The Volunteer Programme

2010-05-24

Volunteers have come from afar afield as Belgium and Australia, though many live in nearby suburbs. They commit a regular time each week to assist the teachers in the classes, to interact with the children. Volunteers bring much richness to the education that our children receive. They provide a wonderful window on the world for individuals who would otherwise have very little contact with people outside their own community. Many volunteers bring their own equipment; pictures, songs, activities, books or stories about other places and other perspectives. Fish Hoek High School, located not far from the Masiphumulele community, has a long history of involvment with Masakhane. Teachers and students visit the children every week to sing and play music with them. The children particularly Monday afternoon with Mr Rob who accompanies the music and movement session with his guitar. We also encourage gap year students from the local community to volunteer at the schools. Volunteers receive a small stipend to work as teaching assistants in each class. Most of our gap year volunteers are also studying through the Learnerhip Programme.