As a childcare volunteer in South Africa, you will play a key role in supporting childcare projects within Cape Town’s vibrant community. PMGY’s South Africa volunteer programs offer the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping young children in Cape Town. By volunteering with children in South Africa, you will provide essential support and help brighten their lives in truly significant ways.
Childcare Volunteer Program Highlights
- Support The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 Through Education
- Build Childcare Skills Supporting Children Across Preschools In Cape Town
- Engage Children Through Learning, Play, Creative Activities & Daily Care
- Explore More Of South Africa With Weekend Trips Along The Garden Route
- Experience Cape Town Through Braai Nights, The Waterfront & Table Mountain
Background to the Childcare Program
It is estimated that 80% of young children in South Africa’s townships lack access to early childhood development education. As a result, many miss out on the essential support needed to reach their full potential. Since the end of Apartheid in 1994, inadequate government funding and flawed policies have disproportionately impacted the most underprivileged South Africans, exacerbating the challenges they face.
Today, approximately 57% of South Africa’s population lives in poverty. In low-income township areas, living conditions are harsh, characterised by high crime and unemployment rates, health issues, and overcrowding. A lack of childcare facilities leaves many children without proper care and protection.
Affordable and accessible childcare services are especially scarce across Cape Town and surrounding communities. Families from low-income backgrounds face the greatest struggles. While some centres have been established to address these issues, many are understaffed and lack adequate resources. This makes the contributions of PMGY volunteers invaluable to improving the quality of care provided to these children.
The daycare centres PMGY supports include independent local initiatives and government-subsidised community support programs. Some are home-based crèches run by local women, while others are more structured organisations. All share a common mission: to help children achieve their full emotional, social, and physical potential.
Plan My Gap Year collaborates with a variety of crèches, daycare centres, and kindergartens located in central Cape Town. These facilities offer vital childcare services to impoverished families from nearby communities. Many of these children come from townships and other underprivileged areas where social and health challenges, such as gang violence, drug abuse, malnutrition, and HIV/AIDS, are prevalent.
Parents or relatives of these children often work in the city, enabling them to bring their children to the daycare centres each morning. Other children arrive by bus. Teachers and assistants at the centres use a mix of Afrikaans, English, and Xhosa to communicate. Some centres also provide meals, where volunteers can help during feeding times.
Volunteer opportunities in South Africa provided by PMGY give you the chance to make a meaningful difference. At our childcare volunteer abroad projects in South Africa, it is essential to bring energy, enthusiasm, and creativity. Many of these children rely on the care and attention that you, as a childcare volunteer in South Africa, can provide. To volunteer with children in South Africa, you must dedicate your time and skills effectively to maximise your impact on the local community.
Childcare Volunteer Placement Examples
The Kiddies College - A blend between a crèche and a kindergarten, the Kiddies College was founded in 1997 to support children aged 2-6 years. Volunteers assist local staff in managing the daily schedule and supervising the children. The project emerged after a former preschool was closed by the local council, but the dedication of one of its previous staff members led to its revival. Today, it provides local employment opportunities and boasts spacious rooms and a lovely garden area.
Meals are provided for the children at the centre, and various activities such as library visits, swimming lessons, karate classes, and speech and drama sessions are also included. Volunteers can play an active role in these activities if placed at this project. PMGY volunteers help ease the workload of the understaffed team, offering extra care and attention to the children.
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The Starfish Academy – The Starfish Academy is home to around 160 learners, creating a lively and bustling environment! Most children are aged between 3 months and 6 years, although some are as old as 12. The crèche’s mission is to provide a safe, secure, and stimulating space for children to discover their potential naturally.
The crèche operates with a strong philosophy that play is essential to children’s development. Volunteers are encouraged to embrace and support this approach. Tasks include assisting with homework, playing games, engaging in creative arts activities, and supporting the two baby rooms.
Many of the children at the crèche come from broken homes and disadvantaged backgrounds. They greatly value the extra care and attention that childcare volunteers in South Africa bring. This contribution is equally appreciated by the local staff and wider community.
Gingerbread House Educare – Located in the historic Mowbray district, Gingerbread House Educare was established in 1993 to address the shortage of affordable childcare facilities in the area. Over the years, it has expanded significantly and now cares for more than 110 children during the morning. In the afternoons, an additional 30 primary school children join the centre.
The centre focuses on providing learners with a balanced education, emphasising the development of their overall character and self-confidence. As a volunteer in South Africa at Gingerbread House, you will be involved in every aspect of the project’s daily routine. This includes supporting teachers with lessons, facilitating dance and creative arts activities, helping with food preparation and feeding, and engaging in general playtime, which is always a highlight for the children!
