International Volunteer Work with Children in South Africa

Located on the southern tip of the African continent, South Africa is a country of rich natural resources and stunning landscapes. Though despite its emergence as a strong economic power, the country sadly still shares many of its neighbors’ issues of high unemployment with vast numbers of the population living below the poverty line.

The infamous townships are full of people desperate to create a better world for their children. Since unemployment is high at almost 40%, these poorer areas are full of basic social problems like alcoholism and domestic violence. Parents are not eager to have their children affected by their surroundings and attempt to keep them busy through crèches, schools and after school activities, though this is not easy with limited or no funds.

Projects Abroad provides much needed hands on support to these crèches and after school clubs, which enables them to keep their costs low while still providing a safe and stimulating environment for these children to grow up in.

Whatever your age, abilities, or level of experience you are welcome to join a volunteer Care Project in South Africa. All we ask is that you have enthusiasm and commitment to the work, staff team, and of course the children.

Volunteer Work Overseas in South Africa with Projects Abroad

Care in South Africa

Projects Abroad has links with a number of crèches in the townships and poorer suburbs of Cape Town to provide much needed care for disadvantaged children in the area. We also have a project working in a center for children with special needs.

Volunteers can also spend some time as part of a team working on community projects like building new classrooms and playgrounds or painting and decorating children's wards. Community projects are typically under-funded and under-resourced so our volunteers are always welcome.

Volunteering Abroad on a Care Project in South Africa

Volunteers working in the care centers and crèches help the children to learn basic but important life skills, and make sure the children are fed, washed and dressed. Structured work is vital, to help prepare the children for school and create a calm and constructive environment.

refugee camp in South Africa

You'll work alongside your project supervisor to create a work plan that you and the children will follow. In addition to this, sports, art, music and drama are always popular activities on these placements. Start a choir, put on a play or organize a sports day!

Local staff are often highly overworked and don’t have the time to give the children much one-on-one attention. You could be the one to make the difference by inspiring the children and maybe even the carers too.

All of the volunteer care projects in South Africa are eager to have volunteers with fresh ideas and energy to help the permanent staff. We try to take advantage of all of our volunteers’ talents and skills that can contribute to the care and rehabilitation of the children, so let us know how you can help.

This project is available for less than a month if you don't have time to join us for a month or more. This project has been selected by our local colleagues as being suitable for shorter durations for both the host community and the volunteer. Although you will gain valuable cultural insight and work intensely within the local community please be aware that you may not be able to make the same impact as someone participating for a longer period.

All volunteers taking part in any of the Cape Town based projects in South Africa have the opportunity to add a 7-Day Conservation Project to the end of their main placement. For more information visit our Conservation in South Africa project page.

Need more information?

How to apply