Community Upliftment
South Africa
Support children and strengthen communities through education and sustainability projects.
Overview
Duration
2-12 Weeks
Minimum Age
18+
Start Dates
Every Tuesday of every month
Fees From
$1,264 USD
UN SDGs
This program contributes directly to SDG 4: Quality Education by supporting early learning centres and literacy development. It also aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being through nutritional support and play-based development, and SDG 11: Sustainable Communities through eco-brick projects and gardening initiatives.
All activities are powered by SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, bringing volunteers and local communities together to build a brighter, more equitable future.
What You'll Be Doing
Your days will be filled with uplifting, hands-on work that supports young children and their communities. Tasks may include:
- Assisting at local preschools with basic education and classroom activities
- Helping prepare and serve daily meals to children
- Leading games, songs, sports, and creative play
- Supporting gardening, recycling, or eco-brick construction projects
- Assisting with general maintenance or beautification of the school grounds
- Promoting hygiene awareness and healthy habits in fun, accessible ways
No teaching experience is required—just a positive attitude and a willingness to support where needed.
Why It Matters
Many children in this region face economic hardship and limited access to early childhood education. With your help, we can create stable, nurturing environments that encourage learning, curiosity, and healthy development.
Beyond the classroom, your involvement in sustainability and infrastructure projects helps foster a stronger, more resilient community.
Your time, energy, and care go a long way in building confidence, inspiring young minds, and contributing to long-term change.
A Day in the Life
Your week will follow a structured but dynamic schedule. Most days run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with regular breaks and variety in tasks. A typical weekday may include:
- Morning: Preschool support including lessons, playtime, and meal preparation
- Midday: Break and snack with the children followed by creative or outdoor activities such as painting or gardening
- Afternoon: Community support projects like eco-brick building, sports activities, or hygiene workshops
- Evening: Wrap-up, plan for the next day, and enjoy free time or socialising with fellow volunteers
Saturdays include optional light duties or cultural activities, while Sundays are free for rest, local adventures, or day trips along the Garden Route.
Your Impact
As a Community Upliftment volunteer, you’ll help:
- Improve early learning outcomes in rural preschools
- Provide emotional and nutritional support to children
- Enhance school facilities and outdoor spaces
- Encourage sustainable practices through eco-brick and garden projects
- Strengthen community resilience through compassion and collaboration
You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of community-led development and the joy that comes from giving your time where it’s truly needed.
Where You'll Be Staying
Your project is based just outside Oudtshoorn, on a private game reserve, in South Africa’s Western Cape province. Surrounded by mountains and open semi-arid plains, this part of the Klein Karoo is a conservation gem and gateway to the famous Garden Route.
You’ll work in schools and community centres near a private reserve, with free time to explore the nearby Garden Route or learn about local Xhosa and Afrikaans culture.
With sunny skies, a strong local support team, and welcoming community partners, this is an ideal place to make a difference and grow personally.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation
You’ll stay at a dedicated volunteer camp on-site, offering a comfortable and social base for your experience. Accommodation includes:
- Shared safari-style tents (up to 4 per room, same gender or couples)
- En-suite showers and flushing toilets with gas-heated water
- Electricity and charging points in all tents
- Solar backup and hot water
- Laundry facilities and free Wi-Fi access
Meals
Three meals are provided daily and cooked fresh at the camp:
- Breakfast: Cereal, toast, coffee and tea
- Lunch: Light meals like wraps, burgers, or pasta
- Dinner: Hearty home-cooked meals with meat, vegetables, and starch
Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.
Who Can Join
This program is open to anyone who is:
- At least 18 years old
- Proficient in English (basic speaking and understanding)
- Compassionate, open-minded, and comfortable working with children
- Willing to roll up their sleeves and pitch in where needed
No prior teaching or childcare experience is necessary—just a passion for people and the desire to give back.
Program Pricing
Your program fees directly support the operations of our local team in South Africa and the services we provide to ensure your experience is meaningful, safe, and well-supported.
Outreach Overseas Offer
- Pre-departure support
- Volunteer information pack
- Assistance with trip logistics
- Emergency assistance
- Program quality assurance
- Certificate of participation
What's Included
- Shared accommodation
- Three prepared meals per day
- Weekly laundry service
- Project transport and coordination
- On-site orientation and training
- Weekly town trip to Oudtshoorn
What's Excluded
- Flights
- Travel and health insurance
- Visa fees (if required)
- Airport transfers (available at extra cost)
- Personal spending money
- Weekend excursions
All program fees exclude a one-time $199 confirmation fee, which is payable upon acceptance into the program. Your remaining balance (program fees and any optional add-ons) is only due 60 days before your start date. This can be paid in instalments or as a lump sum.
| Duration | Oct 2025 – Sept 2026 | Oct 2026 – Sept 2027 |
| 2 Weeks | $1,065 | $1,170 |
| 3 Weeks | $1,595 | $1,755 |
| 4 Weeks | $2,125 | $2,335 |
| 5 Weeks | $2,665 | $2,920 |
| 6 Weeks | $3,190 | $3,505 |
| 7 Weeks | $3,720 | $4,090 |
| 8 Weeks | $4,250 | $4,675 |
| 9 Weeks | $4,780 | $5,260 |
| 10 Weeks | $5,310 | $5,845 |
| 11 Weeks | $5,840 | $6,430 |
| 12 Weeks | $6,370 | $7,015 |
Program fees are based on your arrival date. The applicable seasonal rate (shown above) is determined by when you begin your program, not when you book.
