Education Volunteering in South Africa

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Volunteering in Africa takes you one step further than the average tourist into the true character of this unique continent. To us, volunteering is a two-way thing. It’s not only about the hands-on help and skills that volunteers bring, but also about what this magnificent continent, its warm people, and fantastic wildlife can give volunteers in return. African Impact is a multi-award-winning volunteer travel organization that runs and manages meaningful and responsible volunteer experiences and internship programs throughout Africa. Founded in 2004 in Zimbabwe, African Impact has grown into a leader in African volunteer tourism, having facilitated over 12,000 volunteers and interns in countries across the African continent. Our internship division is of great importance to us. We firmly believe that ethical internships can play a significant role in helping us achieve our mission of providing exceptional experiences that contribute to worthy causes in a meaningful way. With the nurturing of close partnerships across the continent, we have access to over 120 internship placements—all individually managed to match the applicant.

This project is an adventure club for 12-14 year old children focused primarily on extramural surfing and swimming lessons. The adventure club provides children with a valuable opportunity to take part in a range of outdoor activities from surfing and swimming to hiking and even sandboarding. An orientation in Cape Town is provided before the start of the project. There are anywhere from 5 to 20 children participating in the club every week. Volunteers are able to take free surf lessons during the school day and then help teach and lead groups of children after school. There are also opportunities to assist in community development or to help teach computer skills in schools during the day. Activities include teaching kids to swim, skate and surf, helping on hikes and running fun days and sports programs. so far over 300 children have learned to swim and over 80 have learned to surf!

Take part in this volunteering program abroad, and work on an amazing research and conservation project in a private game reserve in the Greater Kruger area. Home to more than just the Big 5, the reserve also has more than 400 species of birds. The project aims to share data with conservation groups and authorities to protect species and natural habitats as well as to educate communities about human impact on wildlife. As a volunteer on the Big 5 Game Reserve, you’ll actively participate in research on wildlife populations and habitat maintenance. To join this project, you need: - Genuine love and concern for animals and the environment - Reasonable level of fitness due to the physical nature of the work - Enthusiasm, openness, flexibility, and cooperation - Awareness of research skills, knowledge, and experience in African wildlife (helpful, but not necessary) If you’re a student and wish to earn credit, speak to a Kaya Placement Advisor. Please bring a laptop to help with data and project activities.

Explore the dream destinations of South Africa, France, and Thailand on a comprehensive 6-month journey. Experience an exceptional blend of cultural immersion, wildlife conservation, and community involvement. You'll start your journey by contributing to wildlife conservation in South Africa amidst the Big 5 conservation area. Next, you'll hop on to France where you will immerse yourself in French culture and language during an unforgettable summer in Loire Valley, studying at one of the country's oldest universities. Finally, venture to your third country - Thailand - where you will volunteer as an English teacher in the scenic Hua Hin island. The entire experience offers invaluable cultural insights, skill development, and lifelong memories; igniting passions for social and environmental causes as you embark on a journey toward becoming a dedicated global citizen effecting positive change.

Use your communications skills to expand the reach of an organization that focuses on empowering the youth of their community by unleashing their potential through dance. Be part of a South African-based nonprofit that teaches dance to kids from underprivileged communities in townships. Their mission is to equip children with confidence and important skills through the power of dance so that they can later pursue opportunities that are scarce in their communities. In this internship, you'll join a small but dedicated team and assist with digital communications, fundraising, and overall development of their organization. As an intern, you'll contribute to fast-growing projects while developing diverse skills. Join remotely or in Cape Town, where you'll meet the team, attend dance classes, and gather field content. Tasks depend on your skills and interests, you could work on the more creative side of communications ranging from writing online content and newsletters, managing social media, and assisting with running digital fundraising campaigns; or work behind the scenes in marketing, engaging in research, proposal writing, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder management.

