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Caring for Kids Cape Town

Experience
Volunteer
Destination
South Africa
Duration
2 to 12 weeks
Ages
18 to 75

Limited spots. Earliest available arrival is currently Jan 2025, and closing very soon.

Book now, pay later. Cancel anytime.

Trip overview

Discover the top sights and hidden delights on the southern tip of Africa! Explore the centre of cosmopolitan life in Africa – Cape Town. All while giving disadvantaged kids hope for the future through early childhood education and community care. 

Break out of your day-to-day routine and embark on an adventure that will make the world a better place and help you grow as a person. 

On this all-inclusive volunteer trip, not only do you get to live and volunteer with a trusted partner organisation in South Africa. When you go with Global, you get:

  • Volunteer project placement – Guarantee your spot at our screened and vetted project in South Africa. Start your volunteer journey without spending months searching for a reputable organisation on the other side of the world. 
  • Comfortable accommodation – Relax in a shared volunteer house in Hout Bay, 20 minutes from the centre of Cape Town and close to shopping malls, restaurants, and bars. 
  • Meals – 2 typical South African meals every weekday, prepared for you by the project chef.
  • 2-hour surf lesson & 2-day orientation. Learn how to surf at the beginner-friendly Muizenberg Beach, and many more activities when you first arrive, so you feel super acquainted with your temporary home.
  • + way more!

Inclusions

Tap to expand

Volunteer Project Placement
Dedicated Trip Coordinator
Pre-Departure Guide
Trip Visa Guidance
Personal Travel Concierge
Return Airport Transfer
Comfortable Accommodation
Project Supplies
Cultural Orientation
Local Cultural Experiences
2 Hour Surf Lesson
Certificate of Completion
Ongoing Local Team Support
Global Emergency Line
gWorld Access
Global Academy
Marketplace Deals
$250 Off Your Next Trip

Qualification

To qualify for this trip you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be between 18-75 years of age
  • Be a citizen of an eligible country
  • Have no criminal convictions in the past 5 years

Get more info!

Got questions or need to know more? Ask us here, we're online 24hrs Mo-Fr.

Trip details

Can you picture it? You’re living in Hout Bay just outside Cape Town. You’re becoming a familiar face in the community as you help out with early education at a crèche (nursery for young children) in Imizamo Yethu – a vibrant former township in Hout Bay. 

Every day is different as you help in areas you're skilled in and respond to the needs of the children.

Your afternoons are spent helping with the After-School Care Program as you help teach computer skills, coach sports, work in the community vegetable garden, & much more. 

Inspiring hope among kids is your main responsibility, making your attitude and outlook as important as your specific duties.

With exciting activities like skating with the kids or getting involved in the vegetable garden, maintaining a positive attitude should come naturally. Especially when you realize the profound impact you're making on the lives of these children!

For a lot of people, visiting Africa is a bucket-list experience. Getting deeply involved in a foreign community and contributing to community empowerment is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

And when you go with Global, you get the full experience for a fraction of the hassle. Your volunteer placement and accommodation is sorted before you leave, so you know exactly what you’re getting into. 

Requirements 

A basic proficiency in the English language is a requirement to participate in this trip.

What extra costs will I have? 

Flights, travel insurance, visa, vaccinations, criminal background check, souvenirs & spending money.

Purpose & impact

South Africa has a turbulent past. 

While the worst is over, the scars of years of discrimination and segregation are still apparent in South African society today. 

The worst affected are often the children – the most innocent of victims. By empowering the next generation to improve their own lives and make the world a better place, you’re contributing to long-term positive change across the world. 

For this trip, the main idea is for you to be a role model and provide inspiration and happiness to kids from disadvantaged backgrounds. Your morning responsibilities will be at a crèche (nursery for young children) and may include: 

  • Welcoming children and assisting with getting them ready for their day at school
  • Breakfast – helping with laying and clearing of tables, supervising eating during breakfast, snack & lunchtime
  • Brushing of teeth – assisting with toothpaste, supervising brushing of teeth, washing of hands and toilet routine during and between lessons
  • Assisting teachers in all areas of the daily class activities – this depends on daily activity and program which teacher has to follow
  • Before morning break – preparing fruit and handing it out to children
  • Outside play – supervising and playing with children e.g. ball games etc.
  • Music Ring – assisting with songs, rhythm, games and books
  • Lunchtime – tables and chairs to be moved onto verandah, oversee eating and help with clearing
  • Sleeping time – assisting with floor cleaning and preparing classroom for resting time
  • Assisting in kitchen with food service
  • Assisting with art, music or physical science during class or in the afternoon
  • Some pupils may need special attention with English, writing, drawing, maths, or general school work. The class teacher will advise volunteers where to assist.

