Teach disadvantaged children in township schools in the beautiful coastal resort town of Knysna. You'll begin by assisting the teacher but, depending on your ability and your confidence, you may also take classes on your own. Class sizes can range between 40 to 50 students.

Generally you'll teach conversational English but you can teach a variety of other academic subjects if you'd like to, as well as Sports, Drama, Arts and Music. This is a very fulfilling project and most volunteers end up in tears when it's time to leave. You'll certainly leave your heart behind!

TEACHING ENGLISH & OTHER SUBJECTS:
You will normally be asked to stand up in front of a class and teach conversational English - you are not expected to be an expert on grammar or literature. The important thing is to help people speak English. You may also be asked to help with other subjects, but this is optional and only if you feel confident.

The Teaching Suggestions Booklet we provide you with has ideas for teaching English and will also help structuring lessons in other subjects. Video facilities are available in some schools and audio equipment is quite commonplace.

You will most likely teach in more than one school. Most of the schools are State schools, both secondary and primary. You will generally be asked to help out with any age groups. The average class size ranges from 15 to a manageable 40.

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.