Volunteer at The Kusasa Project

How to get involved

The Kusasa Academy is open to volunteers that want to make an impact on the lives of the children. Volunteers joining this program work in the school with the children in various aspects. 

All volunteers work alongside our permanent staff or management at the project and follow the timetable and curriculum as prescribed. The Kusasa Academy is keen to have volunteers so that they can bring in new ideas and also help the overburdened staff.

The volunteer must commit for more than a month and it must be completed in an operational school term. The volunteers who join for a longer period are able to make a greater impact on the children and the school. 

Requirements

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. Participants should have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment and have a passion for children. You should also be proactive and have an ability to take initiative. All volunteers must provide a clean criminal background check report prior to joining the program.

Planning Your Trip

Accommodation

The Kusasa Academy will not be liable to arrange or pay for any accommodation. The volunteer is responsible to arrange, pay and book for accommodation within Franschhoek. Transport to and from school is also the responsibility of the volunteer. 

Airport Transfer

Volunteers are responsible to arrange, pay and book airport transfer from and to the airport. 

Responsibilities

Volunteers support teachers and help children with their educational and social development, both in and out of the classroom. 

The roles and responsibilities of volunteers are varied and differ between grades.
Your job can include: Getting the classroom ready for lessons. Listening to children read, reading to them or telling them stories. Helping children who need extra support to complete tasks. Helping teachers to plan learning activities and complete records. Supporting teachers in managing class behaviour supervising group activities. Looking after children who are upset or have had accidents. Clearing away materials and equipment after lessons. Helping with outings and sports events. Taking part in training carrying out administrative tasks. Help with food preparation. General maintenance and cleaning of classroom. Teaching children techniques which will help them to improve their reading.
Helping children who have learning difficulties to complete tasks. Taking notes for children who have difficulty keeping up with the pace. Make displays and putting these displays up around the classroom. Taking charge of group activities and making sure all students are involved. Providing general encouragement for all the children in the class. Helping teachers to assess the work and providing feedback to the children. Planning sports days and extra-curricular activities. To support pupils with particular individual needs, some volunteers work one-to-one, while others work in small groups.

Orientation

A half day orientation will be provided by the local staff on the program start date. The orientation would cover topics such as introduction to the program, general information about Franschhoek and the community we serve, general information about The Kusasa Academy and our philosophy, safety tips / guidelines and customs. 

We would prefer if volunteers read the blog and view the videos about The Kusasa Academy ahead of arriving and applying. 

Key Skills

Enthusiasm

Imagination

Energy

Adaptability

Patience

Responsibility

Your Free Time

Franschhoek has so much to offer for travellers and there is a lot to do on the weekends and during your free time. Volunteers usually take tours on the weekend or explore the beautiful beaches of Cape Town or the winelands surrounding Franschhoek. There is a lot to do and you will never have a dull day in the beautiful village, Winelands or Cape Town. Please note The Kusasa Project is not operational over weekends and you will be expected to explore and travel independently

100% black beneficiaries | S18A PBO approval with SARS | A proven track record since 2006

South African Charitable Trust (Number: IT53/2007) & PBO Number: 930026072
UMALUSI (the SA Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training) accreditation number: 20 SCH01 00807
UK Registered Charity (Number: 1134655)
Netherlands Charity (Stichting 8511:28:002)
Affiliated with The Columbus Foundation. US Charity (EIN 31-6044264)