Ready to Make a Real Impact?
Whether you’re a student on a gap year, a passionate traveller, or someone seeking to reconnect with purpose, this is your chance to uplift communities, build lifelong connections, and be part of something bigger.
Choose your next step:
Apply Now to start your application and secure your spot in the program.
Enquire Here to get all the details you need from our team before you commit.
Good to Know Before You Go
What date should I arrive, and how do I get to the program location?
Volunteers should plan to arrive on a Tuesday, when complimentary airport pick-up is offered from George Airport (GRJ), about an hour’s drive from the project site. We’ll be waiting to welcome you and transfer you directly to the reserve.
If you arrive on a different day, don’t worry, we can still arrange a transfer at an additional cost. Once on-site, you’ll receive a warm orientation and jump straight into your conservation journey.
What is the accommodation like and who will I be staying with?
You’ll stay in a comfortable, safari-style tented camp nestled on the reserve. Each large tent sleeps up to four people (same gender or couples) and includes en-suite bathrooms with hot water, solar lighting, and charging points.
It’s simple but special, designed to help you reconnect with nature, bond with fellow volunteers, and enjoy peaceful evenings under the stars. All bedding is provided, and a dedicated camp host prepares delicious daily meals.
What does a typical volunteer week look like?
Each week blends education, community support, and hands-on project work. You’ll typically volunteer Monday to Friday, with a half day or light schedule on Saturdays.
As a Community Upliftment volunteer, you will:
- Spend mornings in the preschool, helping teachers and engaging with kids
- Assist with preparing meals and delivering structured play
- Support environmental or infrastructure projects in the afternoons
- Be part of a team making a real impact through a consistent, uplifting presence
It’s a fulfilling mix of structured service and flexible connection, with just enough routine to keep you grounded and enough variety to keep you inspired.
Are there any requirements to join this program?
You must be at least 18 years old, speak basic English, and be reasonably fit for outdoor work in sometimes warm or dry conditions.
No prior experience is needed—just an open mind, a good attitude, and a genuine passion for nature. This program is ideal for gap year students, career breakers, aspiring teachers, or anyone seeking a meaningful, hands-on impact.
Is it safe to volunteer and travel in South Africa?
Yes. The program is based in a remote and secure reserve near the town of Oudtshoorn, far from urban hotspots. You’ll be staying on private land with 24/7 support from on-site staff, a coordinator, and an emergency contact line.
South Africa does have areas where safety is a concern, but your time on this program will be in a controlled, conservation-focused environment designed for international visitors.
What vaccinations or health precautions should I take?
While there are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter South Africa or participate in the program, we recommend consulting your doctor or travel clinic before travelling. Common vaccines for South Africa include:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Tetanus
- Typhoid (optional, depending on travel plans)
The region is malaria-free, so Malaria prophylaxis is not necessary.
Make sure you have comprehensive travel and health insurance that covers volunteering and outdoor activities, as it’s a mandatory requirement to join.
Can I join with a friend, family memeber or partner?
Absolutely! Many volunteers join with friends, siblings, or partners. You’ll be placed in the same accommodation upon request, and you’ll share the experience side-by-side, from teaching in the classroom to relaxing around the campfire.
If you’re joining solo (which most of our volunteers do!), you’ll be warmly welcomed and become part of the team in no time.
How much does it cost and what's included?
Program fees start from $1,264 for 2 weeks, including all essential program costs and the one-time $199 Outreach Overseas confirmation deposit. Outreach Overseas keeps costs low by partnering directly with grassroots organisations and operating as a small, purpose-driven team. Our pricing supports both volunteers and the project on the ground.
Your fee includes:
- Shared tented accommodation with en-suite facilities
- Three freshly prepared meals daily
- Laundry service
- Project materials and transport
- On-site training and 24/7 support
- Weekly town trip to Oudtshoorn
- Outreach Overseas pre-departure support, emergency assistance, and a certificate of participation
Not included: Flights, insurance, visa (if required), and optional weekend travel.
Will I have time to travel or explore during my stay?
Yes! Weekends are yours to unwind or explore the stunning surroundings. Oudtshoorn and the nearby Garden Route offer unforgettable experiences, like caving in the Cango Caves, visiting an ostrich farm, or even day trips to the beach.
You can also join local activities like horseback riding, ziplining, skydiving, and wine tasting, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the Klein Karoo.
When is the best time of year to join this program?
The program runs year-round, and with over 300 days of sunshine annually, there’s truly no bad time to come.
- October to April brings warm summer days and greener landscapes (expect hot weather and occasional rain).
- May to September is cooler and drier, with chilly mornings and evenings—ideal for those who prefer milder conditions.
Most volunteers join between August and April, but it depends on your schedule and weather preference.
How to Apply
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Explore our programs and find the one that fits your passion and goals.
Step 2: Submit an Application
Complete our quick and easy online application form to start the process.
Step 3: Confirm Your Spot
Pay your $199 confirmation deposit upon your acceptance.
Step 4: Make an Impact
Travel to your destination, join your team, and begin your volunteer journey.
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