Live on a private reserve in Limpopo, surrounded by wildlife in their natural habitat. Collaborate with GVI staff and other participants to contribute towards meaningful conservation and research efforts for wildlife protection and longevity. Learn about biodiversity and habitat monitoring, and how to track and identify each species using radio telemetry techniques. This is also an opportunity to work alongside Field Guide Association of South Africa (FGASA) experts while seeing well-known South African predators, herbivores, and other species populations first-hand. You’ll contribute to the research efforts of the reservation’s natural resources. Your assistance provides reserve authorities and conservation organizations with the data they need to manage and preserve ecosystems. All GVI projects align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and have short, mid, and long-term objectives. In your free time, travel with other like-minded participants to the nearby Kruger National Park, one of the largest game reserves in Africa.

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—and give you the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in your career? Connect-123 designs fully customized programs that match your background and goals, offering hands-on experience in some of the world’s most exciting cities: Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, our programs span dozens of fields including business, finance, medicine, public health, journalism, marketing, human rights, law, sustainability, education, and more. You’ll gain meaningful, career-related experience while also exploring life in a new culture. We take care of the details so you can focus on making the most of your time abroad. From the moment you apply, our team helps guide you through the process, secure your placement, and prepare you for your new adventure. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing internship begins on your schedule.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Cape Town, known for its diverse and growing population, is rated as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Opportunities to serve all year round include daycares for lower-income families, education centers for disadvantaged learners, and human rights organizations. Partnering with community-based organizations and completing a reflection-based curriculum will allow you to learn how local experts address these issues in their communities while gaining intercultural leadership skills. Each of our community-based organizations is unique, so please visit our website to learn more about your options. Our Cape Town program is recommended for anyone interested in the education and/or disability service fields.

Get Certified, Make an Impact myTEFL’s intensive four-week Teach in Africa program is your chance to earn your certification and put it to good use—good in every sense of the word! Your journey starts with our top-rated 120-Hour Online TEFL Course, completed conveniently from home. This gives you all the time needed to master your teaching fundamentals before flying out for the practical portion. Upon arrival in South Africa, you will be met and transported to our wonderful volunteer residence. You will co-habit with other like-minded participants, sharing cooking duties and enjoying a community atmosphere. The first day includes a comprehensive orientation of the local township and your school placement, covering classes, students, rules, and routines. Then, it's time to roll up your sleeves and put that TEFL to work! Beyond teaching, your role includes sports coaching, helping with dance classes, assisting with homework, and community engagement. You will make incredible bonds with your fellow volunteers, the students, and the community you are supporting—all while actively helping to make the world a better place. Join us and experience the power of giving back!

Apart from the normal struggles of living with a disability, social stigma and discrimination surrounding disabilities mean that People With Disabilities (PWD) face even greater challenges. In many instances, PWDs are not afforded the same opportunities as regular members of society, and this, in turn, means they are often unable to contribute productively to their communities. Your role will be based in a local care centre, which provides social activities, food, assistance with day-to-day life, and vocational training. You will work alongside centre staff, assisting them and taking on responsibilities as your skills and experience allow. As a volunteer, you will help with daily activities that involve: Social interaction Income generation through the creation and sale of arts and crafts Vocation and skills-based training Kitchen work and gardening to provide nutritious meals This project is located in Hout Bay, a bus ride away from central Cape Town with all the city has to offer tourists. Accommodation is at a lodge located right by the beach and with a bus stop just outside. Project work is from Monday to Friday, with the weekends free to explore and have fun.

The non-profit organization TLC Outreach Projects supports individuals from socially challenging backgrounds through several initiatives: - The "Street Ministry" program involves social work professionals traveling through the three informal settlements (Radar Bush, Wolwerivier, The Village) to provide care and refer individuals to other organizations for additional support. - The "Preventative Program" for children and young people provides basic educational activities and playful education on topics like drugs, crime, HIV, and homelessness. - The "Independent Living" and "Skills Development" programs focus on prevention by providing access to education and training opportunities. - The "Crazy Daisy" program distributes free hygiene products to girls, ensuring they do not miss school during their periods. As a volunteer, you will contribute to all of TLC's programs. Tasks may include assisting with outreach activities, supporting social workers in their efforts, helping with educational programs for children and teenagers, participating in various workshops, assisting with team meetings and maintenance, sorting donations, administrative tasks, and more.

