Full of energy and want to volunteer in childcare in South Africa? The Volunteer International Headquarters Childcare Project is a great opportunity for volunteers to help with early childhood education in low-income areas of Cape Town. Volunteers gain childcare experience while helping local teachers at a large childcare center to provide quality care and education to children from nearby farms, towns and communities.
Reflexes:
- The programs start every first and third Monday of the month.
- Affordable rates starting at $275 for 1 week
- Includes accommodation, meals, airport transfers, guide and 24/7 support
Care and education of young children in disadvantaged areas
Explore the diverse and beautiful landscapes of South Africa
Stay in a volunteer home in a safe and tranquil area of Cape Town
Register for free
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- key information
- your effect
- Requirements
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- volunteer schedule
- Prices
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key information
Provide children with a safe place to study
Based on nurseries in Cape Town
Accommodation in a volunteer house.
Volunteers over 18 and families
Fully hosted experience starting at $275 for 1 week
Duration from 1 to 24 weeks
Visit a famous Table Mountain
Up to 4 hours of volunteering per day
This program is ideal for:
Enthusiastic volunteers interested in mentoring and teaching young children. As you will be working with the local placement team, no childcare or teaching experience is required to participate in this project.
What to expect and how it will play out
Many South African children grow up with limited access to education, with only 17 out of 100 children having the opportunity to attend any form of early childhood education.
Volunteers help low-income families give their children this important chance to get a good start in life by helping with a large daycare that works closely with the local Department of Education to ensure quality care and education. from disadvantaged areas.
As a Childcare Volunteer, you will play a dynamic role in enriching the lives of these children, helping with a variety of tasks within the center. This can include:
- to teach
- child care
- lesson planning and design.
- Organization of games and activities.
- Help with feeding and cleaning up after meals.
- Assistance with general tasks to support the daily operations of the center
Contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education
More than half of all children and young people do not meet the minimum standards of competence in reading and mathematics. Quality education provides opportunities to learn and grow in a safe environment and is essential to prevent poverty, secure long-term employment and improve quality of life.
Why Volunteer in Cape Town with IVHQ?
Through your volunteer work with children in South Africa, you will add value to the local community and grow personally and professionally by:
- Improving early childhood education for disadvantaged families
- Help children learn and grow up in a safe place
- Develop your communication skills
- Gain experience in child care.
- Immerse yourself in South African culture
- Discover the incredible wildlife of South Africa
Volunteer Requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to participate in this program and may be required to provide the home team with additional documentation.
- All volunteers over the age of 13 are required to submit a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Persons between the ages of 13 and 17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, may provide two-digit letters of reference.
- All volunteers must havevoluntary travel insurance
- All volunteers must be fluent in English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Register for free
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IVHQ Child Care Project
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IVHQ Child Care Project
IVHQ Surfing Outreach-Project
IVHQ Animal Care Project
IVHQ Child Care Project
IVHQ educational project
IVHQ Surfing Outreach-Project
IVHQ sports development project
IVHQ educational project
IVHQ surf, skate and swim project
IVHQ Child Care Project
IVHQ Animal Care Project
IVHQ educational project
IVHQ surf, skate and swim project
IVHQ Child Care Project
IVHQ Surfing Outreach-Project
IVHQ Animal Care Project
IVHQ educational project
IVHQ sports development project
IVHQ Child Care Project
IVHQ Animal Care Project
IVHQ Surfing Outreach-Project
IVHQ educational project
IVHQ sports development project
IVHQ Child Care Project
IVHQ Animal Care Project
IVHQ educational project
IVHQ surf, skate and swim project
IVHQ Surfing Outreach-Project
Child care project of the IVHQ group
IVHQ sports development project
IVHQ sports development project
IVHQ Surfing Outreach-Project
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IVHQ sports development project
Academic performance
Earn course credits from your college or university and meet your academic requirements by completing a volunteer program abroad with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn more about course credits
Recommended online TEFL course
Volunteers for IVHQ's teaching and childcare projects are encouraged to prepare by completing appropriate training such as: a course in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). While no formal teaching qualifications are required for these projects as the volunteers are supported by local staff, you can gain more from the experience by attending a TEFL class. visit ourOnline TEFL CoursePage for information on how to get an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted price.
