Mandela Soweto Kids

The project is in Orlando, one of the oldest suburbs in Soweto. This township has a rich and fascinating history and with its population of almost two million.

Soweto is the largest black urban settlement in South Africa.
Soweto was the center of political campaigns aimed to overthrow the Apartheid State. The June 16th, 1976 student uprising, which began the slow meltdown of apartheid, started in Soweto and spread to the rest of the country. Sowetans have a strong sense of community.

They would say that Soweto has soul - and who wouldn't want to live in a place with soul?

You will be introduced to a melting pot of South African cultures and have a fascinating opportunity to experience it. Soweto has a vibrant nightlife and a Jazz evening is not to be missed.

Your time will be dedicated to helping children learn new skills and more importantly, expand their world view. You will be helping a community that has limited access to resources, all it takes to have a big impact, is as small as providing an extra pair of hands for teachers/caregivers.

We want you to use your initiative and skills when working at the school with children (Age 6 to 12). You will help to provide the care and attention these young people of South Africa need to create a better life. Live like a local, meet fascinating personalities and be part of our community

What's included:
- Airport Transfers
- 3 Meals a day
- We cater for vegetarians and certain allergies on request
- Accommodation in trendy backpacker hostel
- 3 day Joburg Orientation - covers everything the volunteers need to know about staying in South Africa (from social skills to transport and safety)
- All paperwork, placement and liaising with staff at the Volunteer Program
- Appointed Supervisor for duration of program
- Donations - contribution to the project
- Certificate & Report on individual Volunteer`s Program, should this be required.  
What's not included:
- The cost of a visa in the case of your volunteer stay being longer than 90 days
- Medical Insurance, which must include work and emergency evacuation. Please make sure you understand how your medical insurance works in South Africa as Hero Holidays will be unable to pay for any doctors accounts or the like in lieu of being refunded by the medical scheme.
- Weekend excursions
- Local Transport for social activities
- Towels and toiletries
- Accommodation if you arrive before the start date or stay after the end of the project
- Transport to or from accommodation if you arrive before the start date or leave after the end of the project

Minimum Age: 18
Police Clearance: Yes
3 Day Joburg Orientation
Day 1:
Full day walking tour of Joburg (including a choice of museums). Fascinating Joburg as an immigrant town - get to know the different African cultures, the hospitable and colourful people of this continent. Their craft and treasures are delightful... Evening movies, music or other experiences can be arranged.

Day 2:
Visit trendy local market by taking in the ambience of the local culture, live music and dance performances. Take advantage of this great opportunity to try the diversity of the food on offer. In the late afternoon transfer to Soweto to settle into your accommodation and get to know your hosts.

Day 3:
Two-hour tour of Soweto during which you can cycle, walk or ride - whatever you choose. This tour will open your mind about township living and its unique ways. The struggle for our rainbow nation started in Soweto - and Vilakazi Street is the only street in the world where two Nobel Peace Laureates lived – Tata Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Try Shisa Nyama (barbequed meat) and Makwenya (doughnut). Or for the very brave, a Smiley (sheep's head). You will see the good and the sometimes, not so good of this astonishing town. Evening at leisure.

Closest town: Soweto is close to Johannesburg
Surrounding area: Gauteng & Greater Johannesburg area.

Share the wonders of the world with the youth of Soweto. Your ‘social impact’ will help create well-informed future leaders.

Mornings:
- Spend your morning helping teacher at daycare center
- Designing fun and healthy daily activities and preparing materials for art and music performance classes. Kids learn through games and activities!
- Help with preparing lunch

Afternoons:
- There are various age-related activities. Like kicking a ball in the school
- Assisting with the various scheduled
- programs ranging from: Encouraging reading and literacy with our Outdoor library, Woza Funda
- Supervising games and sports
- Assisting with arts and cultural activities
- Get your hands dirty in our permaculture garden
- learn to cook authentic African cuisine

Special skills required:
- Ability to adapt to sudden change in all areas
- Ability to work with young children
- Be self-confident and apply discipline
- Be creative and solve problems
- Patience
- Be able to work in a group entertain children with minimum resources
- Ability to adapt and to respect the different cultures
Arrivals every Thursday for FREE 3 Day Johannesburg Orientation Project is closed for the Christmas holidays. +- 15 December to 15 January.

Duration: Minimum 2 weeks

Contact us today for prices and availability


Trendy Backpackers Hostel, a few minutes’ walking distance to the school.
Please contact us for more information.