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Childcare Day
As a childcare volunteer in South Africa, you will take part in a variety of activities that support the daily running of the childcare centres. This includes assisting local staff with tasks such as cleaning and administrative duties, food preparation and feeding, supervising playtime, and ensuring a calm environment during nap times.
When you volunteer with children in South Africa, you’ll also have the chance to engage in teaching activities. These might involve helping with basic maths, reading, or arts and crafts. Most importantly, your presence will make you a positive role model for the children - something many of them lack in their daily lives. By completing your volunteer work in South Africa, you’ll provide invaluable support to the overstretched local staff, helping to create a nurturing and stimulating environment.
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Volunteers are responsible for making their way to the childcare project each day. This usually involves taking an Uber, although some projects may be within walking distance of the Volunteer House. On average, it takes about 30 minutes to reach the childcare project. Our local team will provide clear instructions on how to get to and from the project, and you may be paired with an experienced volunteer already working at your assigned placement.
Other Things to Consider Working With Children in South Africa
Return Airport Transfer - Your return airport transfer is not included in your Program Fee. However, our local team can assist in arranging onward transfers to the airport or another destination. Making arrangements once you’re in-country allows for greater flexibility, especially as plans can often change, and some participants may share similar flight schedules. Alternatively, ridesharing apps are a common and cost-effective option. Many participants travel during their final days and may not return to the airport directly from the accommodation. Costs will vary depending on your chosen method of transport and destination, and they can often be split if you’re travelling with fellow trip participants. It is strongly advised not to use public transport for airport transfers, as they are less convenient and pose additional safety risks.
Township Projects - Most of the projects we support are centrally located within Cape Town. Township-based projects tend to be more challenging due to logistical and structural limitations. As such, we do not actively promote or endorse these projects. However, should volunteers wish to experience township projects, arrangements may be made on an ad hoc basis, subject to the discretion of the local team. Volunteers can discuss this with the team upon arrival in South Africa.
Project Locations - The daycare and school settings we support are situated in Cape Town’s city centre. Many of the children attending these facilities come from townships with limited resources. Families from low-income areas often rely on employer-subsidised childcare or school fees. Overseas volunteers bring invaluable enthusiasm and support, significantly impacting the early education of these children. Your efforts, whether helping a child improve their English or assisting them to catch up, can greatly enhance their understanding and future employability.
Resources – At the childcare project in South Africa, resources can be limited. Volunteers are encouraged to bring materials each day to enhance their productivity and engagement. Preparing well in advance will help you make the most of your experience as a childcare volunteer in South Africa.
Wildlife Reserve Extension – Keep your adventure going after your time in Cape Town by joining our Wildlife Reserve Project near Port Elizabeth. These exciting extensions let you build on your volunteering journey and experience a different side of South Africa. You can choose to join for one week or longer, with your extension beginning on the Sunday or Monday right after your first program ends. To make things simple, the one-way domestic flight from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth is included in the price.
Placement Settings – PMGY does not offer volunteer opportunities in orphanages in any location. Studies have shown that volunteering in orphanages can inadvertently support an industry that separates children from their families, putting them at risk of neglect and abuse. As a result, PMGY does not work with or support such institutions.
Instead, our programs focus on alternative childcare opportunities where children come to and from the placement daily. Our local teams partner with safe, responsible, and vetted projects that do not provide residential care. These settings allow volunteers to offer meaningful support to local staff while ensuring the safety and well-being of the children.
Weekend Trip Opportunities
A day in Stellenbosch offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and world-class wine. Begin with a stroll through the charming town centre, exploring its Cape Dutch architecture, boutiques, and galleries. Then, head into the surrounding winelands for a tasting experience at one of the many nearby vineyards. Enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking the vines and mountains, before spending the afternoon walking through the botanical gardens or along peaceful nature trails.
Getting There
• 1 hour by Uber or 2 hours by train from Cape Town
• Train – 8 GBP per person
• Uber – 20 GBP each way
Where to Stay
• Day trip from Cape Town
Things to Do
• Standard Wine Tasting – 3–5 GBP
• Wine Tour – 60 GBP
• E-Bike Tour – 30 GBP
• Stellenbosch Village Museum – 5 GBP
Muizenberg combines the relaxed charm of a beach town with the thrill of surfing South Africa’s most iconic waves. Spend the morning learning to surf at Surfer’s Corner, enjoy coffee at a colourful beachfront café, and explore the lively promenade. The afternoon is perfect for lounging on the sand, visiting tidal pools, or watching kite surfers glide across the bay. End the day with fresh seafood and sunset views of the mountains meeting the ocean.
