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Trip | Internship, Volunteer in South Africa
Volunteering in Preschools of Disadvantaged Communities 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
Want to make a real difference while gaining meaningful international experience? In this preschool volunteer project in Cape Town, you’ll support young children from underprivileged communities and help shape their early development.
Located near Table View, just a short distance from the beach with views of Table Mountain, this project was founded in an informal settlement to provide children aged 1 to 8 with a safe, structured, and nurturing environment. For many families, the preschool is a vital source of stability, care, and access to education.
The project runs year-round (except 23 Dec – 1 Jan). During South African school holidays, a “Holiday Club” is organized, offering games, activities, and excursions to keep children engaged and off the streets.
Project Details
Arrival: Saturday
Project Start: Monday
Departure: Saturday
Minimum Duration: 2 weeks (including orientation)
Minimum Age: 18
Language: Good English required
What to expect
As a volunteer, you’ll be part of the children’s daily routine—supporting both their learning and overall well-being. No prior experience is required. What matters most is your motivation, responsibility, and genuine interest in working with children.
Your Responsibilities
Support basic learning activities (colors, shapes, letters, arts & crafts)
Help children improve their English in a fun and interactive way
Engage younger children through play, games, and sensory activities
Assist during mealtimes and daily routines
Supervise and interact with children during playtime
Help care for younger children (e.g. feeding, nap time support)
Assist with general organization and daily tasks in the project
Join weekly volunteer meetings
Working Schedule
You’ll typically work 5 days per week, with daily hours ranging from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the needs of the project. Typically, you’ll assist in the preschool in the mornings, while the afternoons are reserved for planning, meetings, maintaining supplies, or general tasks
While some tasks may be part of a daily routine, your presence provides consistency, support, and positive energy that truly impacts the children.
Why Choose This Project?
Make a real impact on children’s lives
Gain hands-on experience in education and social work
Experience South African culture up close
Grow personally through meaningful challenges
Work alongside international volunteers
Live in Cape Town—one of the most beautiful cities in the world
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?
Volunteering in Preschools of Disadvantaged Communities 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.