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Very Good 4.39rating (22)
  • Quality Education

Support Vulnerable Youth with Uviwe

location
4 - 20 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Empower children from vulnerable communities through education, safety, and life skills.
  • Engage directly with kids in early childhood centres, afterschool programmes, and youth skills training.
  • Support families by assisting social workers in Positive Parenting workshops that strengthen homes.

Highlights

  • Empower children from vulnerable communities through education, safety, and life skills.
  • Engage directly with kids in early childhood centres, afterschool programmes, and youth skills training.
  • Support families by assisting social workers in Positive Parenting workshops that strengthen homes.
  • Inspire young people to protect themselves, build confidence, and overcome life’s challenges.
  • Contribute to a century-old child protection organisation with a proven, holistic impact in Gqeberha.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Dedicated to unlocking the potential of every child. They believe “at risk” youth can shape their own future positively when given the right support.

    🌍 Uviwe Child & Youth Services

    Step into a community where your time, skills, and heart can truly make a difference! ❤️ Uviwe Child & Youth Services, meaning “you are heard” in isiXhosa, has been championing children’s rights and well-being for over 100 years. They focus on protecting ...

    About the program

    🌍 Uviwe Child & Youth Services

    Step into a community where your time, skills, and heart can truly make a difference! ❤️ Uviwe Child & Youth Services, meaning “you are heard” in isiXhosa, has been championing children’s rights and well-being for over 100 years. They focus on protecting vulnerable children and empowering youth from the Northern Areas — one smile, one skill, and one safe space at a time.

    💡 What You’ll Do:

    • Early Childhood Development (ages 3–6): Assist with play, educational activities, and mealtime in daycare centres.

    • Afterschool Programme (ages 10–13): Help with homework, lead fun games, and create positive learning experiences.

    • Positive Parenting Workshops: Support social workers with registrations, photos, and activity facilitation for parents.

    • Youth Skills Training: Encourage teens to develop life skills and explore economic opportunities.

    ✨ Why It’s Special:
    You’ll be part of a holistic approach that focuses on LOVE ❤️ – SAFETY 🛡️ – STIMULATION 🎨, ensuring children grow with confidence, protection, and opportunity. Whether it’s reading a story, organising a sports game, or lending an ear to a teen’s dream, every action counts.

    You’ll be guided by our dedicated local coordinators, who are passionate about making your experience meaningful and impactful. They’ll introduce you to the community, help you adjust, and welcome your ideas and creativity into the daily program.

    Keep in mind—this isn’t a rigid, clock-in/clock-out experience. Things may change, and flexibility is key. Together, we create a space for growth—for the children, the team, and you.

    If you believe every child deserves to be heard and supported, Uviwe is the perfect place to share your energy, skills, and compassion! 

    📍 Location: Gqeberha offers stunning beaches, cultural richness, and a warm, welcoming community.

    Typical day

    🕘 A Typical Day

    Volunteer life at Uviwe is vibrant, hands-on, and full of heart! Workdays usually run from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday to Thursday, with a shorter day on Fridays until 12:00 PM, giving you some well-earned downtime for exploring or relaxing.

    Your daily activities may include:

    • 🦷 Ru

    Typical day

    🕘 A Typical Day

    Volunteer life at Uviwe is vibrant, hands-on, and full of heart! Workdays usually run from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday to Thursday, with a shorter day on Fridays until 12:00 PM, giving you some well-earned downtime for exploring or relaxing.

    Your daily activities may include:

    • 🦷 Running our dental hygiene program, teaching little ones the importance of caring for their teeth in a fun, interactive way

    • 🧒 Leading baby sports and movement sessions—expect lots of singing, dancing, clapping, and giggles!

    • 🎨 Helping with daycare renovations, bringing colour, creativity, and love to spaces where kids learn and play

    • 💡 Supporting fundraising initiatives, helping Izizwe expand its impact through creative outreach and online efforts

    • 💃 Organising dance sessions, yoga, pilates, or even juggling workshops—whatever your talent is, we’ll find a place for it!

    • ⚽ Coaching basic sports, encouraging teamwork, confidence, and fun for kids of all ages

    No two days are the same—and that’s the beauty of township life! Be prepared to adapt, get involved, and share your energy wherever it’s needed most. Flexibility, creativity, and enthusiasm go a long way here!

    Free-time activities

    Your time off is packed with fun and adventure! Relax by the pool at the volunteer house, enjoy dinner or drinks with fellow volunteers, or meet friendly locals. Just 200 meters away, you’ll find a perfect beginner surf spot—plus we can arrange affordable, professional surf lessons with rental ...

    Free-time activities

    Your time off is packed with fun and adventure! Relax by the pool at the volunteer house, enjoy dinner or drinks with fellow volunteers, or meet friendly locals. Just 200 meters away, you’ll find a perfect beginner surf spot—plus we can arrange affordable, professional surf lessons with rental boards and wetsuits. You can also join a pottery class, catch a movie, go shopping at The Boardwalk Mall, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife along the beachfront.

