HOPE worldwide South Africa has been serving vulnerable children, households and communities since 1993. From 2011, we have focused our efforts on the most vulnerable – young children aged 0-6 years, as this is the most critical period in a child’s development. 

Thousands of young children in South Africa lack proper education, parenting, and nutrition. HOPEww South Africa’s programs aim to change that. Children succeed when they learn and play in a safe, healthy, stimulating and nurturing environment. Millions of children across South Africa unfortunately don’t have access to good learning environments and resources in their early years, setting their development back. HOPEww South Africa supports Early Childhood Development Centers to ensure that the children in their schools have the best learning experience possible. They currently support over 1,500 preschools and provide nutritional support for over 35,000 children.

Participants on this trip will take part in HOPEww South Africa’s education and nutrition programs. A portion of your days will be spent at a preschool spending time with children ages 1-6 and supporting classroom teachers. You will have fun time participating in learning games throughout the day, reading to children, and assisting as classroom aids.

Afternoons will consist of the following:

• Support nutritional programs by preparing and distributing non-perishable food supplies to families and communities.
• Join “Learning Through Play” programs which teach parents how to create learning opportunities through everyday activities.
• Join Parent Support Sessions: During this time, you will get to meet some of the parents in the parent support program, hear their stories, and visit some of their homes in the shack community.

This program is an opportunity to walk alongside those in need and is open to anyone 25 years of age or older. 

Here is a video of a past Volunteer Corps in South Africa:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4QtL99blfE&t=5s