English (US) ▾
Nederlands
English (UK)
Deutsch
Italiano
Português
Español
Community Childcare and Youth Support Program in Port Elizabeth
Make a difference in the lives of children and youth in South Africa by volunteering in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). This program supports early childhood education, after school activities, and youth development initiatives that give young people a safe space to learn, grow, and thrive.
This program places you in Walmer Township, Port Elizabeth, supporting local children and youth through early childhood development, afterschool homework help, positive parenting workshops, and holiday activity programs. Day to day you assist teachers and social workers with games, songs, meal times, reading and homework support, and group activities, working alongside local staff rather than running sessions alone. It suits volunteers with no prior childcare experience, minimum age 17, who are flexible, proactive, and comfortable working in a new environment.
Placements run 1–12 weeks, starting every week (mondays), with the next start on 21 Sep 2026. You live at a volunteer house near the beach in Port Elizabeth, with three meals a day included, and transport to and from the project provided daily. Program cost starts at $778, deposit included. A specific reason to choose this program: the volunteer house is beachfront, within walking distance of restaurants and shops, and weekends are free for trips such as Addo Elephant Park.
- Placed in Walmer Township, volunteers in this project work for the local community, especially children
- Plagued by Poverty, and loss of parents due to HIV/AIDS, children live with their grandparents and can utilize some help for their education and day-to-day errands
- Participate in the Dancing, Preschool, Primary School and Sports Program
- Teach, Play and Spend Time with Kids
- Meet some amazing people from different parts of the world and work for a common cause
- Travel and explore the city during weekends
- Live at a beachfront accommodation and experience the authentic South African lifestyle
- Take Safaris and pay your reverence to the “Big Five”
Your role on this program
- Assist teachers with creative games, songs, meal times, and early learning activities for children ages 3 to 6
- Support homework, reading, and group activities for children ages 10 to 13 in the afterschool program
- Help run Friday sessions of sports, movies, and games for afterschool participants
- Assist social workers with registration, documentation, and in-session support during positive parenting workshops
- Help deliver structured daily activities during school holiday programs to keep children engaged and safe
- Support classroom activities, workshops, and play depending on which program you are placed in
Exact duties vary with the placement's needs, the season and your experience.
Role boundaries
Volunteers assist local teachers, carers, and social workers and are never left in sole charge of children; supervision stays with local staff at all times. This program does not place volunteers in orphanages, and a clean criminal background check is required before joining; duties may vary with the placement's needs.
A typical day and week
- Monday to Thursday: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
- Weekends: Free for exploring, cultural activities, or rest
Your daily tasks will depend on the program you’re involved in, but typically include classroom support, creative activities, workshops, and play. A local volunteer coordinator will support you throughout your stay, ensuring you feel settled, connected, and safe.
Timings are the placement's usual pattern; the local team confirms your hours at orientation, and they can change with school terms, clinic rotas, weather and the project's needs.
Who can join and what you need
- Minimum age 17; a parental consent form is required for participants under 18
- No formal childcare qualification needed, but a genuine interest in working with children
- Open-minded and flexible attitude toward a new and different environment
- Proactive approach and ability to take initiative in the placement
- Clean criminal background check report issued within 12 months of the start date
- Travel and medical insurance, either your own policy or the one Volunteering Solutions arranges
The placement, its limits and your part in it
This program works with a community project in Walmer Township, Port Elizabeth, supporting children who often live with grandparents because of poverty or the loss of parents to HIV/AIDS. Activities are organized around existing local structures: early childhood centers, an afterschool program, parenting workshops led by social workers, and holiday programs, all staffed by local teachers and coordinators.
Volunteers work under the supervision of these local staff and are never given sole responsibility for a child's care; a background check is required before placement, and no orphanage placements are offered. Your contribution is best understood as extra hands for existing local programs, helping with everyday activities, homework, and workshop logistics, rather than delivering services on your own or producing measurable outcomes for the children involved.
Our standards
- Responsible volunteer travel policyHow we choose, run and review every project
- Safeguarding policyBackground checks, supervision and our code of conduct with children
- Child & vulnerable adult protectionThe rules every volunteer follows on placement
- Certified B CorporationSocial and environmental performance verified by B Lab
- How we volunteer responsibly in South AfricaCountry-level partner context and standards
Start dates
Weekly start dates, year-round — pick any week across the next two years.
Program fees by duration
Prices include your $249 booking deposit — which is deducted from your total program fee. Your deposit stays valid for one year, during which you may enroll in multiple programs. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit-card payments in USD or AUD.
| Duration | Total price | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | $778 | |
| 2 weeks | $1,049 | |
| 3 weeks | $1,342 | |
| 4 weeks | $1,598 | |
| 5 weeks | $1,828 | |
| 6 weeks | $2,092 | |
| 7 weeks | $2,356 | |
| 8 weeks | $2,620 | |
| Each additional week | +$350 / week |
Indicative conversion — your booking is charged in the currency you choose at checkout.
