Want to do something
really worthwhile? Teach disadvantaged children in township schools in a
beautiful resort town. You'll work with underprivileged
communities who really appreciate your help. You
can choose to work with primary or secondary schools.
"I'm
absolutely loving South Africa. Knysna is much bigger and much more lively than
I ever imagined, and the schools are much more friendly and receptive than I
dreamed possible. I couldn't have asked for more support or a more beautiful
place to live in."
Gill Taylor
Read an
excellent case study by a group that raised the funds to work with
township schools in South Africa
►SUMMARY
FACTFILE
Start Dates
All year round (subject to school
terms) - you choose your
start and finish dates!
Duration
From 2 weeks and up to 1 year, subject to visa
requirements
Requirements
No qualifications needed, just a
good dose of enthusiasm!
Price
From £795 for 2 weeks, ranging to £2,495 for 12 weeks.
Full Price List
What's included
►Accommodation
►Food
►Meeting you at the Airport
►Transfer to your accommodation
►Full pre-departure support
►Local in-country team support
and backup
►24-hr emergency support
►Two free T-shirts
What's not included
Flights, Insurance,
Cost of Visas (if a visa is required, but we'll provide necessary documents and
assistance),
Return transfer to
airport.
Who can do this Project?
All our projects are
open to all nationalities.
Unless otherwise stated, you need to be aged between 17 and 70+
PROJECT OVERVIEW Our teaching
programme is in the beautiful Western Cape’s Garden Route are situated in
Knysna. The schools cater for many children from the poorer township
community. Your help and
support are appreciated by everyone, but mostly by the children!
Our programme has been running in this region for many
years and the impact our volunteers have had is amazing. Many of them
return again and again. The result is a community that has benefited
tremendously since we started.
Standards in
the schools are
generally very high, but materials and
resources may be scarce. Even with the lack of facilities, etc., the enthusiasm
of the students and staff at the schools more than make up for this. The children have a fantastic energy about them
and you will be immediately welcomed in by hoards of children running up to
greet the new teacher. It is often difficult to stop them smiling!
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:
An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into
Africa and the many diverse cultures in South Africa
The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and
knowing that you made a difference to them.
New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding
of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional
development.
An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head
and shoulders above most others in the job market
And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!
ABOUT YOUR WORK: You'll
normally begin your placement by assisting the teachers but, depending on your
ability, you may progress on to being given complete control of a particular
class or group. You'll
receive a lot of help and support from the teachers and staff at the schools,
but you should be prepared to use your own initiative and ask when you need
something. The average
class size ranges from 15 to a manageable 40.
The best way to describe this project is to let one of our previous volunteers
tell you about it in her own words. Felicity du Pulford taught at
Sunridge Primary, and this is how she describes a typical day on her project
(but please note that this is only one school and that work in other schools may
vary slightly):
We didn't anticipate how much there would be to do in Knysna, so our only worry
is fitting it all in. Last week, after meeting all the other guys, we went out
on Friday which was lovely. Pauline gave us a tour drive around Knysna, so we
got to see the beautiful views of the lagoon and town.
Our headmaster at Sunridge, Mr Solomons, is so approachable and welcoming. It’s
difficult to describe just how welcome the children make us feel, the atmosphere
at the school is just so happy, the teachers so willing to help and we just seem
to have slotted into place.
We have been to both the soup kitchen and the orphanage. Lewis and I are keen to
go to both as much as possible, and love getting to know the kids. We're going
to be very muscly by the end of the month though - all of them want picking up
and swinging around all the time!
Knysna has absolutely everything we could want or need, and we are being well
looked after by Pauline. We're just starting to regret that we are only here for
a month!
TEACHING ENGLISH & OTHER SUBJECTS:
You will normally be asked to stand up in front of a class and teach
conversational English - you are not expected to be an expert on grammar or
literature. The important thing is to help people speak English. You may also be
asked to help with other subjects but this is optional and it is only if you
feel confident.
The teaching Suggestions Booklet which we provide you with has ideas for
teaching English and will also help structuring lessons in other subjects. Video
facilities are available in some schools and audio equipment is quite
commonplace.
You will most likely teach in more than one school. Most of the schools are
State schools, both secondary and primary. You will generally be asked to help
out with any age groups. You are, in fact, very likely to be in popular demand
everywhere - in and out of the classroom.
Please visit these links for further details on other subjects that you can
teach in Knysna:
LOCATION: The famous Garden Route
stretches along the warm Indian Ocean with natural splendors ranging from exotic white beaches to ancient indigenous
forests, home to monkeys, buck and leopard and the elusive forest
elephants. The Garden Route is famous for all sorts of activities from
adrenalin sports such as bungee jumping, skydiving and shark cage diving, to more
relaxed pursuits like hiking, quad biking in the forest or visiting one of
the many animal sanctuaries in the area. Our local staff will be
happy to assist you in finding interesting things to do and places to see, so
make the most of it!