Getting There
• 30–50 minutes from Cape Town
• Public Transport – 3 GBP per person
• Uber – 15 GBP each way
Where to Stay
• Day trip from Cape Town
Things to Do
• Group Surf Lesson – 25 GBP
• Board & Wetsuit Hire – 12 GBP
• Beach Cafés – 4–6 GBP
Add an unforgettable Big Five safari to your Cape Town itinerary with a full-day trip to the Aquila Private Game Reserve. Set in the heart of the Karoo, this 10,000-hectare reserve offers breathtaking scenery and a chance to see elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo up close. Led by experienced rangers, you’ll enjoy a traditional vehicle safari, wildlife photography opportunities, and fascinating insights into the local ecosystem, all within easy reach of the city.
Getting There
• 1.5 hours from Cape Town
• Private Bus/Safari Jeep
Where to Stay
• Day trip from Cape Town
Things to Do
• Safari at Aquila Reserve – Included
• Spot the African Big Five – Included
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Cape Peninsula on a full-day guided tour. Travel along one of South Africa’s most scenic coastal routes, stopping at iconic landmarks such as Chapman’s Peak Drive, the Cape of Good Hope, and Muizenberg Beach. The highlight for many is Boulders Beach, where you can see the famous colony of African penguins up close. It’s the ideal mix of nature, culture, and adventure, offering a full taste of what Cape Town has to offer.
Getting There
• Around 3 hours of driving with multiple stops
• Private Tour Bus
Where to Stay
• Day trip from Cape Town
Things to Do
• Chapman’s Peak Drive – Included
• Cape of Good Hope – Included
• Muizenberg Beach – Included
• Boulders Beach (Penguins!) – Included
Embark on a multi-day adventure along South Africa’s famous Garden Route, a stretch of coastline known for its stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Travel via the scenic Route 62 to Oudtshoorn to explore the Cango Caves, meet orphaned elephants on a bush walk, and canoe through Wilderness National Park. Discover the lush forests of Tsitsikamma, experience the thrill of Bloukrans Bridge, and enjoy a guided 4×4 safari in search of the Big Five. It’s the ultimate South African road trip packed with nature, wildlife, and unforgettable moments.
Getting There
• 5 hours by bus from Cape Town
• Approx. 20 GBP each way
Where to Stay
• Hostel Dorm – 15–20 GBP per night
• Guesthouse/Small Hotel – 40–70 GBP per night
• Hotel – 70 GBP+ per night
Things to Do
• Cango Caves – 10 GBP
• Elephant Bush Walk – 40 GBP
• Bloukrans Bridge Bungee – 75 GBP
• Tsitsikamma Nature’s Valley – 7 GBP
• Storms River Mouth – 15 GBP
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- A young woman happily interacts with majestic elephants in a dry, open landscape, capturing a touching moment of human-animal connection.
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- Friends celebrating with colourful drinks at sunset on a scenic beach, enjoying friendship, relaxation, and seaside joy.
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- Nine friends in summer outfits enjoy a joyful day at a scenic vineyard in Cape Town.
Accommodation - Shared Option Available
Volunteer House
🛏️ Shared Option - Standard Offering (Recommended for 18-25 Year Olds)
During your time on the South Africa volunteer program, you will stay in our Volunteer House in Observatory, fondly known as “Obz” by locals. This characterful Cape Town suburb is home to South Africa’s oldest astronomical observatory and provides a convenient base for volunteers. Lower Main Road is around a 10 minute walk away, with cafés, restaurants, shops and plenty of places to socialise during your free time.
The Volunteer House provides a comfortable and social base where you will live alongside other PMGY participants. Free Wi-Fi is available, and there is a communal area with sofas and a TV where you can relax and spend time with other volunteers. Fridge space is also available for storing food and drinks that need to be kept chilled.
Bedrooms are arranged as same sex dormitories with bunk beds and accommodate up to 8 volunteers per room. A bedsheet and blanket are provided for each volunteer. Cape Town can be cooler during the winter months from June to August, particularly during the evenings, so we recommend packing some warm clothing for this time of year.
Bathroom facilities are shared with other volunteers and include showers and western style toilets.
Each volunteer is also provided with a lockable cupboard for storing personal belongings and smaller valuables. We recommend bringing a small padlock so you can secure your cupboard throughout your stay.
Wi-Fi
Yes (Free)
People Per Room
Up To 8
Single Sex Rooms
Yes
Western Bathroom Facilities
Yes
Airport Transfer
20 Minutes
Nearest ATM & Shops
5 Minute Walk
Meals
During your volunteer trip to South Africa, breakfast will be provided at the Volunteer House. You will need to budget for lunch and dinner during the weekdays and all meals over the weekend. While the Volunteer House has a kitchen, it is quite small, so preparing your own meals can be challenging. As a result, many volunteers find it more practical to eat out for lunch and at weekends.
Breakfast is self-service, with all cutlery and crockery provided. If you fancy dining out, there are plenty of cafés, restaurants, and local amenities within walking distance.