Your afternoon duties will be at the After-School Care Program and may include: 

  • Assisting in the After-School Care Program (reading, teaching, doing homework, playing games)
  • Assisting or coordinating a Holiday Club program (runs for 1 week, twice a year – April & June)
  • Helping organise a quarterly outing for children (find fun and educational places to visit)
  • Helping teach computers, in the food gardens, a sport, or any passion you have
  • Helping keep the website up to date
  • Running a fundraising event
  • Offering your professional services (Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Remedial Teachers, Dieticians, etc)
  • Using your green fingers to help make the grounds look beautiful

Accommodation & meals

When you arrive at Cape Town International Airport, a driver will be waiting for you. You’ll be taken straight to your initial accommodation at a shared volunteer house in Hout Bay. 

The house is close to everything you need in Hout Bay – shopping centres, grocery stores, bars, restaurants, and the beach. Rooms sleep 2-4 people and bathrooms are shared. 

With your accommodation in South Africa sorted and your volunteer placement organised, what will you do about food? 

You’ll be given 2 meals (breakfast and dinner) everyday, prepared fresh by the project chef. You should provide your own lunch and bring it with you to the project site. 

On weekends and days off you can sample some of South Africa’s cuisine – which ranges from world-class and pricey, to super affordable if you stick with the local ‘hole-in-the-wall-serving-the-best-food-ever’ joints.   

Trip itinerary

Day 1

When you arrive at Cape Town International Airport, a driver will be waiting for you. You’ll be taken straight to your initial accommodation at a shared volunteer house in Hout Bay.  Take some time to relax and settle in, get to know your new friends, or explore the area.

Day 2

Since all arrivals happen on a Thursday, you’ll have time to rest up before your first weekend in Africa! This weekend will be all about orientation as we show you the best sights of Cape Town. Transport and lunch included. Your first day of orientation will be a walking tour of the city, covering South African history, social skills, transport, and safety.

Day 3

Cape Peninsula tour. Drive one of the most epic roads in Cape Town (maybe the world?) as you wind along Chapman’s Peak Drive which clings to the mountainside above the icy ocean.  You’ll end up at Cape Point Nature Reserve – an important geological location as it’s the precise point where the warm(er) Indian Ocean and frigid Atlantic Oceans meet. You could also spot ostriches, baboons, and giant antelope on the beach.  And finally, you’ll get to hang out with one of the few colonies of African Penguins (yes, there are penguins in Africa) on Boulder’s Beach. 

Day 4

Relax after your jam-packed orientation, get to know your housemates at the volunteer house, or explore the many secret treasures of Hout Bay.   

Day 5

Time to start your volunteer duties. Your mornings are spent helping teachers at a creche. And your afternoons are varied as you help out with the After-School Program.

Ongoing

Your evenings and weekends are free, giving you plenty of time to explore everything South Africa has to offer.  Hike up Table Mountain for breathtaking views of the city, head off to the Winelands to taste some of South Africa’s best wines, or take us up on one of the optional excursions on offer.  Once your placement is over, you can choose to stay on in South Africa to explore what else it and the surrounding areas have to offer. Or team up with other Global Travellers to explore South Africa together.  Head off for a safari on your own terms, drive up the coast for a warm ocean and tropical beaches, or hop the border to “The Kingdom in the Sky” if you’re a passport stamp collector. Whatever you choose to do, we can help make it easy.  We’ll be in touch with you throughout your stay. If you ever need advice or support our team is available to answer your questions. And our 24/5 emergency support line will help with urgent matters.  Don’t go alone. Go with Global.

Why choose us

We take care of pretty much everything so you don’t have to. You’ll arrive in South Africa totally prepared with a plan of action and trusted people helping you along the way. 

Our volunteer trips are designed to help you make a real change in critical causes around the world. All while experiencing off-the-beaten-path locations with passionate locals. Our goal is to save you time, money, and stress while eliminating the risk of returning home early. Here’s how we do it: 

We’re on your side from the moment you get started. 

You’ll be assigned a dedicated Trip Coordinator. They’ll guide you through the next steps and answer all your questions. They’ll also help you with the pesky visa. No guesswork – only the right paperwork, approved the first time, in your hands before you leave. 