✓ What you're paying for
- Information and assistance before departure
- Pick up upon arrival and drop off at the end of your stay
- Welcome pack with the information guide, free SIM-card, maps, etc. upon arrival
- Accommodation in volunteer house close to the beach (7 nights per week of volunteering booked)
- Onsite volunteer coordinator available 24/7
- 3 basic meals a day
- Direct donation to the project’s needs
- Transfers to and from the project daily
- An offer of weekend trips and outings (extra costs apply) to enjoy yourself on the weekends
- Certificate Of Completion (Upon Request)
Not included
- Private Luxuries (snacks, cool drinks, alcohol)
- Costs for weekend outings
- Flights
- Insurance
- Weekend Pick up and Drop off at airport
Accommodation & meals
Airport Transfer
Volunteers are picked up from the Port Elizabeth Airport on the program start date i.e Monday and dropped off back to the airport after their project stay is over. Daily transportation to and from project placement to the accommodation is also included in your program fee.
Orientation
Upon arrival all volunteers are given a detailed welcome pack with information guide, free sim card, maps etc. Volunteers are also given an introduction to the program as well as a tour of the area around before starting their program.
Volunteers in the Port Elizabeth program are provided accommodation at a volunteer home. It is a gorgeous home with loads of space. Whether you prefer to unwind in the garden, at the pool or in the lounge; this home has a special place for everyone.
Accommodation
The home was built in grand old architectural style and is decorated with modern touches. The house has a swimming pool for use in summer and a fireplace for winter.The property is well secured and superbly located within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, laundry & shops. If you would like a private room whether as a single traveler or as a couple, please let us know and we will advise you on availability and surcharges.
Meals
Three meals per day are included and we work on a set menu per week, lovingly prepared by our cook with your assistance. There is free coffee, tea and drinking water available at any time.For breakfast you will have continental buffet with a choice of bread, fruit, yoghurt, cereals and/or eggs. For lunch, you can make your own sandwiches with cheese, marmalade, cold meat or other spreads to take with you to the project. Dinners are a variety of hearty healthy meals such as soups, stews, pies, oven dishes and other options.We cater for vegetarians and vegans but please inform us before arriving to prepare accordingly.
During your Free Time
You will have the weekend free wherein you will have time to explore other locations in South Africa as well.You can choose to fly into Cape Town for the weekend and explore the city or just spend the weekend chilling at the volunteer house with other like minded volunteers from around the world.Other activities that you can get involved in include sand boarding down the giant dunes, having close encounters with peaceful pachyderms at Addo Elephant Park, hiking in the lush coastal countryside around Port Elizabeth…and much more.
.jpg)
Life on the program
Getting there and who looks after you in South Africa
Airport pickup
You are picked up at Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) on your Monday start date; the return drop-off happens at the end of your stay.
Welcome pack
On arrival you receive a welcome pack with an information guide, a free SIM card, and maps.
Orientation and tour
You get an introduction to the program along with a tour of the area before your first project day.
First project day
Daily transport is provided between the volunteer house and your placement, and an onsite volunteer coordinator is available to help you settle in.
Ongoing support
The local coordinator supports you throughout your stay, and a 24-hour emergency contact line is available.
From volunteers in South Africa
Frequently asked questions
What will I actually be doing day to day?
Depending on your placement, you assist with early childhood activities like songs and games, help with afterschool homework and reading, support parenting workshops, or run holiday program activities; tasks may vary with the placement's needs.
Do I need childcare experience or qualifications to join?
No experience or formal qualification is required; you need a flexible attitude, a genuine interest in working with children, and the ability to take initiative.
What are the working hours?
You typically work Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 4:00pm, and Friday, 8:30am to 3:00pm, with weekends free.
How long can I volunteer for and when can I start?
Placements run 1–12 weeks, with a new start every week (mondays); the next start date is 21 Sep 2026.
What does the program cost include?
The fee starts at $778, deposit included, and covers pre-departure support, airport pickup on your start date, accommodation, three daily meals, daily project transport, and an onsite coordinator; flights, insurance, and weekend outing costs are not included.
Where will I live and what are the meals like?
You stay in a volunteer house near the beach in Port Elizabeth, with three meals a day included on a set weekly menu, and vegetarian or vegan options available if you let the team know in advance.
Will someone pick me up from the airport?
Yes, you are picked up at Port Elizabeth Airport on your Monday start date and dropped back off at the end of your stay; weekend pickup and drop-off are not included.
What support is available if something goes wrong?
An onsite volunteer coordinator is based at the house, and local teams provide a 24-hour emergency contact throughout your stay.
Do I need a visa, vaccinations, or insurance?
Travel and medical insurance is compulsory, either your own policy or one arranged through Volunteering Solutions; specific visa and vaccination guidance is sent to you before departure.
Is a background check required for this program?
Yes, all volunteers must provide a clean criminal background check report, issued within 12 months of the start date, before joining the program.
Will I be left alone in charge of children?
No, you always work alongside local teachers, carers, or social workers and are never given sole responsibility for children.
Who is this program a good fit for?
It suits volunteers minimum age 17 who want hands-on involvement with children and youth in a township community setting, are comfortable following the lead of local staff, and are flexible about which specific activities they are assigned to.
Related pages
Schedule a meeting with a program advisor
We're here to help — a 20-minute one-on-one with detailed info, expert advice and application guidance.
Book a free meetingMore projects in South Africa
Wildlife Volunteer Projects in South Africa
Be a part of wildlife volunteer program in South Africa, located near Port Elizabeth and get an opportunity…
Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation Project
Volunteers in the project work to rescue, treat and rehabilitate animals in need in suburban Cape Town area…
Volunteer for the Penguin and Marine Bird Rescue Center
Volunteering Solutions offers a Penguin and Marine Bird Rescue Program in South Africa, focusing on rescuing and rehabilitating…