Knysna
is approximately 500km from
the beautiful capital city of Cape Town, voted
South Africa’s favourite town 4 years in a row! Its mountainous backdrop,
impressively sized estuary and indigenous forests really give the town a natural
feel to it. Although it still has that ‘small-town’ feel, Knysna is growing
rapidly, and has all the amenities you could ask for, such as banks, hotels,
internet café’s, pubs, restaurants, clubs, cinemas and shopping malls.
'
I've
just had a great time, thanks so much for helping me be a part of life
here in Knysna. The kids really are great and they are so excited to
learn. The memory of them performing "I'm going on a bear hunt" will
stay with me forever as will their pride as they declared that they were
the "mighty Thembelitsha!" Mary Stokes
The town of Knysna is just 20-30 minutes drive away fromPlettenberg Bay
(better known simply as Plett). Plettis a bit smaller than Knysna, but equally
stunning. It's pure white beaches stretch as far as the eye can see and there
is a lot to do, from whale and dolphin watching, to hiking trails and awesome
nightlife.
Another fascinating and rural town close to Knysna is George. George is much larger than both Knysna and Plettenberg Bay
put together and has more of a city feel to it. The town lies comfortably
nestled at the foot of the picturesque Outeniqua Mountain Range.
OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON
THIS PROJECT:
5-DAY OR 7-DAY SAFARI from
Cape Town up the renowned Garden Route: taking in Dolphin and Whale
Spotting, visits to many tourist attractions, such as a visit to a
brewery(!), the Bloukrantz Bungy Jump (reportedly the highest in the world),
and a guided tour of the Cango Caves.
1 WEEK WHALES, SHARKS AND DOLPHINS
Project: This is
an extraordinary and exciting project in a beautiful location, surrounded
by white beaches and blue ocean. And two hours from the world's third
favourite city - Cape Town.
What more could anyone want?
PARAGLIDING COURSE: Soar over the impressively beautiful Drakensburg
Mountain. You'll get a licence at the end of the course which qualifies you
to do solo paragliding around the world.
Click here to see the
Teaching in Knysna Photo Gallery
Lots of eager-to-learn children just waiting for you!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
EXTRA ACTIVITIES THAT YOU CAN INCORPORATE INTO
YOUR WORK IN KNYSNA
As an added
bonus and extra activity during your project, you may also have the opportunity
to provide help and support to the local community through the various
afternoon activities we have to offer. This is an excellent way to immerse
yourself in the African culture, but most importantly to give a caring
hand to the local community. The activities could range from helping out at;
The Children's
Home - Make the afternoons fun and exciting for these lovely
children by playing games, helping them with home work and just being
there to give them the attention that they so crave.
The Art Centre for children -
The centre was set-up to unite children in understanding and fighting HIV
and AIDS through art and education, so that they can increase children's
knowledge of HIV & AIDS and create more open communication, as well as
reduce risk-taking behaviour by increasing self-esteem. You can be a part of
this extremely worthwhile programme and make a huge impact to their lives as
well as helping them to express their creative side and enjoy an afternoon
full of art and crafts. This is such an exciting opportunity for children
that also helps to raise HIV awareness which is very important, so why not
be a part of it too!
The Soup
Kitchen - Soup kitchens have been set up to provide a meal for
the poorer children in the community and often this will be the only
decent meal a child has during the day - any support given is greatly
appreciated by all.
After-school drama or sports - Take some time out after school to set up after
school sports or drama clubs, the children love it and it's a great way
to get to know them better in a relaxed and fun environment(If
you'd like to set up a drama or sports club, please let us know when you
apply so that we can arrange it with the school before you arrive.)
Other
community projects - In the past volunteers have helped to paint the
outside of a crèche that was in desperate need of a lift. The crèche is
now looking very cheerful with brightly coloured walls. A jungle gym was
donated to this orphanage and volunteers also helped to put it together
for the crèche too! There may be other similar projects available at the
time you're there that you might want to participate in.
You could be
part of these excellent and worthwhile projects ... so why not volunteer in Knysna!
Your
Travellers Project Co-ordinator on the Placement:
Once you apply
for this placement, all your arrangements will be taken care of by Elizabeth
Tratt (better known as Liz J),
Travellers UK-based Project Co-ordinator for teaching in South Africa. She'll liaise
with you to discuss your needs and will be able to answer all your questions.
Once you're in South Africa, you'll be well looked after by our South African
team, but Liz will remain in touch with you throughout your stay.
Read a very informative
Blog by
Travellers volunteer, Claire Archibald - it's about her placement and it's
fascinating!
SUNRIDGE SCHOOL
(mural painted by one of Travellers' volunteers)
SCHOOL TERMS IN SOUTH AFRICA:
Dates for the 2010 school terms (semesters) are given
below.
Term 1: 13th Jan – 26th Mar
Term 2: 12th Apr – 9th June
Term 3: 13th Jul – 23rd Sept
Term 4: 4th Oct – 10th Dec
Dates for the 2011 school terms (semesters) are
given below.
Term 1: 19th Jan – 1st April
Term 2: 11th April – 24th June
Term 3: 18th July – 30th Sept
Term 4: 10th Oct – 9th Dec
Teaching is not available during
school holidays, so if you're planning to participate in a
placement, please take the above school term dates
into account when planning the timing of your project. On the other hand, if
a holiday falls during your proposed placement, you
could use this time to do any independent travelling
and sightseeing.
