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Brilliant 4.72rating (254)
  • Quality Education

Local Teaching & Education Assistant

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Assist teachers in class at a primary school situated in a suburb on the outskirts of Cape Town.
  • Help teachers with subjects like Math, English, and Science to improve students' skills.
  • Creative Activities: Engage students in art, music, sports, and drama to foster creativity and teamwork.

Highlights

  • Assist teachers in class at a primary school situated in a suburb on the outskirts of Cape Town.
  • Help teachers with subjects like Math, English, and Science to improve students' skills.
  • Creative Activities: Engage students in art, music, sports, and drama to foster creativity and teamwork.
  • Help prepare engaging and interactive lessons to enhance the students' learning experience.
  • Support students in their learning, helping them improve their literacy, numeracy, and communication skills.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Teach children from various backgrounds and help them achieve their full potential in the academic area of their lives.

    Join our volunteer Teaching Assistant Program in Cape Town and become a positive force in under-resourced schools. As a volunteer, you’ll work alongside local teachers, providing support in key subjects like English, Math, Science, and History. You’ll also help lead creative classes in art, ...

    About the program

    Join our volunteer Teaching Assistant Program in Cape Town and become a positive force in under-resourced schools. As a volunteer, you’ll work alongside local teachers, providing support in key subjects like English, Math, Science, and History. You’ll also help lead creative classes in art, music, sports, and drama, giving students the chance to express themselves and build confidence in new ways.

    This program is a powerful blend of education, culture, and service, offering you the opportunity to grow personally while contributing meaningfully to the academic and personal development of young learners.

    Program Highlights

    • Academic Support: Assist with core subjects to strengthen students’ academic performance.
    • Creative Engagement: Inspire creativity and collaboration through extracurricular activities.
    • Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in South Africa’s dynamic culture while giving back.
    • Skill Building: Gain hands-on teaching experience and develop valuable life skills.

    Your Role

    • Support local teachers with classroom activities and lesson preparation across key subjects.
    • Help students improve literacy, numeracy, and communication skills through one-on-one or small group work.
    • Participate in arts, sports, music, and drama sessions to boost students’ self-expression and teamwork.
    • Encourage and motivate students to build confidence and reach their potential.
    • Contribute to engaging lesson planning and create a dynamic learning environment.
    Location

    Cape Town, located on the southwestern tip of South Africa, is a vibrant and diverse city nestled between mountains and sea. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and multicultural atmosphere, Cape Town offers something for everyone—from iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and Robben Island to bustling markets, golden beaches, and a thriving arts and food scene. The city’s warm hospitality and scenic coastal charm make it an ideal base for cultural immersion and volunteering experiences.

    Project Tasks
    • Support local educators in underprivileged communities to enhance students’ literacy, numeracy, and communication skills.
    • Promote holistic development by incorporating extracurricular activities such as art, music, sports, and drama alongside core school subjects.
    • Immerse participants in Capetonian culture for deeper understanding and community connections.
    • Provide guidance, motivation, and fresh perspectives to empower young learners.
    • Emphasize personal growth for participants to contribute meaningfully to future generations.

    Typical day

    Monday (on first week only)
    • Breakfast at the accommodation
    • Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and explaining & handling of documents (Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy, Media Consent, Etc…)
    • South African brief history, Lessons in Afrikaans ...

    Typical day

    Monday (on first week only)
    • Breakfast at the accommodation
    • Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and explaining & handling of documents (Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy, Media Consent, Etc…)
    • South African brief history, Lessons in Afrikaans Culture, Do’s and Don’ts and Basic Afrikaans Language Lessons.
    • Lunch at the accommodation.
    • To ensure participants are well-acquainted with the surroundings, the coordinator will guide the participants to key spots like supermarket, ATM, and currency exchange center and assist in obtaining a local SIM card with data for seamless communication during their stay (if not already obtained).
    • A visit to the Muizenberg beach.
    • Capetonian Cooking lesson (Time Permitting Only).
    • Dinner at the accommodation.

    Tuesday to Friday

    • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the accommodation.
    • Dive into the Teaching Assistant Program, where you’ll collaborate with local teachers, assist in classrooms, and contribute to lesson planning.
    • Enjoy a break with a refreshing lunch at the accommodation.
    • Continue supporting the Teaching Assistant Program, preparing engaging lessons and activities for the following day.
    • Actively assist students in their learning, guiding them through subjects and fostering personal growth.
    • End the day with a satisfying dinner back at the accommodation, reflecting on a productive day spent shaping young lives and gaining valuable experience.

    ** The commitment requires participating in the program for a cumulative duration of 5 hours each day **

    *** This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances ***

    Free-time activities

    Top Things to Do in Cape TownTake a Cable Car up Table Mountain

    Table Mountain is the crown jewel of Cape Town. Take the rotating cable car to the summit for panoramic views of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains. For the adventurous, hike up via the Platteklip Gorge trail. The top is flat, ...

