Description

Can you make learning fun? South Africa has put the past behind it and built a new future based around equality and opportunity for all. However there are still divisions in the society, most dramatically in literacy levels between rich and poor which exclude many from the new South Africa. The 'Help to Read' child literacy initiative aims to get children to fall in love with books and improve the reading skills of 5 to 12 year old. The project teaches children the basic skills that will enable them to receive a full and rewarding education. This is a great chance to make learning fun and share your love of books with young children living in the Cape Town area. We also include our TEFL certification for everyone who chooses the project.

* What does the project do?

The primary role of the project is to help local South African children to read in order to help them enjoy a brighter future. Many South African children have parents who can't read or write English and who, therefore, can't read to them. Yet, without this, kids tend to fall behind their peers, losing confidence and self esteem. With the loss of confidence comes the loss of pleasure; kids who don't feel confident about their reading simply don't like reading, or books. This is where a volunteer like you steps in by helping the children to read.

* Why does the project need volunteers?

Literacy is a serious issue in South Africa. One in four adults is illiterate, and many children in schools are unable to read and write in English. Imagine how hard life must be for people who can't read English: they're frustrated every day by street signs, restaurant menus, and posters, they'll miss out on the entire world of computers, and they're not as employable as people who can read and write English. Volunteers don't replace good teaching; they add to it, playing the role of a literate adult in the child's life with time and attention just for them.

Highlights

* Sharing your love of reading with keen, enthusiastic young South Africans
* Living life to the full in one of the world's most beautiful regions
* Exploring all around Cape Town in your free time - surfing, penguins, whale watching

Qualifications

You will need to be able to speak English for this placement so that you can read competently to the children. You will receive the Online TEFL course to train you for Teaching English but your main role will be reading from story books rather than formal teaching. You should have a genuine love for children, keen to make the stories come to life and not be afraid of reading the same book more than once!

Your role as a volunteer:

Your role will involve reading to the children, helping them to read stories and your influence as a literate and caring adult will help them to develop a love of books and see education as both accessible and achievable. You will be able to help on a one to one basis thereby giving the children more self confidence! Those of us that love to read enjoy these privileges which most of us have taken for granted:
* Parents who read bedtime stories
* Books in English lying around the house
* At the very least, an adult in the family able to read and write English

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 2399.00 for 4 weeks, USD 300.00 for every week thereafter

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodation: Shared dormitory room in volunteer house
* Food: Food is not included; you will need to purchase your own food (budget approximately USD 50 per week)
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation and Online TEFL course
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• English Teaching
• Primary Education
• Public Education
• Volunteering

Typical Volunteer

If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range

18-80 years old

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Volunteering's Mission Statement

i-to-i Volunteering provides unique opportunities for you to travel, work and volunteer abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 16 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations. With over 130 projects on 4 continents, across 22 countries you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching English, community development, conservation, home building, and working with animals.

Year Founded

1994