Your Personal Travel Concierge will help with flights, insurance, and any add-ons you’d like for your trip. These are real humans too – no robots here. 

We maintain relationships with a huge network of screened and vetted partner organisations all over the world. We know they’re trustworthy and that you’re in good hands because of all the successful trips Global Travellers keep having with our partners. 

Our team is well travelled so you can rely on our experience. We’re with you every step of the way. 

Join 75000+ travellers – giving us 10000+ 4 & 5 star reviews – by choosing Global to make your travel dreams come true. 

Most travellers book their trip 6-12 months in advance. Dates are flexible, but spaces are limited. So if you’re serious about volunteering in South Africa, don’t delay. 

With our Book Now, Decide Later feature, you can get started with a small deposit today, and take a full year to choose your dates. 

We’ll take over from there, helping you with visas, flights, accommodation, and setting you up with our partner in South Africa. 

This is the trip for you if you’re after the ultimate volunteering experience in South Africa, complete with everything you need and 24/5 support.

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Frequently asked questions

Why are you the best company to choose?

As the world’s leading gap-year and "work & travel" company, we pride ourselves on providing a premium service for Global Travellers. Choose from a variety of awesome experiences worldwide, and let us assist you with visas, pre-departure preparations, flights, insurance, and tours. Throughout your journey, our cool tech features will support you every step of the way. As a Global Traveller, gain access to gWorld, our personalised app designed to enhance your travel experience. Keep important documents and trip details handy, and take advantage of exclusive Marketplace deals, a vibrant social network, language learning resources, side trips, meet-ups, and more. It's like having all your favorite travel apps merged into one, but even better! But our support doesn't end there. With four international offices, over 100 dedicated staff members, a 24/5 emergency team, and the backing of over 90,000 Global Travellers who have turned their travel dreams into reality with us, rest assured you're in good hands. We also proudly boast the most and best reviews in the biz, and maintain a massive following on our social channels including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Embark on your next adventure with confidence and ease. Join us and discover the world in a meaningful way!

Are flights & insurance included?

While we would love to include flights and insurance in our trip packages, it is not feasible to have a fixed price due to the diverse destinations, trip durations, and individual coverage needs of our travellers from around the globe. However, once you register for the trip, we will assign you a dedicated Travel Concierge. They will work closely with you to arrange the ideal flights and insurance tailored to your specific adventure. Rest assured, our team is here to ensure you have a smooth and hassle-free travel experience from start to finish!

Why do I have to pay to volunteer?

The trip fee covers all the essential trip inclusions that ensure you have a meaningful and safe volunteering experience. It includes comprehensive pre-departure support to assist you throughout your journey. Once you arrive at your destination, the fee covers transportation, accommodation, and in most cases meals and some amazing excursions you'll do alongside other international volunteers. This comprehensive support is essential to provide you with a positive and secure volunteering experience, which is of utmost importance to us. Your trip fee allows us to ensure your well-being while making a meaningful impact, and it contributes to the sustainability and effectiveness of the volunteer projects we support.

Will I receive guidance and support before starting the volunteering trip?

Absolutely! Before starting your volunteer placement, you will receive comprehensive pre-departure support, which includes project-specific information, cultural orientation, and advice on preparing for your journey. Additionally, most trips include on-site training and an orientation to ensure you are well-prepared and confident in your volunteer role.

How do I choose the right volunteer trip for me?

With so many incredible options, we understand that selecting the perfect volunteer trip can be tricky. That's why we recommend booking your favourite one, and your dedicated Trip Coordinator will guide you through the project details. They will consider your interests, skills, desired location, and the impact you want to make. If we find another trip that better suits your preferences, we can easily swap you over to ensure you have the ideal volunteer experience. Rest assured, we're here to help you find the right fit!

How long should I volunteer for?

We offer flexibility in our volunteer trips, allowing you to choose the duration that best suits your schedule and desired experience. While most volunteers join us for 3 or 4 weeks, our trips accommodate durations as short as two weeks or as long as 12 weeks, and even extended stays. The choice is yours!

What ages are most volunteers?

The ages of our volunteers can vary depending on the project, but we have a wide age range. Our volunteers typically range from 18 years old to 85 years old! Our Trip Coordinators ensure that all volunteers are vetted before embarking on their journey. While age may differ, what unites our volunteers is their shared passion for travel and their dedication to making a positive impact in the community or wildlife conservation efforts they are involved in. Regardless of age, anyone with a passion to contribute and explore is welcome to join our volunteer trips.

