Community Childcare and Youth Support Program in Port Elizabeth

This volunteer program is based in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa, and focuses on supporting vulnerable children and youth from under-resourced communities. Many young people here face daily challenges linked to poverty, unemployment, and social inequality. The program works to ensure that children are not only cared for, but also empowered to build brighter futures.

Volunteers play a key role in providing love, safety, and stimulation—the foundations every child needs to thrive. From helping toddlers in early childhood centres, to guiding schoolchildren with homework, to assisting with family-focused parenting programs, every activity is designed to build resilience and opportunity.

By joining, you’ll contribute directly to sustainable community development while experiencing South Africa’s culture, warmth, and diversity. This is more than volunteering—it’s about becoming part of a long-term effort to inspire confidence and create change for the next generation.

Your volunteer journey takes place in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Known as the Friendly City, Port Elizabeth offers beautiful beaches for swimming and surfing, a lively cultural scene, shopping malls, restaurants, and a laid-back coastal vibe.

Its central location makes it the perfect base to explore South Africa’s natural beauty:

• To the east lies the Wild Coast, with pristine beaches and unspoiled seaside villages like Coffee Bay and Port St. Johns.

• Just an hour away is Addo Elephant National Park—home to the Big 5—as well as coastal towns like Kenton-on-Sea and Port Alfred.

• To the north, you’ll find the Great Karoo with vast landscapes, historical towns like Graaff-Reinet, and wilderness areas like the Baviaanskloof.

• To the west, the famous Garden Route offers Tsitsikamma National Park, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, and the surf capital of Jeffreys Bay.

• Whether you’re drawn to safaris, beaches, or cultural exploration, Port Elizabeth provides a diverse and unforgettable South African experience.

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

As a volunteer, you can take part in a variety of programs depending on your interests and the community’s needs:

• Early Childhood Development (ages 3–6)
  Assist teachers with creative games, songs, meal times, and early learning activities that build confidence and basic skills.
• Afterschool Program (ages 10–13)
  Help with homework support, reading, and group activities for up to 50 children each afternoon. Fridays are dedicated to fun—sports, movies, and games.
• Positive Parenting Workshops
  Work alongside social workers as they guide parents through a 6–8 week program, assisting with registration, documentation, and providing support during sessions.
• Holiday Program
  During school breaks, help deliver structured daily activities to keep children engaged, safe, and away from negative influences such as crime or substance abuse.

Requirements & eligibility

Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the time of joining the project. Participants should have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. Volunteers need to be flexible, open-minded and have a passion for working with children. You should also be proactive and have an ability to take initiative  All volunteers must provide a clean criminal background check report prior to joining the program. A parental consent form shall be required for Under 18 participants joining the program.