Make a difference while gaining professional experience in an international setting! How? Sign up for any of our NGO internships in South Africa. This program is open to both interns and volunteers with relevant skill sets. Most of the placements will be in Cape Town, and you will have the chance to apply your expertise to a good cause. You will work with a local NGO, allowing you to assist with the needs of other people through your study - whether it is education or international relations. Our internship is a wonderful opportunity to serve local communities through a range of important projects. For four weeks to 12 weeks, depending on your preferred length, use your professional skills to help improve the lives of other people. Gain a global perspective, an invaluable asset that many employers greatly appreciate. Live in a country that boasts of beautiful diversity, and immerse in its culture.

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children in Mitchell’s Plain by joining our Early Childhood Development program in Cape Town. As a Kindergarten Teaching volunteer, you’ll help nurture the growth and creativity of children aged 2–4, providing them with the foundations for a brighter future. Working closely with local educators, you’ll support play-based learning and offer personalized care that encourages emotional, social, and intellectual development. This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact while immersing yourself in Cape Town’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local communities. Help empower the next generation and be part of lasting change. - Work with local teachers to create and lead engaging, age-appropriate activities. - Support children needing extra encouragement and guidance. - Assist in teaching basic English, math, or life skills through fun and hands-on learning. - Lead group activities and help create a stimulating classroom environment. - Observe progress and offer feedback to enhance the learning experience.

100% of your payment goes to this charity! This exceptional experience provides volunteers with the unique opportunity of teaching children to protect the environment and to care for rescued wild animals. You will inspire a generation of local children to become passionate about wildlife conservation. Please note that the animals are unfortunately kept in captivity only because they are not able to return to the wild. Volunteering with us isn’t just about working. You’ll also learn about the local customs and beliefs, language, and traditional food. Our staff will teach you about the secrets of the Sepedi culture while cooking delicious food or dancing around a bonfire! Plus, you’ll have the chance to explore more of South Africa through half-day and full-day trips. This volunteer program is an incredible learning experience for participants of all ages and backgrounds. It runs from mid-January to mid-December every year, with start and end dates on Saturdays. You can stay with us from 1 to 12 weeks, depending on your availability.

Teach at local community schools in Knysna, South Africa, in this volunteer project. Support the development of children by teaching them English, Natural Science, Maths, Dance, Music, Sports, and other subjects. You could also assist with reading groups in school libraries or special needs activities. We have placements at township schools, which have large classes and basic facilities. Therefore, the teachers greatly appreciate any help in managing a huge number of students. Your ideas are always welcome to improve a variety of areas: foundation phase little ones, Physical Education, English teaching, Mathematics, and others. This project is available during South African school terms, between mid-January to early December. Start days are from Monday to Friday, and the minimum length of stay is two weeks. A longer duration is subject to visa requirements. We welcome volunteers from 17 years old.

If you love kids, you will love this programme. Based on the coast of South Africa, in Port Elizabeth, you will work in the local townships either helping in nurseries or teaching in schools. Volunteers assist South African teachers with their lessons and help to involve the kids in extracurricular activities. Schools try very hard to provide the best possible experience for the children that they look after. But with limited resources and with many of the kids relying solely on the school to get a full meal, this can be difficult. This is why volunteers are so important. The role of a volunteer is to be an energetic, fun-loving role model for the kids. They love to play and get to know you; and although this can be exhausting, it is also thoroughly fulfilling. After spending your day with children, it is always great to have a place to relax in the evenings. Volunteers live in a shared accommodation in a beautiful, leafy area of Port Elizabeth. It has basic gym facilities, a game room, table tennis, table football, and darts – there is even a swimming pool! Only a 10-minute drive to the sea, it is an amazing place to call home.