    Free-time activities

    Top Things to Do in Cape TownTake a Cable Car up Table Mountain

    Table Mountain is the crown jewel of Cape Town. Take the rotating cable car to the summit for panoramic views of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains. For the adventurous, hike up via the Platteklip Gorge trail. The top is flat, making it easy to explore and a great spot for sunset photos.

    Stroll the V&A Waterfront

    The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Set against the backdrop of Table Mountain, it’s home to a giant Ferris wheel, live music, restaurants, and the Two Oceans Aquarium. You can also catch a boat to Robben Island from here.

    Explore the Colourful Streets of Bo-Kaap

    The Bo-Kaap neighborhood is one of the most photographed places in Cape Town, with its brightly painted houses and cobbled streets. It’s also a cultural hub for the Cape Malay community. Visit the Bo-Kaap Museum and join a cooking class to learn how to make traditional dishes like bobotie and samoosas.

    Hike Lion’s Head at Sunrise or Sunset

    If Table Mountain feels like too much of a challenge, Lion’s Head is a rewarding alternative. The spiral trail takes about 1.5 hours to reach the top and offers panoramic views of the city and coastline. Sunrise and sunset hikes are especially popular for their magical light and Instagram-worthy vistas.

    Relax on Camps Bay or Clifton Beach

    Just a short drive from the city centre, Camps Bay and Clifton are upscale beach spots perfect for soaking up the sun. With white sand, turquoise water, and views of the Twelve Apostles mountains, they offer a beautiful setting for a lazy afternoon or sundowners at a beachfront café.

    Visit the Cape Winelands

    Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the Cape Winelands are world-renowned for their wine and scenery. Spend a day sipping award-winning vintages in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, or Paarl. Many estates offer wine and food pairings, cellar tours, and picnic spots among the vineyards.

    Drive Chapman’s Peak

    Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the world’s most spectacular coastal routes, winding along steep cliffs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. The road offers incredible ocean views and is a favourite among cyclists and photographers. Stop at lookouts for breathtaking shots, especially at sunset.

    See the Penguins at Boulders Beach

    Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, Boulders Beach is a family-friendly destination where you can watch endangered African penguins up close. There are boardwalks for viewing and even a designated swimming area where you might find penguins floating alongside you.

    Visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

    Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. Walk among native fynbos plants, picnic on the lawns, or explore the treetop canopy walkway. Summer evening concerts and art exhibits add to the charm.

    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 (intermediate level)

    Education Requirements

    at high school level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Accommodation
    • 3 meals p/day weekdays
    • Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
    • Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
    • 1 day orientation
    • Daily transportation to project
    • In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
    • Fundraising support
    • University course credits (where applicable)
    • Certificate of Completion

    Airport Pickup at Cape Town International Airport

    Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

    A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Cape Town International Airport (CPT). You must arrive by one of the pickup times; 10:00, 14:00 & 17:00 on Sunday.

    If arriving outside the pickup times on Sunday, you can book a private transfer and any extra nights for an additional fee.

    Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this). 

    From the airport to the accommodation, it takes 30 minutes by road.

    Accommodation

    You will stay in secure volunteer accommodation Strandfontein Village, Cape Town, just a convenient 30-minute drive from Cape Town International Airport. The accommodation has shared single gender rooms of 1-4 people. There are hot showers, safety box, fan, bed linen, and laundry facilities for an extra fee. Shared facilities include a communal bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and a cozy dining and lounge area, perfect for relaxed, community-style living. Rooms are lockable, with safety boxes provided for your valuables. An ATM and local supermarket are a 5 min walk from the accommodation, and medical centre is 15 mins drive away.

    For larger groups, we also provide a secure, capsule-style hostel in Muizenberg, located just 15 minutes from Strandfontein Village and around 35 minutes from the airport. This alternative option ensures ample space and comfort for bigger groups, maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.

    Electricity Information
    Cape Town uses Type M electrical sockets, which have three round pins arranged in a triangular shape. The standard voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. Household circuits typically support 15 or 16 amps. If you’re bringing electrical devices, be sure to pack a suitable adapter for Type M outlets to ensure safe and proper use during your stay.


    Private Room Upgrade: please contact us directly for options and pricing

    *Please note: Upgrade prices can change, so please check the price with us first

    Food & Beverages

    Meals (3 per week day, no meals on weekends) are a blend of Western and Afrikaan cuisine, predominantly featuring vegetarian options such as rice, pasta, spaghetti, and assorted vegetables. Twice a week, a chicken dish will be included in the menu for variety. Additionally, our kitchen facilities are at your disposal if you wish to prepare your meals, or you’re welcome to explore the nearby local restaurants at your own expense for a diverse dining experience.
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Internet Access

    Sorry, no access at the project site

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. 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

    Sunday arrivals. Please see arrival info for more details. 

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

    Program Fees

    $491 per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 12 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
    4.7
    Top Pick
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    2025
    Very well organised, had no problem checking in. The work was so nice and the people were wonderful. Staff is also there to help out with ...
    Sarah Damaschin

    School Construction

    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Cape Town

    Meet your project coordinator

    Lauren
    254
    reviews
    4.72
    Brilliant
    1989
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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