Townships in South Africa

Township is the term used in South Africa to describe settlements which were founded for the non-white population during the time of Apartheid. Still today many residents of townships are socially disadvantaged and are living in poverty. The social problems in Walmer are the same as in other townships: a shortage of educational opportunities, a high unemployment rate and as a consequence poverty, child neglect and alcohol and drug abuse are everyday challenges to many people in the township. The Walmer Township has a population of around 70.000 people who are primarily belonging to the Xhosa ethnic group.

Volunteering in the Walmer Township

As a sports volunteer you will be part of a team of local youth and young adults who have been carrying out the sports program of a local NGO since 2008. They do not only instruct the sports lessons at the two schools of Walmer in the mornings and afternoons, but they are additionally offering basketball coaching and swimming lessons particularly to children and youth who are facing difficult life circumstances. The aim of the program is to promote a healthy lifestyle and to keep disadvantaged children and youth away from drugs and crime.

The sports program currently includes:

Sports lessons at schools
Physical education is a mandatory subject at all schools of South Africa. Unfortunately, many teachers don't have the skills or are not motivated enough to implement meaningful sports lessons. This is where you can come into play! With the local coaches of the NGO from Walmer you will teach sports for boys and girls aged 6 to 18 years at the schools. Sports lessons are offered Monday to Thursday at the 2 primary schools of Walmer. One unit is 1.5 hours. The morning unit usually starts with a warm up, followed by some singing and dancing, and then team sports such as football (soccer), cricket, rugby, hockey, netball, tennis and basketball. In the afternoon, training is "more serious" and has the aim to improve specific skills of the respective sports discipline. The most popular sports are football (soccer) and netball, but also regularly the children and youth play rugby, dodgeball, and do other sports.

Afternoon Basketball
On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30pm the NGO is offering basketball training for youth aged 12-18 years on the sports ground of Walmer's only highschool. As basketball is not widely known in South Africa, the younger students first have to be approached to the game's rules and learn basic ball handling techniques. Anyway, as a coach you will primarily communicate the virtues of enjoyment of excercise, play and team spirit to the kids.

Swimming Lessons
Every Friday morning swimming lessons are provided to children aged 6-9. During the summer months this takes place at the outdoor swimming pool, and during the winter at the indoor pool.

Do you enjoy sports and like to volunteer with children and youth?

Then this is your project! The support of volunteers is an important part of this sports program. You will contribute to the growth and success of this program.

The placement is also suitable as an internship for sports students.