Description

Help children with hearing difficulties. Work in a school in Cape Town that caters for partially and fully deaf children. You'll work with children from 3 to 13 years old, right from when they're first introduced to sign language. The content of the lessons is the same as a regular school, so any subjects you have some knowledge in would be most welcome.

Your help and support are appreciated by everyone, but mostly by the children! The school is very poor with just a few classrooms, library and a hall, so every bit of involvement makes an incredible difference!

The project is located in a suburb of Cape Town, called Observatory, situated at the bottom of Devil's Peak (so named because of its shape). This peak makes up the left-hand formation of the famous Table Mountain (named after the 'tablecloth' of clouds that cascade down its slopes). The view of the peak from the school is quite spectacular.

The school you'll teach at has about 80 pupils. The age range of the children is from about 3 to 13 years of age. There are about 12 teachers and teaching assistants. The classes are very small to ensure that children receive individual attention.

The very little ones are introduced to sign language and do what all pre-school children do learn by playing. They have stories read or signed, they paint, they do puzzles, play simple games - and they have outdoor 'play-learning'. If you choose to work in the Pre-Primary section, you would help with all of this. This is a very interesting section as the children are learning communication skills perhaps for the first time.

The pupils aged 6 13 are taught the normal Grade1 to Grade 7 school curriculum in two different sections. One section (Grades 1 7) consists of children who have hearing aids or implants, which enable them to have partial to good hearing. They have normal lessons. The other section (also Grade 1 7) caters for children who are completely deaf and they are taught their lessons in sign language. The hearing children will continue their education at other special needs schools or at mainstream schools and could leave at any time to do this. The completely deaf children usually continue their education at a High School for the Deaf in Worcester (about an hour from Cape Town).

You may assist with any section, and any age group, fulfilling class assistant duties such as helping children with maths, reading and other school subjects.
If you know sign language, you could work with the totally deaf children - or you could actually teach sign language to those learning how to sign! You may, at first, spend a bit of time in each class, and then decide where you would like to go on a regular basis. The children follow the normal Grade 1 - 7 lessons and if you would like to teach any specific lessons, the school would be happy to arrange this.

Once settled in with the classes you'd like to be involved with, you'll be given a timetable to follow for the duration of your placement.

School starts at 8am and finishes at 2.15pm. There are breaks at 10.30 and 12.50. Lessons are 30 minutes long and all teaching is done in English.

Sports: Some time during the school day is spent outside, playing games, but they have no formal sports. The kids love playing football or netball, but unfortunately the school doesn't have a formal sports timetable. If you'd like to coach children in any sport, it would be very welcome and the children would be encouraged to participate. If you do choose to do this, you can arrange to coach groups of children during their "Life Orientation" lessons.

During the summer, the children go to the local Observatory public swimming pool right next to the school it's an outdoor pool and a very popular "sports" outing, which the children love!

Highlights

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 resume that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
* And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen! If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us, tell us what type of project you're looking for, and we'll liaise with you and start making your travel adventure happen. It's as easy as that!

Qualifications

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• English Teaching
• Handicapped
• Teaching
• Volunteering

Typical Volunteer

This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of children! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range

17 - 70+

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Guest House
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

within 5 working days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement

Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded

1995