Childcare Volunteer Cape Town
Trip Details
Childcare Volunteer Cape Town
Cape Town is a beautiful city with breathtaking scenery and a vibrant culture; however, it is also home to many underprivileged families who need support. Our programme in Cape Town is incredibly valuable, and, as a childcare volunteer, you will brighten up the lives of young children who have already been through so much in their little lives. Here, our volunteers support the local daycare centres, taking part in activities and games with the children, whilst helping local staff and mothers. This is an opportunity to really make a difference in the lives of young children who need a little sunshine in their lives!
Provide valuable Support to Mothers and Children in Need
Importantly, we seek to provide shelter and support for pregnant and abused women with children. Therefore, many of those you will work with need lots of love, care and attention. Your warmth and compassionate approach will help to create a safe and friendly environment, so that those who come, can feel safe and respected, and enjoy coming to the centre. You will have a very varied day here, perhaps helping at the creche, keeping mothers company, assisting with workshops, or even filling in at reception on lunch hours! All the while, you will be working towards helping women and children to live free from abuse, poverty, and discrimination by offering care and social empowerment.
Explore Cape Town’s Natural Landmarks and Bustling City!
You’ll find no end of exciting places to visit, with mountains, nature reserves and even penguin colonies all within South Africa’s busy capital city! If you’re someone who likes a little bit of ‘retail therapy’ (and who doesn’t!) the city is packed with a great selection of independent shops and chain stores, as well as bustling markets to peruse. However, on weekdays, you may simply want to kick back, so your accommodation offers communal areas inside and out, with BBQs at the weekends, and even a swimming pool to cool off at the end of a long, but rewarding day!
Why be a Childcare Volunteer in Cape Town?
- Help mothers and children affected by abuse to rebuild their trust and confidence
- Improve your childcare skills in a safe and nurturing environment
- Escape to the mountains and explore Cape Town’s breathtaking scenery
- Stay in our comfortable accommodation, complete with BBQ and swimming pool
- Make new friends and plan weekend adventures!
- Enjoy great Western and South African cuisine, with all meals and beverages* included
*tea, coffee and drinking water
Get in touch to find out more or browse through our many other volunteer experiences.
Trip Itinerary
You’ll arrive on Sunday, and have a day to relax and settle into your new surroundings. Time zones are not too much of an issue here, with only a 2 hour difference between the UK and Cape Town.
Weekly Schedule
On the first day of your volunteering placement, you will meet the local staff you’ll be working with and get a little introduction to the centre. Your normal hours of volunteering are from 08:00 – 17:00 pm.
- 06.00 am Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation
- 07.30 am Travel to the placement centre
- 8.00 am-12.00 pm Childcare volunteering
- 12.00 pm Lunch
- 13.00-15.00 pm Childcare volunteering
- 17.00 pm Return to accommodation
- 17.00-18.00 pm Dinner
Your day as a Childcare Volunteer will typically involve some of the following:
- Assist at the creche by changing nappies, feeding babies & interacting with babies
- Support staff with the facilitation of workshops with mothers
- Assist with filing and other administrative work
- Engaging with mothers
- Help out at reception by answering the telephone when the receptionist is on lunch
- Helping children with homework
- Playing with older children after homework is completed
Evenings and Weekends
Once your day of childcare volunteering is over, you can choose to explore the Cape Town area or simply relax with your new-found friends back at your accommodation. Many of our volunteers enjoy mixing with their new volunteer friends during the week and plan their weekend adventures as they go!
Places to Visit
Cape Town, the famous port city of South Africa, lies at the foot of Table Mountain. Even though a small city, Cape Town boasts of dynamic culture and nature. Here are some of our top must-sees!
- Table Mountains by arial Cable Car
- Drive to Chapman’s Peak
- Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
- Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
- Cape Point Nature Reserve
Please note:
Cost of transport to project locations is not included, but will usually be around £1.50 per day. Additional excursions to sightseeing areas must be arranged separately and are not included in the programme.
This schedule can be changed depending on weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
Trip Accommodation
Cape Town, the famous port city of South Africa, lies at the foot of Table Mountain and boasts a wealth of culture and natural landmarks. There is so much to do here when your day of volunteering is done, such as hiking, shopping, and checking out the fantastic aquariums – or even a penguin colony! It’s all there for your discover after your day of volunteering is done!
About the Accommodation
You’ll have a really comfortable stay at our Volunteer Centre! The accommodation comprises male/female dorm rooms with shared bathrooms, a communal living room and dining room.
In addition, there’s also a BBQ area and a swimming pool – perfect for relaxing and socialising with your new friends! And don’t worry about needing help – there are staff on-site 7 days a week to help you. Wifi is available in communal areas of the volunteer house so you can catch up with friends and family – if you get the time!.
Food
There are two mini-kitchens to cook in should the mood take you, and there’s plenty of storage for your own food. However, all meals are provided at the accommodation, prepared by our super cook! Meals – typically western, are served 3 times a day Monday to Friday, with breakfast consisting of tea, coffee, toast, fruit, and cereal. Lunch can range from sandwiches taken along to the volunteer project, to salad and Pasta. Finally, your evening meal will likely include potato, pasta, rice, meat and vegetables.
Finally, our volunteers love braai nights (BBQ) at the weekends, when they prepare and cook their own food together in the sunshine!
Facilities
Nearby, you’ll find a few small local stores that sell snacks, drinks, and any basic supplies you might need during your stay. ATM’s, banks, shops, and a local pharmacy are also close to the centre.
As mentioned, the volunteer accommodation has Wi-Fi in communal areas. However, if you would like to stay connected with your families and friends whilst in South Africa. we recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone if you are staying for a longer period of time. Thereafter, the local team will help you to buy a local SIM card.
Transportation
Transportation is available to all surrounding areas. However, transport costs are not included in the programme and extra provision must be made for your excursions.
Trip Country Info
South Africa
Population: 55 million
Capital: Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial), Pretoria (executive)
Language: English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, Tswana, Northern Sotho, Venda, Tsonga, Swati, Ndebele
Currency: South African Rand
Time zone: UTC +2
South Africa is a vast country with an incredible variety in landscapes, people, traditions, languages, cuisines and more. The country is often referred to as the “Rainbow Nation” due to its population diversity. The country is also renowned for its wines, so make sure not to miss these while you are here!
While big cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg can look quite first worldly, most of the country has remained underdeveloped. This is a perfect example of the economic inequality that exists in the country.
South Africa is an ideal destination for those interested in nature and it is incredibly varied in terms of landscapes. The country boasts a large number of National Parks such as Kruger, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which is located in the desert, Addo Elephant National Park, Simangaliso Wetland Park and many more. It is also a great place to spot the “Big Five” (African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard, and White/Black rhinoceros) as well as a wide range of other species.
All in all, South Africa is an ideal place to start if you wish to travel in southern Africa and get a good insight into the region.
Participant Criteria & Requirements
Standard Requirements
| DBS, Criminal Background Check |
| Travel Insurance |
| Under 18, Parental Consent |
Additional Requirements
| Team Player |
| Open Mind |
What's included
- 24/7 support in case of emergencies
- Accommodation
- Airport Pick up
- English speaking coordinator
- Meals
- Orientation
What's not included
- Airport drop off
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Vaccination
- Visa
