About Stellenbosch Community Projects Project

Project Details

The Stellenbosch Community Projects provide volunteer help for the development of local communities, to meet the needs of the community through an holistic approach, rather than merely meeting financial needs. The goal is to uplift and empower the township areas in and around Stellenbosch. This is done by providing Learning Centres, Feeding Schemes, Life Skills Training, Job Skills Development and Christian Spiritual Development for children, youth and adults.

There is a large need for help in the School Learning Centres following the deterioration of the public school academic system. Most teachers are expected to teach a class of as many as 65 students at both Primary and High School levels and as a result many children are left behind with little hope of ever catching up academically. Children attend the Learning Centres to receive tutoring in a wide variety of academic subjects, with all grades from 1 to 12 being tutored on a daily basis. Dramatic improvements have been noted in children attending the Learning Centre over the past two years, compared to those who do not receive additional academic help.

Accommodation

Volunteer accommodation is in shared apartments in the historic town of Stellenbosch. This wonderful, vibrant University town based in the centre of the Cape wine-producing area, has plenty to do. With great entertainment, 17 000 students and over 80 restaurants and pubs, this is a perfect recipe for fun, beauty and adventure!

What will you do?

Volunteers work under the supervision of the local staff. The Stellenbosch Projects' needs vary on a regular basis. Volunteers are therefore required to be flexible in the activities in which they will participate. There are, however, a few main areas where help is greatly needed:

1. Learning Centre – based on the expertise of the volunteer, academic tutors are in great demand
2. Assisting Crèche staff with the children during the morning
3. Feeding scheme – helping to prepare, serve and clean up the food for the children
4. General office duties – may include cleaning, painting, packing away supplies, administrative duties
5. The Arts – based on the expertise of the volunteer.  The performing arts group, drama group and art class can all benefit from the help of experts in these creative fields.
6. IT help – based on the skills of the volunteer, there is great demand for teaching computer skills to adults and students, as well as assisting in internet research for high school students.

Pictures

Past Volunteer Comments