Social Work 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.

Discover the joy of family volunteering with GoEco, the leading platform for award-winning volunteer projects abroad. Our carefully selected programs provide an opportunity for families to bond over shared experiences while making a meaningful difference in communities worldwide. From sea turtle conservation in the Maldives to social upliftment initiatives in Cape Town, there's a project to match every family's interests. With GoEco, family volunteering is more than just travel - it's an opportunity to educate, inspire, and create lasting memories.

Join the 6-month Gap Year, an extraordinary six-month journey of learning, adventure, and making a difference. This gap year program is the perfect blend of excitement and enrichment, offering a language and culture study course in Spain, environmental initiatives, and addressing social and economic issues in South Africa, turtle conservation in Sri Lanka, and a community preservation, building and gardening volunteering in Cambodia. Eligibility requirements: - Must be in good physical and mental health - At least 18 years old during travel - Have a fluent understanding of English - Have a clean background check if working with minors Broaden your horizons and nurture a deep sense of cultural appreciation that will extend beyond the end of the program. Visit our website and inquire today to get specific details about this program.

Gain practical social work experience during this exciting internship program in Cape Town, South Africa. You'll be part of a community center in Masiphumelele, a township on the outskirts of the city that provides a safe and stimulating space for up to a hundred children every afternoon. Many of these children have experienced different levels of trauma, and as an intern, you'll assist the program in providing stimulating activities and counseling sessions for groups of children when needed. This internship is a great opportunity for getting practical experience in social work while supporting an important social development program. Your tasks will include offering individual or group counseling sessions to children with troubled backgrounds; helping create stimulating, educative, and fun activities for the children in the aftercare program; and helping cook for and feed the children at the center, among others. Preferably you'll have an academic background or experience in sociology, social work, community development, education, pedagogy, or something similar.

Experience the power of visual storytelling during this unique humanitarian photography program in a town just outside Cape Town—Stellenbosch, South Africa. As a photographer on this program, you'll learn how to document the work of local nonprofit organizations effectively, and you'll put that knowledge into practice during photographic assignments. You'll be tutored by a professional humanitarian photographer with extensive experience and a deep passion for nonprofit photography. Through personal guidance, you'll be sure to grow both in skill and confidence as a photographer. This workshop is a wonderful way to make an impact through your lens and experience South Africa in a unique way. During your stay in Stellenbosch, your accommodation, transport, and meals will be taken care of. You'll be based in a comfortable lodge in the city center, allowing you to easily explore some of the many highlights Stellenbosch and Cape Town have to offer. To qualify for this NGO photography program, you'll need to have basic camera skills and some photographic experience. The workshop runs several times a year, and you can join us for 2 to 4 weeks.

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.

Volunteer on a program in a colorful township just outside Cape Town, educating child-minders, parents, and children on the importance of eating well and general hygiene practices to prevent the spread of germs. These fun and interactive workshops are set up in an informal environment, with topics like the identification of symptoms for general childhood diseases such as chickenpox, mumps, diarrhea, dehydration, colds, and flu. Approximately 75,000 children in South Africa die before the age of 5. This program aims to target as many people in local communities as possible in an attempt to increase the levels of knowledge about healthy eating and general hygiene practices.

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.

Gain hands-on experience in psychology, mental health, or social work through this dynamic volunteer programme in one of South Africa’s major cities. Perfect for students and graduates, this opportunity offers real-world exposure, research potential, and professional growth in a global context. Support a foundation that aids abuse victims by assisting with psychological and forensic assessments, providing counselling and therapies, and offering victim support and youth diversion programmes. Help prepare families and children for court cases, ensuring victims have the support they need to pursue justice. Collaborate with a second foundation focused on community outreach, where you’ll deliver psychosocial training and workshops for children, social workers, and community leaders on issues like gender-based violence, abuse, mental health, and youth development. All while immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of South Africa.

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.

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.