Get TEFL certification online
“Volunteering at IVHQ in South Africa was a life changing event. I made so many new memories and friends from all over the world! If I could do it again, I would. I am already planning my next trip to the IVHQ. Every time I think of South Africa I think of a home away from home, a place of laughter and joy! I tried so many new things there that I would never do at home. If you are thinking about it or unsure, book now! I promise you won't regret it."
Sydney, American, 24
Child Volunteer in South Africa
Read reviews from childcare volunteers in Cape Town
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Location
IVHQ South Africa's volunteer program is based in Muizenberg, a beautiful little coastal town with great surfing opportunities. It is approximately 30-40 minutes from Cape Town city and 20-30 minutes from the volunteer sites in the communities of Philippi, Steenberg and Grassy Park.
South Africa is known for its natural beauty, wildlife, sporting ability and diversity of cultures and ethnic groups. Its tumultuous socio-political history is also well known, and learning about it is important to gain insight and understanding of the country's people, culture and attitudes. There are many places where you can do this in and around Cape Town.
One of our longest-running volunteer programs, the IVHQ South Africa program aims to create positive outcomes in communities across the region by placing volunteers in a variety of high-impact projects. One focus is on animal welfare and support for children and young people who have had a difficult start in life due to drug, alcohol or physical abuse.
Arrival and Orientation
Program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month and volunteers are required to arrive in Cape Town the day before orientation. After enrolling in the program, book your flights to arrive at Cape Town International Airport (CPT). Airport pickup is included in the program fee.
Upon arrival, a member of the local team will meet you at the airport and take you to the volunteer accommodation in Muizenberg. Your accommodation is covered by the program fee and includes the night before the program orientation.
If you are traveling to South Africa prior to your volunteer program we can arrange for you to be picked up from the Cape Town CBD area the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is conducted by our South African team in Muizenberg, Cape Town. The orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in South Africa: an introduction to South Africa, South African customs, language training details, rules and expectations, safety, travel options to South Africa and an introduction to your project and your location. The orientation also gives you the opportunity to meet other volunteers and make plans for weekend trips and socializing. Once you have completed your orientation, travel to Cape Town before returning to your volunteer accommodation.
Example of a volunteer plan
First day
On your first day as a volunteer, a local coordinator will accompany you to your volunteer location and introduce you to the placement team you will be working with.
days of the week
The work and hours depend on the project and the location each volunteer is working at. A typical volunteer day looks like this:
7 O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING | Breakfast in the volunteer house. |
8h - 8h30 | Volunteers leave their homes and travel to their locations. |
12:00 - 14:00 | The mediation work usually ends. Volunteers can return to the volunteer house for lunch, sightseeing or shopping. |
19:00 | Dinner at the volunteer house. |
weekends
At the weekend, volunteers have free time to relax or explore Cape Town or other parts of South Africa. See unusual wildlife such as antelope and penguins, visit the site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, paraglide off a cliff high above the city, visit a local vineyard or watch the sun set over the Atlantic with a glass of the best regional wine. . Long weekends can be used when volunteers want to go on safari, bungee jumping or travel further afield such as the Garden Route or Stellenbosch.
Looking for more ideas for things to do in South Africa? come and see us!
Accommodation and WiFi
You live in volunteer homes and can expect to share a room with one to five other volunteers. The bedrooms have single beds and bunk beds with linens.
Accommodation is secure with volunteer shelters located in a safe suburb close to the communities where the volunteers work. Life is comfortable with a vending machine and a TV.
The volunteer homes have electricity and running water with western toilets, but you must bring your own towel and toiletries.
