Highlights
- Teach rugby in Port Elizabeth to children from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Instil life skills and raise awareness of health and social issues
- Live with other volunteers, working alongside local staff
Use the power of sport to raise awareness of health and social issues among underprivileged
children
How you can help
- Take training sessions and plan rugby tournaments
- Organise and run sports clinics
- Help promote good citizenship and impart social / health awareness and knowledge
Why your help is needed
Volunteers on this project connect with children from underprivileged backgrounds
via the medium of sport, combining physical education with the promotion of health
and social awareness.
The schools in these townships simply do not have the resources to provide pupils
with any kind physical education so, supported by Umzingisi (BUNAC’s South African
partners), volunteers are able to give local children the opportunity to use sports
facilities they would otherwise not have access to. Bringing their passion for sport
to townships on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth, volunteers take
coaching sessions, run matches and organise tournaments.
However, while the focus is on sport, the priority is on developing personal life
skills among South African children, promoting health and social awareness and getting
children involved in a positive activity that bridges social divides, keeps children
off the streets and gives them the chance to learn and develop while enjoying themselves.
This means that volunteers do not simply coach sport, they make a real difference
to the lives of children from underprivileged backgrounds.
Umzingisi also co-ordinates a programme that gives children the opportunity to receive
a scholarship to an acclaimed sports academy, and volunteers may nominate any children
they identify as possessing exceptional sporting potential to be considered for
the scholarship.
How long can I go for? Placements last either 5 or 12 weeks.
Working hours: 4-6 hours a day, 5 days a week
Eligibility: British/Irish, 18+
Volunteers must love sport! No coaching qualifications are required.