EDUCATION, SPORTS & COMMUNITY
Education, Sport & Social Work
in Cape Town
Live in Hout Bay, a beautiful coastal neighbourhood surrounded by mountains and beaches, and discover a different side of Cape Town.
Get involved in local schools and community projects while gaining hands-on experience in education, sport or social work. The best part? You get to build your own programme! Choose a morning project in Early Childhood or Primary Education and combine it with an afternoon of After School Care, School Sport or Social Work & Youth Development.
Love football? You can also add football training and coaching experience to your stay.
Work alongside local teachers, coaches and community professionals, meet new people and experience everyday life in Cape Town beyond the usual tourist spots.
Join a Diverse and Vibrant Community
Join a Diverse and Vibrant Community
MORNING PROGRAMMES
Community, education & sports
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Morning programme | 08:30 to 12:30
Spend your mornings working with children aged two to six, supporting local teachers with educational, creative and play based activities.
The preschool is run by a dedicated team of teachers who know the families well and are deeply connected to the Imizamo Yethu community. Together, they create a warm and caring environment for around 140 children every day.
You’ll work with different age groups, learn from experienced teachers and gain hands-on experience in Early Childhood Development. A wonderful opportunity to become part of a welcoming school and get to know the local community
Choose this project if you…
- enjoy a smaller, close knit setting
- like structure and a clear daily routine
- want hands on experience with young children
PRIMARY EDUCATION
Morning programme | 08:30 to 12:30
Join a lively local primary school near the Imizamo Yethu community, supporting teachers and working with children of different ages.
The school has fewer resources than you may be used to, but a dedicated team of teachers who make the most of what is available. You’ll help with classroom activities, reading and individual attention, wherever an extra pair of hands is needed.
Break times are full of energy, with football, skipping games and elastics, and you’re encouraged to join in! It’s a great opportunity to get to know the children and teachers, become part of their daily routine and experience school life in a different cultural setting.
Choose this project if you…
- enjoy a lively school environment and take initiative
- are flexible and comfortable with less structure
- like taking initiative and getting involved
AFTERNOON PROGRAMMES
Community, education & sports
AFTERSCHOOL CARE
Afternoon | 13:45 to 16:45
Join a welcoming after school centre where children come together for lunch, homework, games and plenty of fun while their parents are still at work.
For many children, the centre feels like an extended family. The dedicated local team knows the children and their families well, creating a warm and caring environment where everyone feels at home.
As a volunteer, you’re like an extra big brother or sister. You’ll help serve lunch, support children with homework and join in with football, games and creative activities. There’s also plenty of room to bring your own ideas, organise activities and build meaningful connections with the children.
Choose this project if you…
- enjoy being around lots of energy and activity
- Love working with children
- enjoy taking initiative and joining in
SOCIAL WORK & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
3 afternoons per week
Join a local non profit organisation that has been supporting children and families in Hout Bay since 1986, with a focus on child protection, family support and youth development.
You’ll take part in programmes at local schools in the Hangberg community, helping children develop confidence, communication skills, positive behaviour and emotional awareness.
As a volunteer, you might assist with activities, join group discussions or simply observe and learn from experienced local professionals. This placement requires a little more independence and initiative, making it particularly suitable for mature, proactive volunteers with an interest or background in social work, psychology, education or youth development.
Choose this project if you…
- want insight into social work in South Africa
- are interested in youth development in South Africa
- have a background in psychology or social work
FOOTBALL ACADEMY
Football | Flexible programme
Join an international football academy in Hout Bay, where talented young players from across Africa live and train together under UEFA certified coaches.
As a volunteer, you can help coach junior teams twice a week, join Elite team training or gain practical experience in coaching, match preparation and video analysis. If you’re confident in English and Mathematics, you can also support players with their online schoolwork.
It’s a great opportunity to become part of a passionate football community, learn from experienced coaches and connect with young players from different backgrounds. Beyond football, campus life includes gym sessions, ocean dips and hikes around Hout Bay. This programme can also be combined with another local project.
Choose this project if you…
- are passionate about football and being active
- want to gain practical coaching experience
- enjoy connecting with footballers from across Africa
SCHOOL SPORT
Afternoon | 13:30 to 16:00
Swap the classroom for the sports field and discover how important sport is in South African school life.
This school has excellent sports facilities, including large playing fields, tennis courts and a swimming pool. It’s quite a contrast to some other local schools, giving you a chance to experience different sides of education in South Africa.
You’ll work alongside a local sports coach, helping with cricket, netball, rugby, athletics, swimming or tennis, depending on the season. From preparing equipment to joining training sessions with smaller groups of learners, there’s plenty to get involved in. You don’t need to be a sports expert, enthusiasm and a willingness to join in are what really count!
Choose this project if you…
- love a variety of sports and being active
- enjoy coaching and encouraging others
- have an intrest in sport at South African schools
Accommodation
Stay in a cozy volunteer lodge near the beach with shared rooms, great facilities and a social atmosphere, the perfect base to explore Cape Town.
Duration
All Year Round
Minimum Stay 4 weeks
Maxium Stay 6 months
UEFA-Qualified Coaching
Receive daily training from expert UEFA-qualified coaches and connect with local and international scouts.
Community Volunteering
Engage in meaningful volunteer work with local clubs, charities, and schools, tailored to your interests.
Adventure & Exploration
Explore Cape Town, including hikes, ziplining and other exciting activites.