Experience report Children teach in South Africa

An incredible time... The alarm clock rings at 7:00 am - a new day in Cape Town is dawning. After a typical South African breakfast with the host family, consisting of toast, coffee and possibly a few jungle oats, we walk to the primary school. For my time in Cape Town I decided to live with a host family to get the most realistic impression of life on the other side of the world - I can only recommend this to every volunteer.

Volunteering in elementary school

My primary school project ran from Monday to Thursday, so there was always enough free time at the weekend to explore Cape Town and its diverse locations. As an assistant teacher, you support the teachers in their day-to-day activities and work both with groups and with individual children in the subjects Math, English and Natural Science (comparable to a mixture of Physics and Chemistry).

Volunteering as a Play Volunteer

In my 2 1⁄2 months I was allowed to work as a play volunteer in the children's hospital for a month in addition to the project in the elementary school. The aim here is to distract the children from everyday hospital life and paint with them, play Uno or puzzles and cheer them up. You meet different fates, talk to the kids and parents and immerse yourself in a completely new culture - a very formative and instructive time!

Leisure activities in Cape Town

Besides work, exploring Cape Town is high on the agenda. Countless hikes, excursions and sports facilities make your stay unique. Especially the local surf spot in Muizenberg is a must for all water sports lovers! Whale spotting, wine tastings and endless other activities make your time in Cape Town unforgettable.

I am already looking forward to the next stay!  

Experience Report Volunteering at Elementary School and Children's Hospital by Jonathan H., April 2019