I really enjoyed my time spent on the IVHQ sports programme. I learnt a lot about the different culture out in South Africa, and its amazing to see how different it is compared to the rest of the world, particularly where I'm from. I gained a lot more confidence completing this programme; making new friends, trying new foods, going to new places etc. It is also a great way to gain experience with children of different backgrounds, learning how to react if and when they do things, how to communicate with them, but also how to gain that bond with them, and how they can gain your trust, particularly if they have learning difficulties or come from a difficult background. A piece of advice for someone wanting to do something like this is just do it. It doesn't matter how long you go for, it is so worth it. There is never a dull moment, and everyone in the team at the accommodation I was staying at made me feel at home, and you will make friends very quickly and you will most likely find someone or a group of individuals that you will bond with the best!
Sports Development Volunteer Project in South Africa - Cape Town
Purpose
Start dates
Duration
Volunteer hours
Age
Accommodation
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Project details
Looking to score a spot on the Sports Development volunteer team in South Africa? International Volunteer HQ’s Sports Development project is a fantastic opportunity for volunteers to assist with physical education in local schools. Volunteers gain teaching and coaching experience while providing supervision, guidance and enabling students to practice and enjoy a range of sports and improve important social skills.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
South African children are fun-loving, passionate about sport and eager for any opportunity to play their favorite games. However, many schools in the community lack the funds and resources to provide physical education classes for their students. Volunteers help alleviate this issue by providing the supervision and guidance that enables students to practice and enjoy a range of sports and learn about teamwork and sportsmanship.
As a Sports Development volunteer in Cape Town you’ll work with children aged between 6 and 12 years old, and you can expect to teach more than one class with each class lasting about 45 minutes. Volunteer duties usually include:
- Planning and delivering innovative physical education lessons
- Arranging and running games and activities
- Teaching popular local sports or introducing new ones
- Accessing the local curriculum to help guide your lesson planning
- Coaching, mentoring and encouraging students to enjoy sport
It is important to note that resources are limited and if you wish to introduce a sport, you will need to bring any equipment with you. If you choose to volunteer during the school holidays, you will help out on a special holiday project, which involves a variety of activities aimed at promoting physical, social and personal development.
School Holidays:
- 23rd September - 30th September 2024
- 11th December 2024 - 12th January 2025
- 29th March - 6th April 2025
- 28th June - 20th July 2025
- 4th October - 12th October 2025
- 10th December 2025 - 17th January 2026
Why do Sports Development volunteering in Cape Town with IVHQ?
As a sports volunteer in South Africa you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving access to physical education in schools
- Helping students learn and grow in a safe place
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining teaching and coaching experience
- Immersing yourself in South African culture
- Exploring South Africa’s amazing wildlife
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program, and may be asked to provide additional documentation to the local team
- All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
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Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
South Africa photo gallery
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
The IVHQ South Africa volunteer program is based in Muizenberg, a beautiful, small coastal town with excellent surfing. It is about a 30 minute drive from the Cape Town City, and up to 15 minutes from volunteer placements located in the Philippi, Steenberg, Capricorn, and Grassy Park townships.
South Africa is known for its natural beauty, wildlife, sporting prowess, and diversity of culture and ethinic groups. It’s turbulent socio-political history is also well known, and is important to learn about in order to gain insight and understanding of the country’s people, culture and attitudes. There are many places where you can do this in Cape Town and the surrounding areas.
The IVHQ South Africa program is one of our longest running volunteer programs and has the aim of delivering positive outcomes in communities throughout the area by placing volunteers on a wide range of impactful projects. There is a focus on animal welfare as well as supporting children and young people who have had a challenging start to life because of exposure to drugs, alcohol or physical abuse.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month and volunteers need to arrive in Cape Town on the day before orientation. If your start date falls on a public holiday, your orientation will begin on the day following the public holiday.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Cape Town International Airport (CPT). Your airport pick-up is included in your program fee.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Muizenberg. Your accommodation is covered by your program fee and includes the night before your program orientation and checkout is on Saturday.
If you are traveling in South Africa prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up within the Cape Town CBD area on the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is taken by our South Africa team in Muizenberg, Cape Town. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in South Africa – an introduction to South Africa, South African customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in South Africa, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and make plans for weekend travel and socializing. Once your orientation is complete you will take a trip into Cape Town before returning to your volunteer accommodation.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays - A typical volunteer day would be as follows:
| 07:00 AM | Breakfast at the volunteer house. |
| 8:00 - 8:30 AM | Volunteers leave home and travel to their placements. |
| 12:00 - 2:00 PM | Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to the volunteer house for lunch, go sightseeing, or do some shopping. |
| 5:00 - 9:00 PM | Dinner is available at the volunteer house. |
Weekends
On the weekends, volunteers have spare time to relax or take the opportunity to explore Cape Town or other areas in South Africa. See unusual wildlife like antelope and penguins, visit the spot where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, paraglide off a rock high above the city, visit a local vineyard, or watch the sun sink into the Atlantic ocean with a glass of the region’s finest wine in your hand.
