International Volunteer Program

CLICK HERE TO READ PREVIOUS VOLUNTEER'S STORIES

Every year many international volunteers come and spend time with The Future Factory - placements are usually between one and three months. This is a great chance to learn a whole new culture and become part of a South African family, while making a difference to the community.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING WHILE YOU ARE WITH US

Volunteers will be working mainly in schools. An initial training period will be provided, then you will have the chance to work in a number of different schools. Our schools range from pre-primary through to high schools, and have a number of different types of learners – we service muslim schools, catholic schools, those from townships and those from more affluent areas.

Our main sports are volleyball, soccer, netball and basketball, but we also run programs in other Olympic sports, cricket, table tennis, indigenous games and a wide variety of others. You will have the chance to incorporate your own skills into the program – past volunteers have taught German, English, Teambuilding, Martial Arts . . . so you can put all your skills to good use.

Volunteers usually work on our regular schools programs during the week. Working hours depend on the school you are at, but a general guideline is 8am until the mid afternoon. Fridays are reserved for training or special events, or sometimes you will get the day off. There is some weekend work depending on bookings at the time, usually at special events, which are a lot of fun. We also run the Children’s Church in Retreat on Sundays, and this is also for a broad range of children, mostly from the underprivileged communities.

Over the Christmas period, things slow down due to programs closing down for the break. Volunteers arriving during this time will have a good chance to travel and see the country during their placement. Over December and January we run the Bambanani Beach Program on both the East and West Coast for thousands of children.

FOR UNIVERSITY WORK PLACEMENT STUDENTS

Students studying for their Sports Science or related university degree can do their required practical experience with The Future Factory. You give us the university guidelines and a proposed program of what you want to do, and we organize appropriate places within our projects in Cape Town for it to happen. We will liase with both you and your placement coordinator prior to the placement, and at the end of your placement fill in any paperwork required by the university. We will do everything we can to make sure that your work placement is a success. Students from the Waterford Institute of Technology in Ireland have already taken advantage of this program.

WHO YOU WILL BE WORKING WITH

The Future Factory volunteer program is run by Anne Siroky, former South African number one volleyball player and radio talk show host. She has a staff of around 25 South Africans, all situated in different schools. There can be any number of volunteers on the project at a time, from a number of different countries. Volunteers may work with Anne’s coaches, or run programs in schools on their own or with other volunteers.

WHERE YOU WILL BE LIVING

Volunteers will be placed with one of our host families. All host families live in safe, middle class areas. Some have children, and all are close to transport, shops and internet. Your host family will provide you with breakfast, lunch and supper, and while you are staying in their house, you will become a part of their family. All host families have showers with hot water and televisions/radios. Volunteers will have their own room, usually shared with another volunteer.

TRANSPORT

There are many forms of transport to the schools, and depending where you are working will depend on the transport you will take. Sometimes Anne or Mr Martin will take you to your school, other times you will catch a train or a taxi. Some schools are within walking distance. You will always be shown how to travel to a new school, and you will normally travel with another volunteer or staff member.

THINGS TO DO ON TIME OFF

There is shopping in areas within walking distance from most host families, and the internet cafes are reasonably priced. Most areas volunteers will be living in are safe for you to walk alone during the day, as long as you are careful and take proper precautions – only carry the amount of money you will need for the day, and leave all valuables at home.

It is about a thirty minute train ride into Cape Town (R5.50 one way first class) or you can take the bus or taxi. The Ashanti Lodge charges R90 per night for a dorm room with up to eight people, or there are cheaper hostels on Long Street. A lot of volunteers go here for the weekend. The beach is also close and easy to get to.

Anne teaches jazz dancing on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday nights and her classes are definitely worth going to. There is a television and DVD player at Anne’s house, and televisions at the Martins. Volunteers can also watch DVD”S on Angelo’s computer.

WHAT TO BRING

• Comfortable shoes (sneakers) – there is a lot of running around and walking

• Sports clothes, preferably tracksuits and t-shirts. Please ensure you bring at least 2 pairs of long sports pants (eg: tracksuits NOT JEANS) as some of our schools are muslim and require legs to be covered.

• A cap – as well as being protection from the sun, some schools require females to have their heads covered

• Sunscreen – the South African sun is hot and you burn easily

• A rain jacket – the weather changes quickly in South Africa and you need to be prepared for rain or sun, sometimes both in one day.

• Warm clothes for the cold weather. Even in summer it can get cold at night

• Comfortable shoes you can dance in if you are going to take Anne’s jazz classes.

• A camera – the kids love having their pictures taken!

• Any games or sports you can do with the children

• A good sense of humour and plenty of energy

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Pre-departure information

• Airport pickup and drop off

• Accommodation (with one of our host families, usually sharing a room with one other volunteer also on the project at the time)

• 3 meals a day – Breakfast (cereal/toast), Lunch (sandwiches), Dinner (cooked meal)

• Reference at the end of the program

• For university students on work placements, filling in of any paperwork

WHAT ISN’T INCLUDED

• Luxury food items (eg: sweets, juices, milk for drinking)

• Personal items (eg: toiletries)

• Travel Insurance

• Flights

• Pre-departure vaccinations

For more information or questions, please email tanya@thefuturefactory.co.za

CLICK HERE TO READ PREVIOUS VOLUNTEER'S STORIES