Is it safe to volunteer overseas?

Safety is our utmost priority, and it drives our thorough trip planning process and comprehensive inclusions. With a successful track record of safely sending tens of thousands of travellers overseas since 2008, we prioritise your well-being throughout the journey. Before you depart, we provide full support, ensuring a smooth and secure experience. Upon arrival, we take care of every detail, including secure airport transfers, comfortable accommodations, usually meals, and dedicated project supervision. Additionally, our 24/5 emergency line ensures immediate assistance whenever needed, providing peace of mind throughout your entire volunteer experience.

Why should I book now?

After the last unexpected disruption to travel caused by the..c word..people are now more eager than ever to venture out and explore the world, determined not to miss out on any experiences. Global Work & Travel works on a first-in-best-dressed basis. Booking earlier ensures that you don’t miss out on the best intake, season, placements and more! We recommend our travellers take 6-12+ months to plan their trip for a reason - to make sure you’ve got everything organised perfectly, stress-free. As a Global Traveller you’ll get exclusive access to gWorld, our personalised app where you can keep all of your important documents and trip details in one spot and gain insider access to everything Global. This is where you will find exclusive Marketplace Deals, a unique social network to connect you with other like-minded Global Travellers, access to our Academy with an ever-growing range of skills & languages, and so much more. Think all of your favourite apps merged into one, but like, better? Why not give yourself something to look forward to by booking that trip!

Can I travel with a friend or partner?

Yes you can! Simply tell your Trip Coordinator after booking that your friend is also going and they can link your profiles. For most of our trips we should be able to have you and your friends placed together or nearby. Meaning that you can live, work, play & travel together! But wait there's more! Not only can you travel the world with your besties at your side, you can also earn some extra cash towards your own trip just by referring your friends to Global Work & Travel. You can learn more about the great referral rewards program inside your gWorld account once you join. And for those who decide to go-it-solo, we’ve made it easier to meet other Global Travellers in the same region as you. Just like any other social platform, you’ll be able to interact, share, chat and meet with some really cool people who are doing trips just like you!

Can I bring my pet along?

At Global Work & Travel, we share a deep love for animals and fully understand the special bond you have with your pet. We recognise the challenges of embarking on a trip without them. Due to travel restrictions, requirements, and limited pet-friendly accommodations among our host organisations, we regretfully cannot facilitate their inclusion in the journey. However, many of our customers choose to entrust their pets to a family member or friend, embark on their adventure, and return home to wagging tails and furry cuddles.

What happens if I need to cancel my trip?

We know that life can get in the way of travel, so all our trips come with a great deal of flexibility. In most cases, if you cannot travel on your selected date, you can place your trip on hold to deal with whatever is holding you back, and continue in the future without incurring any penalty. You may also have the option of transferring to an entirely different trip and destination as well, or even transferring your trip to a friend or family member. In the event that you need to outright cancel your trip, if you give us 84* days notice you can do so with only a 50% cancellation fee. Your refund of the balance will come in the form of a Store Credit which you can put toward any other trip that we offer, including tours through third-party providers, as well as holidays through DealsAway.com, and is valid for 2 years from date of issue. As international travel can be complex, your options are based on the progress of your trip organisation and our support team can assist you in finding the best solution for your needs.

How it works

1. Choose a trip style

Find your dream experience & destination, then secure your spot with a flexible & low deposit. Activate your gWorld to unlock some cool perks. Well done! The hardest part’s over!

2. We become friends

Book a time to meet your dedicated Trip Coordinator who knows all the ins & outs of your trip. They’ll be by your side and working behind-the-scenes to pull everything together.

3. Time to go!

We’ll get your tickets, accommodation & transfers ready. Our in-country team or partner will have everything prepared & waiting for your arrival. Get on the plane with no worries!

4. Global support

Never stress, knowing we’re there with you when you need us with ongoing & unlimited local team support. And just in case, we’ve got an emergency team on stand-by, 24 hours, Mon-Fri.

Still have questions?

Why go Global

Flexible trips

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Worldwide support

Know that someone is always ready to assist throughout the journey & they’re only a call, tweet, comment, text or double tap away, 24/5.

We're the experts

With over 10 years in the industry and a team of over 90 passionate pros, you can bet we know our stuff better than anyone else.

Partner network

We have over 1,200 partners around the globe, so we have access to plenty of exclusive opportunities to make your trip the best it can be.

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Caring for Kids Cape Town