Long weekends can be taken if volunteers wish to go on safari, bungy jump, or travel to places further afield, such as the Garden Route or Stellenbosch.
Accommodation and WiFi
All volunteers are accommodated in a large two-storey dormitory style volunteer house with capacity for approximately 45 volunteers, with rooms separated by gender. Rooms comfortably sleep 6 people. The rooms on the second floor lead out to a balcony that overlooks the village. Bedrooms have single beds and bunk beds with bedding provided.
The house has 6 bathrooms, a TV lounge, a dining area and a volunteer kitchen. The house is clean and well looked after, and living is comfortable.
The volunteer house has electricity and running water with Western toilets, but you’ll need to bring your own towel and toiletries. During the Winter (June through August) Cape Town can get quite cold and it’s recommended to bring an extra blanket.
The accommodation is safe and secure with the volunteer house located in Muizenberg, a safe suburb approximately 15 minutes from the communities where volunteers work. Muizenberg is a very historical part of Cape Town and the house you will be living in for the duration of your stay is about 150 years old.
The volunteer house has unlimited Wifi 5G with a very good connection. The beach, a supermarket, ATMs, a pharmacy, medical centre and restaurants etc. are all within walking distance from the house.
Meals
Volunteers in South Africa receive three meals a day, Monday through Friday. Breakfast will also be available on weekends. Meals served in the volunteer house are typically Western-style and can be high in carbohydrates.
Breakfast is basic and consists of self-serve tea, coffee, toast and cereal. Lunch and dinner consist of dishes containing meat, vegetables and a starch, such as potatoes, bread or pasta.
It is not possible to drink tap water in South Africa, however, bottled water is readily available in South Africa, and you should budget approximately $5 (approximately $5) per week for 2 liters a day.
Pricing
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately $299) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $285 Equivalent to $41/day |
| 2 weeks | $455 Equivalent to $33/day |
| 3 weeks | $625 Equivalent to $30/day |
| 4 weeks | $795 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 5 weeks | $965 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,135 Equivalent to $27/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,475 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,815 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,155 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 16 weeks | $2,835 Equivalent to $25/day |
| 20 weeks | $3,515 Equivalent to $25/day |
| 24 weeks | $4,195 Equivalent to $25/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately $299) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in South Africa generally find US$50-75 per week to be sufficient for expenses.
- Weekday meals and breakfast on weekends
- Airport pick-up
- Transport to and from your placement
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Weekend lunches and dinners
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Cape Town
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Cape Town program.
Enjoy a stress-free ride from your accommodation to the airport, organized by the local team.
Check what's required to visit South Africa
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Pretoria (Executive), Bloemfontein (Judicial), Cape Town (Legislative) |
| Population | 58.6 million |
| Languages | Afrikaans, English, Zulu, Xhosa, Swati, Tswana |
| Currency | South African Rand (ZAR) |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 |
Weather and climate
The subtropical location, moderated by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans on three sides of the country and the altitude of the central plateau, are responsible for the warm temperatures typical of South Africa. Across much of the country, summer (December to February) is characterized by hot, sunny weather with temperatures averaging around 25°C (77°F). Winter (May to September) is cooler and drier with evening temperatures averaging around 10 °C (50°F). In Cape Town, sporadic showers and chilly winds are common during the winter months, but with daytime temperatures can average around 15°C (59°F).
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
I found it really easy to navigate the website and find out information about the different programs. Once I chose a program and applied for it I felt supported by my program manager the entire time if I ever had questions.
I gained an appreciation for how lucky I am in my life. It gave me perspective seeing how happy the children were everyday despite their hardships and limited resources.
I feel I gained cultural knowledge from being in such a different place than I'm used to. I learned a lot about these children lives and what it's like for them to live. I learned how to be there for them even for a short time. They open up to and tell you things you never though to hear.
Some advice I would give to other volunteers is that it's normal to be nervous at first but don't let that stop you from joining a program. That will leave you will the best feelings being with those children and being in such a beautiful place.
I learnt that love and happiness does not come from money and even people living in the worst conditions can spread love and kindness. My heart is whole and I have healed my inner child through the smiles I received from the children everyday. I would tell those who are hesitant, to go for it! It is so worth it. Not only do you learn from the kids, you make friends for life, get immersed in the culture and you will forever have a place in your heart for the children.
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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