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Trip | Internship, Volunteer in South Africa
Volunteer Project in Preschools & After-School Programs in Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa
Quick Facts
about this position
Working hours
flexible
Minimum age
from 18 years
Education
None required
Language skills
Good english knowledge
About this position
Looking to make a meaningful impact while experiencing life in Cape Town? In this volunteer project, you’ll support children in underprivileged communities by working in both preschools and after-school programs.
You’ll be assigned to a class and assist local teachers with their daily tasks—from classroom activities to creative and sports-based learning. After school, you’ll continue your involvement in community-based programs, helping provide children with a safe space to learn, play, and grow.
This project offers a well-rounded insight into the local education system and allows you to experience firsthand how support and access to education can shape a child’s future.
The program runs year-round (except Dec 23 – Jan 2). During school holidays, a “Holiday Club” is organized, offering fun and structured activities to keep children engaged and off the streets.
Project Details
Arrival: Saturday (flexible arrival time)
Project Start: Monday
Departure: Saturday
Minimum Duration: 2 weeks (including 2-day orientation)
Minimum Age: 16 (with parental consent)
Fitness Level: Moderate
What to expect
As a volunteer, you’ll be actively involved in the daily routines of the programs, supporting both learning and personal development. No prior experience is required—what matters most is your motivation, reliability, and enthusiasm for working with children.
Your Responsibilities
Support basic learning activities (colors, shapes, letters, arts & crafts)
Help children develop their English in a fun and interactive way
Assist with early childhood development for younger children
Help with meal distribution
Supervise and engage with children during playtime and sports activities
Support the care of younger children (e.g. feeding, changing diapers, nap time)
Assist with group activities and community programs
Daily Schedule
You’ll typically work 5 days per week, with working hours depending on the program and daily needs.
Your presence helps provide structure, attention, and encouragement—making a real difference in the children’s everyday lives.
Why Choose This Project?
Make a direct impact on children’s development
Gain hands-on experience in education and community work
Experience South African culture firsthand
Grow personally through meaningful challenges
Work alongside international volunteers
Live in Cape Town, the iconic “Mother City” surrounded by stunning nature
If you’re looking for more than just travel—if you want to contribute, connect, and grow—this project gives you the opportunity to be part of something that truly matters.
Itinerary of your stay abroad
Project Start
The project start date can generally be arranged individually with our partner organization in Cape Town. Please note that arrival should ideally be scheduled for Friday, as work usually begins on Monday.
School Holidays
Before booking your flight, please check the school holiday periods in Cape Town with your contact person. These usually take place in January and April.
On-Site Orientation
Day 1: Our partner organization will arrange your airport pick-up, ensuring that you are safely transferred to your selected accommodation upon arrival. Once there, you will receive a short orientation, including a map of the local area. The rest of the day is free for you to relax after your journey. You can spend your time exploring nearby beaches, shops, bars, or restaurants.
In the evening, you’ll experience a traditional South African braai (barbecue).
Day 2: After breakfast, a friendly local guide will introduce you to the city’s transport system.
You will then travel together to the center of Cape Town, where you’ll take part in a guided city walk, visiting highlights such as:
Castle of Good Hope
Grand Parade
Parliament buildings
You’ll also learn about life during the Apartheid era and visit the District Six Museum.
There will be time to explore local markets like Greenmarket Square or St. George’s Mall, where you can buy souvenirs. In the afternoon, you can visit the V&A Waterfront before returning to your accommodation around 4:00 PM.
Day 3: From Day 3 onwards, you will be transferred to your project placement.
Weekly Schedule at Your Project
You will typically work 5 days per week. Some days may be up to 8 hours long, while others may be shorter (around 4–5 hours), depending on the needs of the project. While certain tasks may be repetitive, your contribution plays an important role in supporting the project and creating a meaningful impact. Every Monday afternoon, there is a weekly meeting for both new and current volunteers.
Weekends
Weekends are generally free for you to explore and enjoy your time in Cape Town.
Your local coordinator can provide recommendations for:
Events
Sightseeing
Shopping
Must-see attractions
In some cases, group trips and activities are organized for volunteers, which you are welcome to join. Alternatively, you can plan your own excursions and make the most of your free time.
Departure
Before your final working day, please contact your local coordinator to arrange your airport transfer.
Please note that airport drop-off is not always included in the program, but our partner team will be happy to assist you with the organization.
Ready to get started?
Volunteer Project in Preschools & After-School Programs in Cape Town
Flexible dates
from 2 weeks
from 18 years
Good english knowledge
from
1530 EUR
Questions? We will help you!
Contact usYour accommodation
In most projects in South Africa, you will stay in the project’s international volunteer house. For some programs, you may also have the option to stay with a host family.
Accommodation in the Volunteer House:
Shared rooms (2–5 people)
Wi-Fi, electricity, and hot water
Shared bathrooms
Walking distance to the beach and local shops
Upgrade to a single or double room possible
Accommodation with a Host Family:
Staying with a host family is a unique opportunity to experience daily life in South Africa firsthand. If you prefer this type of accommodation, we recommend checking availability during your consultation. You will also receive more detailed information about how we select our host families and what to expect from living with them.
Our Service
What’s Included in Your Volunteer Program in Cape Town, South Africa
Included Services
Project placement
Support with visa arrangements
Information on flights, insurance, vaccinations, and travel preparation
Airport pick-up
Transport to your project
Weekly social events
Accommodation for the entire duration of your stay (host family or volunteer house)
2-day on-site orientation
Tips and recommendations for leisure activities
Local coordinator support throughout your stay
24/7 emergency contact
Three meals per day (Monday–Friday, limited on weekends)
Certificate of participation
Contribution to the project (donation included)
Not Included
Flights
Visa costs
Travel health insurance
Personal expenses and excursions
Our local team
Our local team
Internships and volunteer programs in South Africa are coordinated by Jana and her team in Cape Town. Originally from Germany, Jana has been living in South Africa for over 15 years and brings valuable personal experience from her own time abroad. Together with her local team, she supports you from preparation through to your daily life on site. They also organize regular meet-ups and activities, giving you the chance to connect with other participants and experience Cape Town from a unique perspective.