    The Eastern Cape is one of South Africa’s most diverse and scenic regions, making it an ideal base for weekend explorations. Head east to the untouched beauty of the Wild Coast, where rolling hills and rural villages meet deserted beaches. Go on safari at the world-famous Addo Elephant Park, or visit charming coastal towns like Port Alfred and Kenton-on-Sea. To the north, the Great Karoo offers dramatic landscapes and historic towns like Graaff-Reinet, while westward lies the iconic Garden Route—home to Tsitsikamma National Park, Nature’s Valley, Plettenberg Bay, and Jeffrey’s Bay, a global surf hotspot.

    We organize optional weekend trips to many of these amazing places—some are free, while others are offered at discounted volunteer rates. There's always something new to experience!

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    at University level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    Police Clearance Certificate from your country of residence

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    To make the most of this volunteer experience, come with an open mind, a positive outlook, and the ability to adapt to new and sometimes challenging situations. Be proactive, take initiative, and work independently when needed. Tasks may change daily, so flexibility is key. Respect local people, culture, and traditions, and remember that meaningful change takes time. This is your chance to learn, grow, and connect with the heart of South Africa.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:30 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Included in Fees

    • Information and assistance before departure
    • Pick up upon arrival and drop off at the end of your stay (Monday to Friday)

    • Stay in an exclusive beautiful Volunteer House with shared rooms and many facilities (wifi, washing machine, swimming pool, large lounge, dining room, garden)

    • Onsite volunteer coordinator available 24/7
    • 3 Family style meals a day
    • Daily transport to and from the project

    NOT included in fees

    • Personal luxuries such as snacks, sodas and alcohol

    • Costs for optional weekend trips, safaris and other travel activities

    • Donation to the project will be added to your final invoice. (30 EUR per week)

    • Flight tickets

    • Travel insurance

    Airport Pickup at Port Elizabeth International Airport

    Our volunteers ideally arrive on Mondays and start at the project on Tuesdays but we are flexible so talk to us. We will pick you up from the airport or from any accommodation in Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha.

    Airport transfers on Mondays to Fridays are included in the fee. If you need to be picked up on weekends, a local payment of R250 will apply.


    Accommodation

    The volunteer house in Port Elizabeth is your home away from home and offers a gorgeous home with loads of shared spaces, so if you want to chill out and get some suntan in the garden, or take a dip in the big swimming pool or just read a book and catch up on social media in the comfortable lounge; this home has space for everyone. The dining room with a big table is perfect for board games and sharing meals and the house is ideal for joining in social activities with others or to have some quiet time alone. 

    We also have a Golden Retriever dog called Charlie who loves the attention and will try and sneak of with a shoe or sock if you don't watch out. 

    The property is well secured with electric fencing and a security company and is perfectly located within short walking distance of the beach, restaurants, laundry & shops. Otherwise an Uber is easy to take if you want to go out and about!

    Food & Beverages

    Our full time cook will provide all meals at the volunteer house on a daily basis. This means you will be able to enjoy great South African home cooked meals & learn how to cook some of these specialties if you are keen to help out.

    We believe in participation, so volunteers can help with cooking at times, chop vegetables, clean dishes and warm up the food for dinner themselves.

    Our cook will create weekly menus offering breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as alternate meals like stews, curries, stir-fry, soups, pastas and other wholesome options. Meals will be prepared and cooked from Monday to Friday, where on weekends volunteers will only have to heat up a meal or make their own similar meals with ingredients provided.

    There is free coffee, tea and drinking water available at any time. For breakfast you will have a choice of toast, fruit, yogurt, cereals and/or eggs. For lunch you can make lunch to take with to the project and make sandwiches with cheese, marmalade, cold meats or other spreads. Please tell our coordinators about any special requests, vegetarian or vegan wishes and allergies concerning food.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ) in Port Elizabeth. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    📅 Start Dates & Arrival Information

    The Uviwe Project runs year-round, with the exception of December and January, when we take a well-deserved break during South Africa’s summer holidays. This allows our local team time to rest and recharge before the new year begins. 

     Tip: Check the school holiday calendar to plan around breaks for the best experience!

    You’re welcome to arrive on any day, but we recommend arriving on a Monday so you can settle in and start fresh with introductions and orientation on Tuesday.

    Upon arrival, our friendly team will be there to personally welcome you at the airport. You’ll get a brief tour of the city before being taken to the volunteer house, where you'll meet fellow volunteers from around the world and begin your unforgettable time with us.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $328 per week 4 - 20 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 20 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.4
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2022
    it was an amazing experience with a lot af support and involing of volonteers. The program is very serious and it was just so adorable to ...
    corinne loze

    Vervet Monkey Rescue

    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Gqeberha

    Meet your project coordinator

    Igna
    22
    reviews
    4.39
    Very Good
    2005
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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    Price details