The crèche is supported by the Department of Social Development and some of the parents (those that are able to) pay a small school fee. They also do fundraising in the form of concerts, fashion shows, braais’ and selling hamburgers to raise money to keep the crèche running.

There are currently about 70 children at the crèche aged between 2 and 6 years old with about 5 staff members. Afrikaans is the main language spoken however your supervisor does speak good English.

You'll have a lot of freedom to set up your own days activities if you would like to. You'll also get the opportunity to painting murals to brighten up the class rooms. Activities include anything from singing, painting, reading, educational classes (like learning the alphabet) and playing with educational toys.

Any activities are welcomed that will stimulate the children’s mind and teach them about themselves and the world around them.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE:

You'll generally work from Monday to Friday from 7.30am until 2.15pm.

  • 7.00am: The crèche opens early for those parents who drop their children off before work.
  • 8.00am till 8.30am: The crèche officially starts the day with breakfast porridge for the children..
  • 8.45am till 10.00am: The daily program starts in the form of the ‘morning ring’. The children are split up into groups according to their ages and arranged in a circle. They then go through the particular activities for that day. This is the most important part of the day’s activities..
  • 10.00am till 10.30am: Children eat their snacks they have brought from home.
  • 10.30am to 11.00 am: Play time!.
  • 11.00am to 11.45am: Singing, music and story time..
  • 12.00 am till 12.30am: Lunch which is a cooked meal at the school..
  • 12.30am till 13.30pm: Hours nap time..
  • 14.00pm: The children are then collected by their parents or arranged transport. If they live very close in the surrounding area they might walk home.

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

ACCOMODATION:

The volunteer house in Knysna is within walking distance of the town, yet set against a natural green belt. Often the local Vervet monkey troop comes onto the verandahs to visit to entertain the volunteers with their antics. The sunset views from the top balcony of the volunteer house of the Knysna lagoon are beautiful.

The house is large and spacious with free WiFi. Facilities include a kitchen kitted out for cooking, dining area, a few bathrooms, TV, DVD player, free Wi-Fi, garden and several wooden verandahs.

There is an outside courtyard and garden in the secure grounds where you can have a typical South African barbeque known there as a ‘braai’. Make sure you try the local spicy sausage known as ‘boerewors’(my favourite!)

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.