WorldTeach will expand its program offering in South Africa to include an exciting year-long program in the eight districts of the Western Cape.  Partnering with the Western Cape Department of Education, WorldTeach will send 20 volunteers to teach in math, science and accounting in high schools throughout the region.  There is a strong possibility that there will be openings for English and Life Skills teachers as well. 

Since the primary language of instruction is English, volunteers should have no trouble teaching any of these subjects. There is also a national curriculum that all of the volunteers will follow.  This year-long program is specifically designed to help support skills development and instill confidence in the young generation as they face the challenges of succeeding in this new democracy.

 South Africa in general, and the Western Cape in particular, has identified a need for native English speakers to teach math and science. WorldTeach will be part of their plan to address these shortages. There are several “streams” of math, for students with different aptitudes and interests.  Volunteers should also plan on running a variety of extra-curricular activities for the students, such as an HIV/AIDS clubs (considering the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS throughout South Africa), coaching sports teams, or getting involved in acting, singing, or library clubs.  It is anticipated that many of the volunteers will want to work with these clubs and truly help the youth they are aimed to support. 

Volunteers will first teach the second semester of the South African school year, which commences in mid July.  Thus, the program will begin in late June.  Volunteers will have a long break in December and January before beginning the new South African school year and teaching the first semester of the following year. 

This unusual arrangement was made to accommodate the North American school calendar which is more convenient to a northern hemisphere summer departure date.  The Department of Education is very excited about expanding this program and wants to eliminate as many barriers as possible for future volunteers. 

WorldTeach recognizes that safety is a serious issue throughout South Africa and the well being of the volunteers is our highest concern.  Safety issues will be addressed in orientation and safeguards are incorporated into our Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Education.  As with any foreign travel, volunteers who elect to participate in this program should be aware of the potential risks of living and working in a different country and social environment.   Please see the State Department website on South Africa for more information.

Volunteers will receive a stipend of US$300 per month, which will cover their living expenses, including food.  They will also be given living accommodations by their school which will likely be furnished apartments shared with other teachers.  Volunteers will pay a participation fee of US$4,990.

 In the meantime, please write to us at info@worldteach.org if you would like to be placed on our official South Africa Year interest list.  We will be sure to be in contact with you!

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