Volunteer homes have 4G internet access. Data is limited so volunteers cannot download or stream TV shows/movies.
Essen
Volunteers in South Africa are fed three meals a day Monday through Friday. Meals served in volunteer homes are often western and can be high in carbohydrates.
Breakfast consists of self-service tea, coffee, toast and cereal. At lunch, volunteers are given supplies to make their own sandwiches, and dinner consists of dishes containing meat, vegetables, and starches such as potatoes, bread, or pasta.
It is not possible to drink tap water in South Africa but bottled water is readily available in South Africa and you will need to spend around $5 a week for 2 liters a day.
If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when registering for the program so we can make arrangements for you. However, we must emphasize that you should not expect to eat like at home. We will do our best to ensure you are well looked after, but even as a volunteer you need to be flexible.
optional typical food
optional typical food
optional typical food
optional typical food
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Typical volunteer room
Typical volunteer room
Typical volunteer room
Explore Cape Town during an IVHQ weekend
Explore Cape Town during an IVHQ weekend
Explore Cape Town during an IVHQ weekend
Explore South Africa on an IVHQ weekend
Explore the Cape of Good Hope during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Muizenburg Beach during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Table Mountain in a Weekend IVHQ
Explore South Africa on an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Table Mountain in a Weekend IVHQ
Exploring Muizenburg Beach during an IVHQ weekend
Explore the Cape of Good Hope during an IVHQ weekend
Prices
Length of time | program fee It expires 30 days prior to commencement or within 48 hours if you subscribe within 30 days. Covers the cost of accommodation. |
---|---|
1 week | 275 $ Equivalent to $39/day |
2 weeks | 445 $ Equivalent to $32/day |
3 weeks | 615 $ Equivalent to $29/day |
4 weeks | 785 $ Equivalent to $28/day |
5 weeks | 955 $ Equivalent to $27/day |
6 weeks | $ 1.125 Equivalent to $27/day |
8 weeks | 1.465 $ Equivalent to $26/day |
10 weeks | 1.805 $ Equivalent to $26/day |
12 weeks | $2.145 Equivalent to $26/day |
16 weeks | 2.825 $ Equivalent to $25/day |
20 weeks | 3.505 $ Equivalent to $25/day |
24 weeks | $4.185 Equivalent to $25/day |
Register for free
- Accommodation
- Essen
- 24/7 Support im Land
- Orientation of the country program
- Pre-departure assistance from your program manager
- Airport pickup
- Tailored preparation tools, guides and checklists
- Access to IVHQ's preferred flight and insurance partners
- International Volunteer Certificate
Learn more about what is included in your IVHQregistration feemiprogram fee.
- All programs pull aregistration feefrom US$329, in addition to theprogram fee. This includes all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international bank fee will be added at the time of payment.
- Additional things to budget for are: visa, flights, travel insurance (required), vaccinations, criminal background check and return to airport after program ends.
- Suggested Spending: Volunteers in South Africa can generally find $50-$75 a week to make a living.
See what it takes to visit South Africa
View the widget below to find out what restrictions and visa requirements apply to South Africa based on your country of residence.
security and support
IVHQ follows industry-leading health and safety best practices and procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized through theB Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers are encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams received first aid training and volunteer management best practices.
- All IVHQ programs must comply with the IVHQ Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have 24/7 access to local support from our local team.
Protection against COVID-19:
Volunteers will be screened for COVID-19 upon arrival
Health and safety information provided during orientation
Strict sanitization standards for programs and accommodation.
Increased physical distancing between volunteers
Learn more about IVHQ security
Important country information
Capital city | Pretoria (Executive), Bloemfontein (Judiciary), Cape Town (Legislative) |
Population | 58.6 million |
Languages | English, Zulu, Xhosa, Swati, Tswana |
Currency | South African Rand (ZAR) |
time zone | UTC+02:00 |
time and weather
The subtropical location, moderated by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans on three sides of the country, and the high altitude of the central highlands are responsible for the typically warm temperatures in South Africa. Across much of the country, summer (December to February) is characterized by hot and sunny weather, with average temperatures hovering around 25°C (77°F). Winter (May to September) is cooler and drier, with night time temperatures around 10°C (50°F). Sporadic rain and cold winds are common in Cape Town during the winter months, but daytime temperatures can hover around 15°C (59°F).
