Use the power of sport to raise awareness of health and social issues among underprivileged children

• Teach sports in Port Elizabeth to children from disadvantaged backgrounds
• Instill life skills and raise awareness of health and social issues
• Live with other volunteers, working alongside local staff

How you can help?

• Take training sessions and plan football tournaments
• Organize 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 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 organize 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.
 
Our partner organization in South Africa also co-ordinates a program 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.
 
Volunteers must love sport! No coaching qualifications are required.
 
If you wish to coach swimming, then you must possess a life guard qualification.  As swimming pools are outdoors and are unlikely to be heated this project is only available during the South African summer months (October – April).