Welcome to sunny South Africa! Upon your arrival to Port Elizabeth Airport, you’ll be picked up and transferred across to your new home for the next two weeks! Spend the evening getting to know your fellow campers with a welcome meal.

Over the next couple of days, you’ll learn everything you need to know about teaching and coaching in schools. We work with a local charity, United Through Sport, who have been running volunteer programmes in schools in disadvantaged communities for 20 years. You’ll meet the UTS team and learn more about the programme and South Africa. Along with your fellow volunteers, you will get involved with team building activities, coaching/teaching sessions and workshops. You’ll also visit a local township and learn more about the local culture. After this you’ll be all set and ready to get teaching!

Time to make a real difference! English Teaching – Monday-Friday 8 am – 1 pm Each morning, you’ll be transferred to the schools. You’ll be teaching children of varying ages from in 3-4 different schools across the week. As levels of education do not stay within strict grade guidelines in South Africa, it’s important that you’re proactive, flexible and adaptable. We provide the students with reading books and workbooks with set assignments in, you’ll work 1-2-1 to help improve their English. If you’d like to teach a whole class, we can assist in this too! Sports Coaching – Monday-Friday 9 am – 2 pm You’ll spend time in 3-4 different schools a day for about an hour and a half at each. You will usually be coaching in groups of two or three. So don’t worry – you won’t be on your own. It’s a team effort! There’s a range of different sports you can get involved with including: football, rugby, hockey, netball, basketball, cricket, tennis, dance, swimming and even ultimate frisbee! You don’t have to be an expert to be able to teach! A usual session will start with a fun warm-up (including games and fun competitions), develop into some skill development exercises and then maybe a small match or two. Coaching in this project relies on having a relaxed attitude and being able to improvise. The equipment and facilities can vary from school to school, but that’s all part of the fun! You will be coaching kids ranging from around 8-14 years of age, with a mixture of boys and girls and a mix of sporting abilities from absolute beginners to the next wonderkid! Pre-school Childcare – Monday-Friday 8 am – 1 pm Spend time with pre-school children from disadvantaged communities. You’ll help the little ones learn, play, and grow. From reading stories and singing songs to arts, crafts, and games – you’ll support their early learning. You’ll also lend a hand with snack time and general care. Afternoons/Evenings after Community Projects: When you return from the schools, you’re free to fill your time as you wish! Chill at the accommodation with your fellow volunteers after a day of hard-work or hit the beach or try surfing. In the evenings head out and experience the local nightlife. Don’t miss karaoke night at the local bar! Be sure to talk to the team for more recommendations. Some of the evening activities included are: – Karaoke night at the beachfront bar/Fire & Snacks at the Lodge – Sardinia Bay Hike & Sunset (2026 Dates Only) – Gum Boot Dance Class (traditional South African dance) – Local market – Games Night (Quiz!) – Trip to Baywest Mall (2026 Dates Only) – Local market

Surf’s up! Heading to the surf capital of South Africa, Jeffreys Bay. You’ll be transferred to the beautiful J-Bay for a change of scenery! Once just a sleepy seaside town, it is now one of the world’s top surfing destinations! Check into your beachfront accommodation, drop your bags and hit the beach. Whether you’re a pro or an absolute beginner, J-Bay is the perfect destination to go surfing! You can also try a range of different watersport activities as well as dune boarding – you’re sure to get the adrenaline pumping! If you’re looking for something more relaxing, spend the weekend topping up the tan and exploring the local area. You’ll be spoilt for choice with all the great cafes and bars around. (Transport & accommodation at Jeffreys Bay included, surfing and extra activities are at an additional cost).

Time to get back in the schools for another 5 days of really making a difference! Remember if you’d like to switch to English teaching or sports coaching for a few days, you’re more than welcome!

You can’t travel to South Africa and not do a safari! We’ll visit a game reserve where you’ll enjoy a guided drive. Don’t forget your cameras! Keep an eye out for some of the Big Five (the Lion, the African Elephant, the Buffalo, the Leopard and the Rhino). Your expert ranger will lead the way and share their wealth of knowledge about the land, its wildlife, and the conservation initiatives underway. In the evening we’ll end the day in style with a meal under the stars and an African dance and drumming performance. \*We want to make sure you have the best experience so the day for this activity will be decided when you’re in South Africa.