    • Term 4: 13 October to 10 December 2025
    There is no availability from the 4th of October to the end of 2024.
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    4 weeks (min. stay) 2,055€
    5 weeks 2,434€
    6 weeks 2,774€
    7 weeks 3,152€
    8 weeks 3,505€
    9 weeks 3,846€
    10 weeks 4,161€
    11 weeks 4,539€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 4,855€
    Average fees 459€/week

    Program fees

    459€ per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 12 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 Volunteer Int. Adventures during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Volunteer Int. Adventures

    Brilliant 4.7 rating (70 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2020

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Sharon

    Spoken languages: Afrikaans, English

    About the project

    We are a hands-on volunteer organisation with 16 years' experience of working with volunteers in animal care, veterinary, conservation and youth projects.

    Meet your organization

    Volunteer International Adventures is dedicated to youth and animal projects, which are areas of great passion for us. We recognize the need for assistance from international volunteers in developing countries and have witnessed the transformative impact of their hands-on involvement on communities and conservation efforts.

    "Empowering Change Through Ethical Volunteer holidays"

    Our core priorities are as follows:

    1. Culture and Cultural Sensitivity:

    We encourage our volunteers to fully immerse themselves in the culture of the country they are volunteering in, understanding that volunteering differs significantly from being a tourist. By working closely with local communities and project partners, our volunteers gain profound insights into the challenges faced by the country. We actively support and facilitate opportunities for volunteers to engage in various activities, interact with locals, and educate themselves about the nation's history, no matter how difficult it may be. Cultural sensitivity is paramount, and we ensure that our approach is collaborative rather than imposing our own ideas. We welcome suggestions and creative ideas from our volunteers, as they often prove to be feasible and enrich the communities we serve.

    2. Fulfilling Volunteer Experiences:

    We strive to ensure that all our volunteers leave with a sense of accomplishment. Whether it is helping a child grasp mathematics, teaching cricket to school children, providing sewing classes to uplift youth, participating in wildlife conservation efforts such as satellite collaring African wild dogs or rhino relocation, collecting data on great white shark populations, treating sick indigenous wildlife, assisting with animal sterilization in disadvantaged communities, instilling a love for reading in children, or teaching marimba classes—the list is diverse and extensive. We want our volunteers to develop a deep connection with the country they are assisting and forge lifelong friendships that can serve as future ambassadors for their respective nations.

    3. Ethical Projects:

    We strictly oppose trophy hunting and the breeding of lions for commercial gain. Our wildlife and animal projects take place in free-roaming reserves, registered rehabilitation centers, or sanctuaries where the animals are non-releasable due to injuries, human habituation, or being non-indigenous to the area. We support local and ethical animal sanctuaries and reserves, which our volunteers can visit during their free time. When working with children in teaching, care, or youth development projects, we require a recent paper copy of a background check (CRB check) from volunteers' countries of origin. This precaution ensures the safety and well-being of the children we serve, who often come from challenging socio-economic backgrounds and have been let down by adults in the past. We prioritize the protection of innocent animals and children who cannot advocate for themselves.

    4. Responsible and Sustainable Approach:

    We take pride in implementing responsible and sustainable projects that involve local community members, ensuring the continuity of operations even when volunteer numbers are low. While some projects rely heavily on volunteer support due to limited funds, we strive to strike a balance by involving sufficient local participation.

    5. Cost Effectiveness:

    Having collaborated with volunteers on projects for nearly 15 years, we recognize that volunteering can come at a significant cost. Therefore, we are committed to making volunteering more accessible, reasonable, and inclusive. Our projects encompass various extras, and we maintain affordability by keeping costs low and encouraging increased hands-on assistance. We offer negotiable family, friends, and group discounts, as volunteering together enables us to further reduce expenses. Loyalty is rewarded, and returning volunteers receive special recognition in our projects. Additionally, our costs include donations to our projects, contributing to their sustainability and impact.

    6. Safety:

    The safety of our volunteers is of paramount importance. We thoroughly vet and assess all our projects, ensuring adequate safety measures are in place. While certain areas may be off-limits due to potential risks, it is important to note that complete safety guarantees are impossible in any location. We have established channels for reporting incidents and maintain close relationships with in-country support on the ground. Furthermore, we possess liability insurance and require all participants to have personal travel insurance. To provide comprehensive support, we arrange airport collections and drop-offs, ensuring our volunteers are assisted throughout their entire journey. We pride ourselves on delivering a personal touch and remain available 24/7 to address any emergencies.

    Please remember to arrange your comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking your trip, as it is an essential aspect of ensuring your well-being and peace of mind.

    We sincerely appreciate your interest in Volunteer International Adventures and our commitment to making a positive impact through responsible volunteering. Should you have any further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

    70 reviews · rating4.7

    Stevie Hoesel rating5

    2023 at Social Work and Youth Development

    My experience with the Social Work, Education & Youth Development project with Sharon and Rustin was life-changing. It was meant just to be a stop on a year-long participatory research project. I planned to commit to a month with this organization and ended up extending twice. Needless to say, my ...
    Nicole Stockel rating4.2

    2019 at Social Work and Youth Development

    I really enjoyed my time in South Africa. Sharon was so sweet and helpful and did her absolute best to make sure I had the best time. At the time I was struggling with my mental health and Sharon was so supportive. Additionally the experience was a massive help to me in my journey to recovery. I ...
    Deepa Ramakrishnan rating5

    2018 at Social Work and Youth Development

    Had a fantastic experience! Sharon was very helpful and accommodating and went above and beyond to ensure that we all got the most out of our placement. She also took the time to show up some local places as well as hooked us up with different tours. Overall it was a great experience and I would ...
    Karen Grootboom rating5

    2018 at Social Work and Youth Development

    This placement was the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life. The teachers and children from the township school where I was placed, were fantastic to work with and made me feel most welcome. I taught 5th/6th grade English and also Computer Studies from Grade 1-7. I was lucky that I ...
    Nan Smith rating5

    2017 at Social Work and Youth Development

    A very well organised placement with a community based service supporting young people excluded from school and at risk in their community. Sharon’s excellent network in the local area made this a very worthwhile experience both personally and socially, as there was lots of support to learn more ...
    Benj Howell rating5

    2017 at Social Work and Youth Development

    In 2017 I embarked upon my first volunteer project and the destination was Knysna in South Africa. When choosing my first volunteer project, I had anticipated going to Asia. However, when I spoke to Sharon I was completely relaxed and determined to try South Africa. I can honest say that I ...

    Location


    You might also be interested in

    Contact Sharon
      Excellent response rate
    Afrikaans, English

    Most volunteers ask about


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

    Book with Flex Option!

    Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

    Enjoy our services for dedicated volunteers!

    Enjoy a Refund Guarantee, Free Flex Option, and Emergency Assistance. Our Price-Guarantee ensures unbeatable value, and our Support Team is ready to assist.