Take a semester or academic year in the fascinating Stellenbosch with AIFS Abroad. You can earn up to 15 credits studying at the University of Stellenbosch. The courses are delivered in English. Choose your course on the Full Curriculum Program. Focus on South African history and culture through the General Education Program. Global Service Learning and a Learning for Sustainable Community Engagement program are also available. Live in the student residence hall at the heart of campus life. You will have a single en-suite room with shared common areas and laundry facilities. Internet access and a meal allowance are included. You will enjoy cultural and social activities such as: • Beach excursions • Trips to local craft and food markets • Vineyard tour • Day trip along the famous Garden Route • Day trips to Cape Town, Robben Island, Cape of Good Hope Nature Preserve, and Boulder’s Beach (home of 3,000 African penguins) Optional excursions include a 3-day trip to the Cederberg Mountains and a 5-day visit to Addo Elephant Park and Breede River.

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.

Join any of our Social Work Internships in South Africa, and become an integral part of an organization and community’s social development. Also, open to volunteers, this program entails working alongside established local social workers. You will acquire valuable experience and insight into the country’s social development - assets that will greatly boost your future career. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of other people, particularly those affected by HIV/AIDS or who have been victims of abandonment and abuse. Throughout the duration (4, 8, 10, or 12 weeks), you will have a highly rewarding experience! Our Social Work Internships involve placements in local NGOs, clinics, or orphanages. You will work with individuals affected by HIV/AIDS, chronically ill children, or women who have gone through abuse. You may also assist with welfare projects in Cape Town.

This youth development project was started to provide young people living on the streets with a safe daily drop-off center and to mediate between the youth, families, and schools. Today, it has expanded and caters to at-risk youth in the town of Knysna. It is the perfect project for those interested in social work, sports, art and music, teaching, and counseling. As a volunteer, you'll assist a team of loving childcare workers and social workers. This is a fantastic project for educators, counselors, social workers, psychologists, and individuals with an interest in these fields. The main goal is to assist in and support the daily program organized for the youth attending the center voluntarily. If you wish to join this project as part of a social work internship, we can arrange this. The center is set in one of the poorer areas of Knysna. Their daily program includes modules in life skills, art therapy, sports, numbers, literacy, reading, music, personal development, and other topics. It takes place during the South African school term and isn't available from 15th December to 15th January. A fun-based program is also available and revolves around soccer or talent shows.

Surfpop takes you on an unforgettable surf travel experience that includes volunteering your time and skills to coach and mentor children from disadvantaged communities around Cape Town. You will assist Surfpop children in the water through interactive surf sessions as well as help them with their homework, English and Maths. You will design life skills activities and fun games to expand their horizon. If you have unique skills or ideas that you would like to share with Surfpop before, during, or after your stay, please let us know. We are always open to new and cool ideas! Some examples of skills and ideas that previous volunteers contributed include the following: - Organization of photography and painting workshops - Production of Surfpop video clips - Assistance with social media, PR, and advertising - Initiation of fundraiser among family and friends for Surfpop Foundation

Tshega Christian Mission (TCM) is a non-profit organization established in 2004. Under a tree, a commitment was born to transform lives and bring hope and love to a community in crisis. When you choose to volunteer with us, you know that you are guaranteed a legitimate and valuable program, with diversity for every taste as well as a strong support system. We offer something for everyone! One Base with a diversity of programs: * The Lighthouse Academy Primary school * Lamb's Haven Kindergarten * Orphaned and vulnerable children's program * Feeding scheme and an after-school homework club * Basadi skills development program for vulnerable women * TCM ministry program with outreach in the village and on the base * TCM Agri program * Sports/Choir/Drama/Skits * Admin/Social Media/Marketing * Maintenance and construction Your volunteer journey in South Africa begins with an orientation, and then you decide where your passion lies. Together, we can make a difference. We look forward to receiving you with true South African hospitality. Plus, we organize superb weekend excursions, which you simply shouldn't miss out on!