Register for free
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FAQs
Can I open a daycare without a degree in South Africa? ›
To be able, to open a daycare in South Africa, you will need to have a minimum of a Grade 12 certificate. You will also need to be registered with the Department of Social Development as a child care giver.
What is the child care Programme in South Africa? ›Child Care South Africa is a community based initiative which seeks to enhance the capacity of families and community structures in South Africa to provide quality care to children and youth, access relevant government services; protect the dignity of children and develop the self-esteem, talents and skills of children ...
What are the four volunteer Organisations in South Africa? ›- African Big 5 and Wildlife Conservation with African Impact. ...
- South Africa Wildlife Sanctuary with GoEco. ...
- Volunteer in Surfing in South Africa with IVHQ. ...
- Childcare and Orphanage Program with Volunteering Solutions. ...
- Volunteer Teaching with GVI.
Register for volunteer opportunities? Complete our online application form to register your interest with us. We will keep your details on record and contact you if anything suitable comes up. Positions change frequently, so this is certainly worth doing.
What certifications do I need to open a daycare in South Africa? ›- a business plan containing: the business hours of the partial care facility. ...
- the constitution containing the: name of the partial care facility. ...
- an original copy of the approved building plans.
- an emergency plan.
- a clearance certificate.
- a health certificate from the local municipality.
Parents pay out of pocket for these facilities, though, and fees range from R1,500–4,500/month.
How much is the childrens Grant in South Africa? ›Thus all qualifying children will now receive their baseline Child Support Grant (CSG) of R480 plus an additional R240 (50% of the basic CSG), for a total of R720.
What is the child grant in South Africa? ›The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) distributes a child support grant, which is a social grant aimed at lower-income households to assist parents with the costs of the basic needs of their child. A 'child' in this case is defined as anyone under the age of 18.
How much does it cost to volunteer in South Africa? ›Weeks | All Programs | Wildlife |
---|---|---|
1 week | $305 | $745 |
2 weeks | $455 | $1,175 |
3 weeks | $605 | $1,605 |
4 weeks | $755 | $2,055 |
Our fully hosted Africa volunteer programs start from as little as $20/day! This includes your accommodation, meals, airport pickup, orientation and comprehensive support services that you won't find elsewhere.
How can I volunteer in Africa without paying? ›
The Peace Corps does not charge people to volunteer, so it is a great option if you want to live and work in Africa without paying volunteer fees. Peace Corps volunteers work on development projects across Africa that address community needs.
Does UNICEF accept volunteers? ›To become a UNICEF volunteer, please sign up to join UNICEF UNITE here. to learn about all the ways you can take action to help UNICEF put children first. Once you register, we can point you toward any other UNICEF USA groups or programs–that might be right for you!
Why volunteer is needed in South Africa? ›Volunteering in South Africa can make a real difference in the lives of the people living there. You can help to improve the lives of those who are living in poverty, provide education and support to children, and much more.
How many kids can a day mother have? ›A day mother
Most day mothers provide care for between five to ten children.
The placement will require 5 weeks in a school. Purpose: To gain insight into the importance of health, safety and nutrition in the ECD phase.
What qualifications do I need to study childcare? ›- Level 3 NVQ in Caring for Children and Young People.
- Level 3 NVQ in Childcare and Education.
- Level 3 NVQ in Children's Care, Learning and Development.
- Level 3 NVQ in Early Years Care and Education.
- Level 3 NVQ in Play work.
- Level 3 Diploma in Play work (NVQ)
The average babysitter salary in South Africa is R 157 800 per year or R 80.92 per hour.
