General Info
Imizano Yetho is a township situated in the wealthy coastal suburb of Hout Bay which is 15 minutes drive from central Cape Town, and our volunteer accommodation in the city.
In scenic Hout Bay volunteers experience the immense contrasts in South African society. The township shacks are situated directly across the road from the affluent residents with their swimming pools, paddocks and horses.
Why The Need For Volunteers?
Education is seen as a privilege in some parts of South Africa and was reserved until recently for the wealthy families. In recent years school have in theory been made free, however they still need funding to survive and consequently have asked for scholar subscriptions. This is why it is essential for volunteers to help within these schools, to give kids the opportunity to learn and to gain an education they deserve.
Volunteer Activities
Should you be looking to volunteer in Cape Town you will find this project most rewarding and challenging as most of your time will be spent helping students on a one-to-one basis with English and Maths, or assisting teachers with sports lessons.
One-on-one lessons: helping learners with Maths and English or assisting with sports coaching (football or netball)
After-school programme: assist learners with their homework, give them career guidance and help with various special projects. Alternatively assist at the township Homework Club.
We work in the primary school from 0915 to 1430 mostly with Grades 3 – 6 ( 8 to 12 year olds ).
After school we have our own informal Homework Club in the township from 1515 to 1715 where we help with extra tuition and homework. This also gives the children the opportunity to play draughts, chess, cards in a safe environment.
Volunteers who are keen on soccer can help to coach one of the community junior teams in the afternoons from 1530 to 1730.
During the summer months we coach swimming, in a local Hout Bay pool, one afternoon a week.
Hout Bay High School is 45 minutes walk from the township and is where the majority of the kids will graduate to after Primary School. There is chronic overcrowding at the High School, with some classes having 65 pupils. At the
High School we place volunteers who have good maths skills, a desire to teach, or have some teaching experience.
There is also an after school club at the school where we tutor these older pupils two afternoons a week.
The Required Skills
When teaching in South Africa, your primary and main role will be to teach English & Maths to the kids. Sub Saharan encourages extracurricular activities which usually prove extremely popular at the school, in particular sports and activities to raise awareness of environmental issues in relation to the communities.
Local Facilities
The project is situated in the suburbs of Cape Town in Hout Bay. In Cape Town you will have access to all the amenities you need including banks, post offices and supermarkets, cinemas & many more recreational activities. There is a good transport network of local minivans, buses and plenty of taxis.
Trip Highlights
You are given the opportunity to make a real contribution and help change lives of young children in Cape Town. Experience the hustle & bustle of Cape Town's urban life and explore the gateway to Robben Island. While you're there why not climb the famous Table Mountain.
Requirements:
Must be over 18 years of age & have a valid passport which must be valid for at least 6 months upon departure from your project country.
