Name: Social Work in Cape Town, South Africa
SKU: SAF_socialwork_VOL_INT
Price: 690 EUR
Availability: InStock

Social Work in Cape Town, South Africa

Duration

2 - 12 weeks

Language requirements

English

Availability

All year

Age

18+

Price starts with

690 EUR

Type of program

Volunteering

Book now

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Would you like to contribute to improving the lives of children and people from disadvantaged backgrounds? As a volunteer, you can join the TLC Outreach Program, which aims to enhance the living conditions of people living in informal settlements and the homeless through various social work initiatives.

Description

Volunteering with TLC Outreach Projects

The non-profit organization TLC Outreach Projects is dedicated to supporting individuals from socially challenging backgrounds.

The "Street Ministry" program involves social work professionals traveling through the three informal settlements of Radar Bush, Wolwerivier, and The Village, which together have a population of around 4,000 people. Many residents face challenges such as poverty, malnutrition, lack of educational opportunities, domestic violence, and substance abuse. The staff connects those in need with medical care, psychotherapy, or addiction rehabilitation services provided by other NGOs. They also invite individuals to participate in TLC’s programs aimed at improving living conditions. This support is also extended to the approximately 200 homeless people living in Blaauwberg.

The "Independent Living" and "Skills Development" programs focus on prevention. By providing access to education and training opportunities, these programs aim to help individuals improve their living and family circumstances. People from informal settlements and the homeless who are motivated to improve their situations can join courses at the Skills Centre. These courses cover soft skills like communication, health, social presentation, and relationships, as well as hard skills like computer literacy, plumbing, electrical work, welding, math, and reading. Participants can also engage in sports activities, including endurance training, bodyboarding, soccer, and netball.

Children and young people are engaged through the "Preventative Program," usually held on Thursdays, which provides basic educational activities and educates them playfully on topics like drugs, crime, HIV, and homelessness. The "Crazy Daisy" program distributes free hygiene products to girls, ensuring they do not miss school during their periods.

Once a week, the street workers visit a retirement home for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s, offering entertainment, conversation, and handicraft activities.

Your Role as a Volunteer

As a volunteer, you will join from Monday to Thursday, 9 AM to 5 PM, contributing to all of TLC's programs. Your tasks may include:

Assisting with outreach activities in informal settlements and supporting social workers in their efforts.
Helping with educational programs for children and teenagers, including the Preventative Program.
Participating in sports, creative, and skill-development workshops at the Skills Centre.
Contributing to the Crazy Daisy program by preparing and distributing hygiene kits.
Supporting activities and providing companionship during visits to the retirement home.
Assisting with team meetings, cleanup initiatives, and maintenance of the center.
Sorting material donations and performing administrative tasks.

Fridays are generally free unless events are scheduled.

Booking Process

You can book this program directly online on this page. There is no need to check availability with us.

Please send us your CV in English (in tabular/resumé format) by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before your arrival so that we can introduce you to the project.

Alternatively, you can first send us an inquiry if you have further questions or requests.

You can secure your spot with a deposit of 100 EUR/USD. You pay the remaining amount only one month before the program starts.

Program details

FAQs

Is accommodation really not included? How do I get accommodation? What costs should I expect?

Accommodation is not included in our placements in Cape Town. One reason for this is the large availability of hostels, guest houses, and other accommodations in Cape Town, and many participants prefer the flexibility in choosing their accommodation. Additionally, the exchange rates between the South African Rand and the EUR/USD fluctuate significantly, making it difficult for us to provide fixed rates in these foreign currencies. You can get cheaper accommodation by booking directly with accommodations in Cape Town.

You can book accommodations online yourself. We will send you a list of recommended accommodations based on their proximity to your project site.

For a bed in a dormitory room, you should expect costs of approximately 15-20 EUR/USD per night for stays of less than a month and 10-15 EUR/USD for longer stays. For a single room, the cost is estimated at about 40 EUR/USD per night.

Read FAQs about our programs in South Africa.

Program Rates

1. PROGRAM RATES

Volunteering including the support package without accommodation:
(you can book accommodation separately)

For a placement duration of 2–4 weeks: 690 EUR
For a placement duration of 5–8 weeks: 790 EUR
For a placement duration of 9–12 weeks: 890 EUR

This is a one-time fee that applies to the entire duration of your stay, depending on the total duration you book. It includes the arrangement of your placement, your preparation, a contribution to the host organization, as well as the services listed under “included.”

Accommodation Rates:
In addition, you can book accommodation.

Hostel accommodation in a dorm room, without meals, per week: 200 EUR

Extra:

Diploma in International Volunteering: 790.00 €

2. OTHER TRAVEL COSTS

Flight to Cape Town (CPT)(Please compare flight prices on websites such as Skyscanner or Swoodoo. We will assist you with booking the shuttle.)
Visa: No cost
Travel health insurance: approx. EUR 30–50 / USD 40-60 per month
Cost of self-catering: approx. EUR 150–200 / USD 200-250 per month
Local transport: approx. EUR 20 / USD 30 per week
Personal expenses (travel, souvenirs, etc.)
Possible costs for vaccinations if these are not covered by your health insurance
T-Shirt: Volunteers and interns are expected to buy and wear a t-shirt by the social work organization, which is ZAR 250 (approx. EUR 14/ USD 16)

* Changing the currency to USD at the top right of this website displays the corresponding USD rates in the box “Calculate your program rate & book now.”