What is the minimum wage for a child minder in South Africa? ›Salary range for the majority of workers in Child care workers - from R2 794 to R11 475 per month - 2023. A Child care workers typically earns between R2 794 and R5 682 net per month at the start of the job. After 5 years of service, this is between R3 626 and R7 952 per month for a working week of 45 hours.
How much does a baby cost per year South Africa? ›No one can predict what will happen in the future, but having a plan in place is vital. South African parents, on average, fork out R90,000 a year when it comes to raising their children. Juggling the costs of food, clothes, toiletries, medical aid, and education are the costs any parent has to take into consideration.
Who qualifies for caregiver grant? ›the biological parent of the child and the sole provider and caregiver, proof that you have tried to get the other parent to pay maintenance. unemployed, proof from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) or a discharge certificate from your previous employer. a refugee foster parent, refugee status permit and refugee ID.
What is childcare grant? ›
Childcare Grant is additional income assessed funding to help students with children pay the costs of childcare during study. They may be eligible for help with their childcare costs if they: are a full-time student. have children under 15, or under 17 if the child has special educational needs.
Who qualifies for grant in South Africa? ›be a South African citizen or permanent resident or refugee and living in South Africa at the time of application. be between 18 and 59 years old. not be cared for in a state institution. have a 13-digit, bar-coded identity document (ID)
What are the 4 types of grants? ›- Competitive Grants. Competitive grants are those for which a nonprofit submits a proposal that gets evaluated by a team of reviewers. ...
- Continuation Grants. ...
- Pass-through Grants. ...
- Formula Grants.
- A copy of the applicants ID document.
- A copy of the spouses ID document (if applicable)
- Proof of martial status: marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of banking details: letter from the bank with the applicants banking details and name.
- Proof of income (if applicable)
- Charge for enrichment programs. ...
- Expand “other fees” you charge. ...
- Limit “discounts” and “credits”. ...
- Consider new ways to offer specials. ...
- Ensure regular tuition increases. ...
- Take advantage of Food Program money. ...
- Find grants.
- a form 11 application form.
- DSD registration requirements and procedures.
- minimum norms and standards and other approvals that will be required such as.
- needs assessment form.
- business plan.
- job description for staff.
- clearance certificates as per the National Child Protection Register.
- daily/ holiday programme.
The answer is a resounding yes! The daycare industry is growing rapidly. It is one of the few businesses that are not only recession-proof but also thrives in uncertain economic times.
Do I need a visa to volunteer in South Africa? ›In order to volunteer with one of the many charity organisations in South Africa you must acquire a valid Volunteer Visa. Those applying for a Volunteer Visa must submit their application at the South African Embassy in their home country. The Volunteer visa can be issued for the period between 3 to six months.
Do volunteers get paid in South Africa? ›How much does a Volunteer make in South Africa? The average volunteer salary in South Africa is R 241 992 per year or R 124 per hour.
What are the disadvantages of volunteering in South Africa? ›Con: Potential health concerns
Malaria and certain diarrhoeal diseases are found in South Africa, and there have been recent reports of bubonic plague. We don't mean to scare you, but those are definitely a few experiences that you don't want to add to your South Africa volunteering days, right?
Where are volunteers needed most? ›
- Animal shelter. Animal shelters typically care for dogs, cats and other small animals. ...
- Hospital. Many hospitals allow visitors to volunteer and help different teams of medical staff. ...
- Food pantry. ...
- Senior living center. ...
- Charity organizations.
- Connect-123. Are you ready to plunge into South Africa and it's incredible beach life too? ...
- Volunteering Journeys. ...
- GoEco. ...
- African Impact. ...
- International Volunteer HQ. ...
- Volunteering Solutions. ...
- Projects Abroad. ...
- Global Vision International (GVI)
How Old Do I Have to be to Volunteer in Africa? All our volunteer opportunities in Africa are open to people aged 16 and over. To join a project, all you need to do is check you meet the requirements and apply.