If you're a little unsure about the idea
of standing in front of a class and teaching, you can,
before you leave, enroll in a
1-day
intensive open teacher training course (optional) to help you teach if you
have no previous experience and would like to gain a little
teaching knowledge.
Nervous about going somewhere new?
Or about teaching?
Read Adrian Tate's description
of his arrival
in South Africa to teach Sports
So far what is the best
thing about your placement?:
"I don't think I could actually define my "best experience" as one moment. What
with teaching at the school, rehearsals for my play, the dance classes, soup
kitchen, orphanage, hanging out at home with the other guys, going for a drink,
the worlds highest bungee jump, trips to the beach, and countless other
activities we really are spoilt for choice. I have been here for over 2 months
now and I can honestly say there has not been 1 day that I haven't enjoyed!!
Luke Brennan
ACCOMMODATION AND LIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA:
Volunteer house in Knysna Monkey family with baby on the verandah of one of the
volunteer houses
Thanks to Travellers and our volunteers, these orphans had their first
trip to the circus
Knysna: You will
more than likely live in one of our
homely
volunteer houses with other Travellers
volunteers. One of the houses is situated in town and closer to the estuary
(which is handy for short walks into town), and the other higher up above the
town with beautiful views of Knysna Lagoon. Both houses are very comfortable
with great facilities.
You may either have
your own room or will share a room with one or more other volunteers. This
depends on how many people are on placement at the time of yours. You will be
provided with a food budget and will need to prepare and cook your own meals.
When accommodation is limited,
we occasionally place volunteers in a local Guest House
which is very comfortable and convenient for access into town.
** Please note that occasionally the houses that we use may change owing to
availability, so the facilities you can expect may change accordingly.
There are several
good, inexpensive steak houses and lots of good Chinese, Italian and other
ethnic restaurants all over South Africa. Seafood, of course, is often fresh and
plentiful.
With the current
favourable exchange rate of about 14 Rands (R14) to the pound, your spending
money goes quite a long way! (Prices and exchange rates are current at time
writing, but please check rates regularly because they do fluctuate.)
To give you an idea
of costs, a local beer will set you back around 70p and coca cola, roughly 30p
(at time of writing), so you really can afford to spoil yourself with a good
night from time to time.
On Arrival, your Introduction to the Country:
When you arrive you
will be welcomed by a member of our South African staff who will take you to
your accommodation and introduce you to everyone. During your first
few days you'll be given an induction so that you can learn about the country
and its culture, as well as other useful information, like how to use the
transport system, banks, safety issues, tipping, and lots more.
"The area is beautiful and travelling is easy. The house we stay in is
lovely and the Travellers workers are such kind, loving people which really
makes it feel like a home away from home. What with all the other volunteers and
the Travellers staff, it really does feel like our own little family ... well,
our own very big family, I suppose!!!!" Luke
Brennan
To read about the extensiveSupport & Backup we provide in our countries,
please click here.
Read how our volunteers
have made a difference to the children in the schools
Be inspired by one volunteers story of her
time in South Africa and the subsequent links she developed when she was back
home. Sarah Cowan's heart
warming story
TRAVEL:
You'll fly into George Airport (or Baz Bus into Knysna) where you'll be met at the airport by one of
our staff. From there, you'll be taken to your work and your accommodation and introduced to your
hosts. You'd be well advised to prepare yourself
for an almost overwhelmingly friendly welcome!
You have the option to arrange your
own flights or we can assist you with your flight arrangements. If you would
like us to do this for you, we will liaise with you regarding available flights
and dates to suit you. All arrangements for your flight bookings/payments will
be fulfilled by Murray Rogers Travel Limited, ATOL No. 6856.
Where possible, we arrange for two or more people to travel on the
same flight and we will let you have the names and telephone numbers of other
volunteers on your flight, so that you can chat to each other or even meet up
before leaving for your placement.
VISAS: For many nationalities, visas are not required for a stay of 90
days or less. If you’re not sure whether you need a visa or not, please visit
http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/visa_schedule.asp
to see whether your country is exempt. If you do need a visa, we will assist you
and help make the visa process as easy as possible.
Where possible, all flights we arrange for you have changeable return tickets because many of our
volunteers choose to extend their stay once they are in their destination
country.
Changeable return tickets enable you to do so, within the limits of your visa
and the level of your air ticket,
of course. If you choose to book your own flights, you should endeavour to get
a changeable ticket.
To read about the excellentSupport
& Backup we provide before you leave and during
your programme,
please click here.
We can also arrange your flight
dates
to give you additional time at the end of your project for travelling around and sightseeing - this is a
fascinating and wondrous country!
Suite 2A, Caravelle House, 17/19 Goring
Road, Worthing,
West Sussex, BN12 4AP, England
Tel: +44 (0)1903 502595 Fax: +44 (0)1903 708179
Email:
info@travellersworldwide.com
.