* Our team will do their best to cater for dietary requirements, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Volunteers may need to purchase additional ingredients at their own expense. Please note any dietary requirements in your application and re-iterate them to the local team on arrival. For major concerns, contact the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.
Here is an example of the meals you can expect:
Breakfast
Toast, Fruits, Eggs, Cheese, Peanut Butter, Jam
Lunch
Not Included
Dinner
Not Included
Program Location
FAQ's
As a South Africa childcare volunteer, you must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering with us abroad. This ensures the safety and well-being of the children and communities we work with. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept anyone with previous criminal convictions.
In general, no formal experience or qualifications are required to join the childcare projects — just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to preparation! Volunteering overseas can be a rewarding yet demanding experience. It can be physically and mentally challenging, so all participants must be fit in both areas. If you have any medical or mental health conditions that may affect your participation, these must be disclosed to us during your online application. This ensures we can best support you and assess the program’s suitability.
If you have any concerns or queries regarding your eligibility or suitability for the South Africa childcare program, we recommend that you contact us before committing to the program. Our team is always happy to assist you in making an informed decision and ensuring a positive and enriching experience for all involved.
Upon your arrival, you will be warmly greeted at the airport by a member of our local team or an appointed driver. They will be easy to spot, holding a sign with your name to ensure you feel welcomed from the moment you land. From there, they will escort you to your accommodation, where you will have the rest of the day to relax, settle in, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
The program officially ends on the Saturday of your final week. This means you will need to vacate the accommodation on this day to make way for new participants arriving for their own life-changing experiences. Our local team will be available to assist with arranging transport to the airport or providing guidance for any onward travel plans you may have.
Whether you’re just arriving or bidding farewell to South Africa, our team is here to ensure your transition is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Your time as a South Africa childcare volunteer will leave you with unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and a lasting impact on the communities you’ve helped.
When you embark on this experience, you must be 100% committed to joining the program. To apply, locate the “Apply Now” button on the individual project page. This will guide you step-by-step through our online Application Process. We’ve made it as straightforward and user-friendly as possible so that you can easily secure your place.
Many of our South Africa childcare volunteers who joined us for just 2 weeks often expressed that their time was too short. They leave wishing they had stayed longer to further engage with the projects they’ve grown passionate about. If your schedule allows, we highly encourage you to consider a longer stay to make the most of this life-changing experience!
While our programs are available for longer durations, volunteers can initially sign up for a maximum of 12 weeks in each destination. In the past, we’ve found that some volunteers commit to extended placements but later wish to adjust their plans for independent travel or to join another program. Please note, however, that Program Fees are non-refundable once committed. If you arrive and find yourself loving the program (as many do!), you are more than welcome to extend your placement. Extensions are subject to availability at the time of your request, but our team will do their best to accommodate your desire to stay longer and continue making an impact.
For those considering an even more adventurous journey, we recommend exploring our Encounter Programs. These unique opportunities allow you to experience 2-4 week stays across 3-10 destinations, offering a perfect balance of travel, cultural immersion, and volunteering.
Volunteer safety in each destination is a top priority and is monitored regularly. A member of our International Team has thoroughly inspected every PMGY program to ensure it meets our high standards. We also stay current with advice published by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office. Through constant communication with our local teams, we ensure that our volunteers are always placed in secure and stable regions.
Our International Team has personally visited and participated in every program we offer, paying close attention to every detail—from the living conditions and local neighbourhoods to the food you’ll enjoy. These meticulous checks ensure that all aspects of your stay meet our rigorous standards. Additionally, our local teams are experienced professionals with years of experience hosting international volunteers. They serve as PMGY’s trusted representatives, offering 24/7 support to all volunteers throughout their stay. To further enhance your safety, PMGY provides a 24-hour international emergency line accessible at all times. In-country staff also maintain connections with local medical professionals, ensuring that immediate assistance is available should it be required during your placement as a South Africa childcare volunteer.
Before you embark on your journey, you’ll receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which covers key topics such as health, safety, visas, and dress codes. If you have additional or specific questions, our dedicated support team is available 24/7 to assist. Furthermore, on a monthly basis, PMGY hosts an Introductory Webinar and a Safety Webinar. These interactive sessions offer invaluable information about our projects and practical tips for staying safe abroad.
When you arrive in-country, you’ll participate in a detailed orientation session. This introduction will cover the general volunteer program and your specific project, including essential safety advice tailored to your destination. During this session, you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase a local SIM card — a step we highly recommend to ensure you remain contactable at all times. Additionally, you’ll receive a comprehensive list of essential contact numbers to keep on hand during your stay.
While no travel experience can ever be guaranteed 100% trouble-free, PMGY has taken every precaution to ensure that your time as a South Africa childcare volunteer is as safe and enjoyable as possible. We strongly suggest following the local team’s guidance and advice to ensure your safety throughout your journey.