Is volunteering in Africa safe? ›Africa is one of the most exciting volunteer destinations in the world. It's also a lot safer than you might think. The African continent can be intimidating. It's huge, home to some of the harshest climates, most dangerous animals on Earth, and is wildly diverse.
Why does volunteering in Africa cost money? ›When international participants arrive on a project, they need meals and accommodation. This is the primary reason why it's not feasible to volunteer abroad without paying. Program fees cover the cost of these expenses, which avoid putting financial pressure on local organisations with already limited resources.
Do volunteers get money? ›At first glance, the simple difference between these two types of workers is that employees get paid and volunteers don't. Yet many nonprofit leaders have discovered that there is more to distinguishing between employees and volunteers than whether an individual receives a regular paycheck.
How much do UNICEF volunteers make? ›The estimated salary for Volunteer at UNICEF in the United States is $17.85 per hour, which is 20% above the national average.
How to volunteer for UNICEF South Africa? ›Volunteering with UNICEF
UNICEF does not recruit UNVs directly but through the UNV programme. To be considered, please visit the UNV candidate signup page and register your profile. Volunteer opportunities are also offered through our National Committees.
Volunteers do not expect for payment or economical gain but they can contribute time and resources. Volunteering can be provided through the Voluntary organisations and NGO in different sectors on different issues.
Is it safe to volunteer in South Africa? ›If you're wondering if it's safe to volunteer in South Africa, the simple answer is yes. Yes, crime exists in South Africa – as it does in many parts of the world. However, any overseas trip carries with it an element of risk.
How many people volunteer in South Africa? ›
Volunteer rate of 3.5%
Stats SA said that, of the 1.2-million who volunteered, about 53.9% did so as individuals (or were “direct volunteers”), 36.8% through organisations only, and 9.3% both directly and through organisations. The majority (about 90%) were involved in just one volunteer activity.
- a safe environment for children;
- proper care for sick children or children who fall sick;
- adequate space and ventilation;
- safe drinking water;
- hygienic bathroom facilities;
- safe storage of anything that may be harmful to children;
To become a registered childminder you will need to hold a Level 3 or above in Childcare & Education and have worked with children under the age of 5 years in the past 2 years.
How much does daycare cost? ›Number of children | Average cost – child care center | Average cost – nanny/sitter |
---|---|---|
1 | $226 | $694 |
2 | $429 | $715 |
According to IBISWorld, the average profit margin for a daycare business is around 15%. That's higher than the average for most other industries! If you're thinking about starting a daycare business, know that you are getting into a very profitable and in-demand industry.
How can I get into childcare without qualifications? ›Work-based training programs, also known as apprenticeships, allow people to gain valuable industry qualifications whilst working in a childcare environment. You need to secure yourself a job in childcare first, and agree with your employer that they will support you to take your childcare qualifications.
Can you do a childcare course online? ›Our childcare courses are available online through our virtual campus. We work closely with Cache, the specialist awarding body for people working in childcare and have a specialist department working in the early years industry.
What is the highest level in childcare? ›The Level 4 CCLD is an NVQ for professionals working in childcare. It recognises specialist learning and helps develop the candidate's career.
What is the difference between childminding and childcare? ›A childminder is a regular form of childcare, usually only during the day whereas babysitters, unlike professional childcare providers, usually offer ad hoc childcare when it is needed - often on weekends or in evenings as well as daytimes.
Is Childminding the same as babysitting? ›Usually, babysitters work at the home of the child. They are responsible to look after the child while its parents are away during the day or for the evening. On the other hand, in the case of a childminder, the job is usually done at the childminder's own home or a child care centre.
How much can you earn childminding at home? ›
Earn around £37,000 as a self-employed childminder
£37,000 is typical for inner London, but our childminders can actually earn up to £67,000. Yep, really. Take our free home suitability quiz to find out if you could open your own home nursery.