 
Help with any of the following topics will enable children to gain confidence in these areas:
- literacy - talking, reading, writing in English
- numeracy - maths can be fun, with anything from number games and songs to sudoku
- measurements - size & scale, volume, area
- arts & crafts - there is currently virtually no provision of time or materials
- sport - there is often plenty of physical space but little in the way of equipment or timetable provision
- IT - basic computer terminology and work such as using a keyboard and mouse, icons, cut & paste, layout, format, font
The project
This project currently works with 7 primary schools, formally providing education for children from the age of 4 to 13 - from Reception to Grade 7. However, many children have their school years interrupted for various socio-economic reasons, resulting in their falling behind their peers.
Children cannot graduate from one grade to the next without reaching required standards and this results in classes where the ages of the children differ considerably from that of the official Grade. This is particularly true of two of the schools where children up to the age of 17 are still attempting to achieve the required level for their primary school certificate, without which they cannot attend high school. However, the majority of children are of the expected primary school age.
There is no capacity among hard-pressed teachers with a busy timetable to offer small group teaching or one-to-one attention - children who fall behind the majority of their peers stand little chance of recouping lost learning without such attention. This is where you could come in -
Literacy - Xhosa is the native language in this area of South Africa. English is a second or third language for these children, and is introduced into school in Grade 3 (official ages 7-8). Activities which involve the use of English – story-telling and related activities, interesting and colourful books and stories, games and songs - these can encourage enjoyable learning.
Numeracy & measurements - gaining knowledge and building confidence through play are aspects of primary age schooling that we perhaps take for granted. Playing number games, singing counting songs, measurements applied to everyday life - these are all activities with are of real educational value for the children.
Arts & crafts - recently introduced to some schools, these activities can be real fun. Small projects can also support the teachers' work in other areas - maths, geography, history can all take on added dimensions when arts and crafts interpret 'academic' subjects.
Sport - none of the schools have teachers specifically for sport. The school communities are keen to develop team sports and games to help with children's socialising skills, physical fitness, manual dexterity etc.
IT - the most basic use of computers is a virtual unknown for most children and many teachers. Few of the schools have enough computers for large groups to work at the same time, and not even fewer have web access. Learning how to create a simple word document, playing educational computer games, or exploring reference sites will add new dimensions to children's education.
The schools involved in this project have been identified for their innovation and dynamism. Previous volunteers have observed that despite the deprivation, they are joyful places to work, where the vast majority of teachers are professional and committed, and the children are eager to learn.
Context
Port Elizabeth is not only an attractive tourist city, it is also a fantastic example of the new emerging South Africa. The ANC started its struggle against apartheid here and the city was the first in South Africa to accept a black mayor. Port Elizabeth and its surrounding area is being renamed ‘Nelson Mandela Bay’ to reflect these strong local links.
While South Africa is becoming one of the power houses of Africa, the apartheid legacy remains – one of the greatest challenges is the growing gap between rich and poor.
Though many of the township teachers are qualified and professional, the education system is in a state of transition. At the end of apartheid, South Africa had 17 different education systems, with different levels for different 'races', different training institutions and expectations for different teachers. It was an education system designed to maintain social divisiveness, prevent critical thinking, and was based on rote learning and minimal participation. Then, in 1994, it all changed – to an education system premised on democratic human rights, outcomes based, critical thinking and experiential learning – but still with the very same teachers, who have had to adapt radically and the disparity in resources between formerly white and township schools still exists. The education system is in transition, constant flux, and teachers operate with varying levels of skill and confidence.
Coupled with the challenges inherent in this change are the problems of large classes, social deprivation, HIV/ Aids and the resultant breakdown of the family. Teachers do their best under the circumstances, but often just need a bit of support and encouragement – and this is where you can make a meaningful contribution.
"I would say, to anyone thinking about volunteering in this school, that you will have a wonderful experience. You will find yourself in a place of much laughter, happiness, love and care – all mixed in with real poverty, hunger, deprivation. You will feel welcome; your presence will be appreciated out of all proportion to what you may think you are contributing, in a way which is very humbling; you will see and touch lives which will put our own comfortable and sophisticated existence in a very different perspective.Go with an open mind; expect the unexpected; be prepared to take responsibility for what you do with this opportunity." Volunteer 2010
Minimum Duration
4 weeks minimum
placements of longer duration are also welcomed - please ask
Living Conditions
Homestay is available near the project, with a host family in a safe township community environment, with your own room. Breakfasts & evening meals with your hosts are included, as well as packed lunches and daily transport on work days.
Other accommodation, such as hotels or guesthouses, is also available – please ask.
Project Costs
£1350 for 4 weeks based on half-board home stay
returning volunteers will receive a 25% reduction in project management and matching fees = approx £135
Additional weeks are costed at a sliding reducing rate
Please note these costs are correct to the best of our knowledge but can only be confirmed at time of booking due to changes in transport and taxes outside our control. N.B. Costs based on a conversion rate of SAR 12.5 to 1.00 GBP
Included: half-board home stay, airport transfers , full local orientation, city tour, social event, local SIM card, project & placement liaison, daily transportation to the project. (Various other accommodation options, such as full time or weekend guesthouse stays or self catering accommodation can be arranged).
Your project donation will be used for the purchase of essential equipment for the school.
Previous donations have been used to purchase computer equipment and programmes, photocopiers, arts and crafts supplies, books, recording of school choir, science and maths equipment, PA system, visual aids and gardening equipment..
How your money is spent based on 4 weeks
7270 SAR (580GB£) - direct costs in South Africa (transfers, accommodation, orientation, information packs etc)
4000 SAR (320GB£) - project management & supervision in South Africa
2750 SAR (220GB£) - project donation in South Africa
£235 - recruitment, matching & project development in UK
Not included: flights, insurance, visa costs, personal expenses such as phone calls, medical expenses, etc.
Travel Pledge - the charity - enabling friends and family to share in your placement on this project. They can donate to this project's targeted cause here
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