Who can join

Anyone aged 16 and older who is motivated to contribute to TLC's activities can join this volunteer program.

Program start

The program start is flexible and possible throughout the year. The exact start date will be confirmed by us in coordination with the host organization.

Getting there

You will fly to Cape Town (CPT), which is very well connected with direct flights or one to two stopovers at relatively low prices from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Your flight should land between 8 am and 8 pm (planned arrival time). You book your flight and provide us with your flight details. We will pick you up and take you to your accommodation.

If your flight arrives outside the time window (8 am-8 pm) (or departs during the return journey), we can still pick you up, but we would charge an additional 25 EUR/30 USD for the night transfer.

Visa

A visa is available upon arrival at the airport free of charge to many nationalities, allowing a stay of up to 90 days.

Accommodation Options

The main accommodation we use for our participants in Cape Town is a friendly and relaxed hostel located in the seaside suburb of Muizenberg. It offers comfortable communal spaces where guests can socialize, a shared kitchen, and easy access to cafés, small shops, and public transport. The environment is informal and community-oriented, making it easy for participants from different countries to connect and share their experiences.

Our volunteers and interns stay in shared dormitory rooms. Accommodation is offered either in a 6-bed mixed dormitory or in an 8-bed female-only dormitory, depending on availability and preference.

Muizenberg Beach is the most famous beach in the Cape Town area. It is well known for its long stretch of sandy shoreline and the colorful beach huts that line the promenade. The beach has gentle waves and a gradual slope, making it one of the safest and most popular places in South Africa to learn surfing. The lively beachfront area also offers cafés, surf shops, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere, making it a pleasant place to spend free time.ds of Table View, Downtown, Woodstock, Oranjezicht, Muizenberg, and Hout Bay.

Extras

Diploma in International Volunteering – Earn university credit while Volunteering

By participating in the online diploma course, you can be a volunteer in this program and at the same time earn university credit for your studies. The online course provides you with essential knowledge and skills that will benefit your academic and professional future.

The program includes five modules – three are completed before your placement, one during your participation, and one after your return. Each module is completed online, and you can set your own schedule, pace, and intensity, allowing you to learn completely flexibly.

Focus: Marine Conservation
Learn about marine ecosystems, work with local communities, and contribute to the protection of endangered marine species. This diploma is ideal if you're interested in marine biology, sustainable tourism, and/or environmental education.
Focus: Wildlife Conservation
Help protect wildlife and their habitats. Gain valuable experience working with conservation professionals and prepare for a career in wildlife management, ecotourism, or animal welfare.
Focus: Global Citizenship
Develop skills in intercultural communication and global engagement. This focus area addresses social, economic, and environmental issues and prepares you for a career in international development, education, and/or sustainability.

Calculate your program rate & book now

Selected program price

Need more info?

Excited about this program but not sure about a few details?
No worries — just drop us a message and we’ll get right back to you!

What is included?

VM_WHAT_IS_INCLUDED?

Individual Consultation and Preparation prior to your arrival
Access to the World Unite! Knowledge Base which has preparation materials including intercultural preparation, compiled particularly for your destination (Videos)
Preparation Session via video call, together with further participants
Pick-up and Transfers from/to Cape Town airport (CPT) on arrival and departure
Personal support staff at your location and at our international office
Orientation and Introduction in Cape Town
Accompanying you to your placement on your first day
Project contributions
Assistance with booking accommodation
24 Hours emergency support by local support team
Local SIM Card with 100 ZAR air time
Issuance of Confirmations/Certificates for your university, scholarship, insurance, etc. and filling out/signing Internship Contracts for your university
15% Discount for Safaris, Kilimanjaro Climbs, Excursions and Watersports Activities offered by "Budget Safari Tanzania"
Costs for 10 seedlings of indigenous trees that we plant on the slopes of Kilimanjaro

Not included?

VM_WHAT_IS_NOT_INCLUDED?

Travel to/from Cape Town
Accommodation (can be booked as an add-on)
Meals (can be easily arranged on site)
Insurance (Travel Health Insurance, Liability Insurance, Travel Cancellation insurance - you book it on your own, we can assist you)
Personal Expenses
Vaccinations

INSIGHT

5 REASONS why to join
this program

Make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged individuals

Your program participation also provides financial support to the host organization

Improve your intercultural skills

Gain insight into the realities of life for socially disadvantaged people in South Africa

Guidance and support from our team before and during your placement!

contact kareen

Questions?

your consultant for this program is

Kareen Leodgard

(she/her)

PHONE numBerView our international phone numbers
EmailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Whatsapp+81-90-4702-1361
INQUIRYSend an inquiry
Video callBook a video call

Did you know that you can earn academic credits by joining any of our volunteering abroad programs? Read more.

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