Volunteer Abroad in Thonhoyandou South Africa: Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteer Abroad in Thonhoyandou South Africa: Abroaderview projects are based in the Venda region, the northernmost province in South Africa. It is a region of contrasts, from true bushveld country to majestic mountains, primitive indigenous forests, unspoiled wilderness and patchworks of farmland. This area is home to the Kruger National Park, one of the oldest and largest wildlife preserves in the world. Here you can view the Big Five, an essential part of the South African experience.

Our projects are primarily in the main town of Thohoyandou and its surrounding villages: Manamani, Dzwerani, Shayandima, and Itsane. You will find colorful markets and commercial areas in the town center, while the surrounding areas are lush agriculture centers with banana plantations, acres of fruit farms, tobacco and maize lands. Coffee and tea plantations dot the mountain slopes, and local homes are delightfully decorated with traditional motifs.

Our project is located 4.5 hours north of Johannesburg. You will have 2 days orientation with our Project Director, learning about the programs, local culture, sightseeing tips etc. When the project is finished you will be provided transportation back to the city of Johannesburg. Volunteers must arrive in Johannesburg the 1st or 3rd Friday of each month.

With its pleasant year round climate and close proximity to Kruger National Park, volunteering in the Venda region is a great opportunity to explore real Africa, away from the hussle and bustle of the large metropolitan cities.

With our volunteer programs we allow you to discover the wonders of South Africa, while doing meaningful and rewarding community work. This is a great opportunity to explore life in a beautiful African region, live and work amongst the locals and realize one person can make a difference.

We offer the following programs in Venda region:

Program Length: 2, 4, 6 or 8 weeks (minimum 2 weeks) Program Date: First and third Friday of each month
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 hour per day
Accommodations: Home stay.
Meals: Yes, 3 meals a day
Requirements: 17 years or older, an open mind to new adventures.

Child Care Assistance

Volunteers work in day care or in a children’s home in the community. As a volunteer, you can help by working with children ages 2-6, helping with general caretaking like handing out porridge and brushing teeth, teaching English, reading, writing and pronunciation. Simple math and counting, body hygiene, crafts and educational games for younger children may be available as well. Volunteers will be able to use this time to display their mentoring experience, and motivate the students toward a positive future. Prior experience not necessary, volunteers should have a lot of patience, an open mind and a sense of compassion.

Teaching/Education Program

Volunteers needed for kindergarten, pre-school and primary school levels (ages 5yrs-15yrs) to core subjects like English and math. Currently there are schools in South Africa that struggle to meet their achievement goals, achieve specific skill sets, and motivate young people. There are many factors contributing to this challenge from high student to teacher ratio, lack of resources, and most important history. The objective of this program is to contribute to the academic development of the school in order to provide the best opportunity for the children to receive quality education. Volunteers support the local teachers; encourage students to learn and play and instill pride in their schooling Volunteers can assist with the physical upkeep of the school; painting, decorating, mending desks etc. Most important volunteers should try to develop activities/programs that can be sustained in the future. Prior teaching experience is not required; volunteer simply need an open mind, caring spirit and a compassionate nature. Dates for the school term: January to 20 March , mid-April to 27 June, mid July to mid Sept, Oct to December.

Program Schedule:

These programs runs year round, minimum 2 week.

First Arrivals:

All volunteers should arrive in Johannesburg before or on the first Friday of each month so that orientation can begin on Saturday morning.

Second Arrivals:

For mid month arrivals, all volunteers should arrive exactly 14 (fourteen days), after the first arrival date (Friday) so that orientation can begin on Saturday morning.

Program Includes:

Airport transport on arrival and departure, first night hotel accommodation in Johannesburg, 2 day orientation including project materials, transportation to project site with ABV staff, introduction and supervision within project, 24/7 support and emergency contacts, meals and accommodations with a local host family, transportation back to city of Johannesburg at the end of the program.

Application Form!