Come and enjoy teaching while being surrounded by beautiful nature in Transkei, South Africa

South Africa

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Host rating
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35
Last activity
26/09/2021
Reply rate
97.3 %
Average reply time:
within 2 days
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Availability

2021

Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Description
Due to a last minute cancellation from 2 volunteers travelling together, I am now able to accommodate 2 volunteers for next school term - arrival 10 October until around 26 November. If our project interests you please contact me.

Our education centre is based in a rural village on the Wild Coast, Transkei, Eastern Cape, South Africa. We need volunteers to assist us with our English one-on-one reading programme in surrounding junior schools for a few hours in the morning.

In the afternoons volunteers give fun interactive English or beginner math lessons at our centre. A TEFL background would be valuable but definitely not essential. You need to be able to communicate in English.

The local people are friendly and you will be made to feel very welcome. You will have lots of free time to learn about Xhosa culture and interact with the local people.

Rural life here is simple and the beautiful scenery and easy going lifestyle is relaxing and feeds the soul.

If community work and a desire to share knowledge is what you want to do, then you can be effective in making a lasting difference to someone's life. Come and experience a cultural exchange that will be a rewarding gift and make memories to last a lifetime.

As we are a charity organization supporting schools, we charge a minimal fee to cover food and accommodation.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Teaching
Help around the house
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
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What's this?
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
By living in the village with us, volunteers will have a first hand opportunity to learn about the fascinating traditional Xhosa customs.
Help
A school day starts at 8 and ends at 12 midday as well as an hour at our centre in the afternoons when students visit us every afternoon for extra lessons.
We will supply you with access to lesson plan material as well as orientate you to make sure that your stay with us is comfortable.
A minimum stay is 2 weeks but we encourage volunteers to stay for one school term (about 8-10 weeks).
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Volunteers will be given 3 Xhosa/South African fusion meals a day. Unfortunately we cannot cater for vegetarians or people with special dietary requirements.
Volunteers will sleep in a comfortable traditional Xhosa rondavel (roundhouse). We have electricity and running water. We are 4km from pristine beaches. It is a malaria free area but mosquitoes can be a nuisance so bring anti mozzie repellent.
What else ...
Transkei's beauty is in its rolling grass hills dotted with huts and an endless coastline of pristine beaches. It get quite hot in summer, (November to April) and winters are very moderate. Weekends you are free to explore the area and we will gladly show you around.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
5 hours per day
This host charges a fee
read more
Why does workaway.info allow listings of hosts who charge money?
In developing countries (Where most hosts are involved in charity work or community development) some of our hosts may ask for a small donation to help the host family or charity (often less then 5 dollars per day) Workaway will allow this listing when the donation goes directly to the family or charity and is just to cover the cost of the volunteer‘s stay. (This will be clearly marked on the host listing).
We will strictly not allow listings posted by agents, “middle men” or projects who we feel are looking to profit from a volunteers stay.

5 Euros per day

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Feedback left by and about host (35)

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)

Cultural exchange:
(5.0)

Communication:
(5.0)

10/08/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Justin)

Justin volunteered with us for a school term and we loved having him. He fitted in perfectly and his gentle, likeable personality was infectious.
We threw him into the deep end by sending him off to the high school to teach maths (which was his passion) and even though he didn't have any teaching experience in a classroom environment, he rose to… read more

(Excellent )

15/04/2021

Left by Workawayer (Justin) for host

I had an absolutely fantastic workaway experience with Debby and Theo!

I felt very welcome in their home and was fortunate to be part of a great team of people from all over the world. Living together with Debby, Theo and other volunteers was a very interesting and enriching part of the experience. The Transkei truly is a special place. A great… read more

(Excellent )

10/08/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Cate)

We enjoyed having Cate on our team for a term. She worked hard at school with the kids and was prepared to go the extra mile with troubled kids who needed help. Before Cate arrived I was sceptical about whether young volunteers would fit in but Cate proved me wrong as she was able to adapt well, showed responsibility and got on well with everyone.… read more

(Very good )

09/08/2021

Left by Workawayer (Cate) for host

I had an amazing time staying with Debby and Theo! Living in the Transkei can be tough to adjust to at first if you are not used to the lifestyle but by the end of my time I was so sad to be leaving. I couldn't have asked for a better or more unique experience. I learned so much from the Xhosa people and from Debby and Theo. Picky eaters should be… read more

(Excellent )

19/12/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Jonathan & Annie)

It was such a pleasure hosting the Su family who visited our education centre for a week to do Christmas activities with the children in our village. The children loved the fun games which the family planned and prepared.
We feel fortunate to have met this unique family who are travelling together for a year, each with their own life story. We… read more

(Very good )

18/12/2020

Left by Workawayer (Jonathan & Annie) for host

Our family of five had a wonderful time playing, singing, doing crafts, laughing with the children at the Education center every afternoon. Given that Christmas was coming up, we try to have a Christmas theme in all the activities. The children were so joyful, animated, and well-behaved. They have so little and so are appreciative of the… read more

(Excellent )

21/07/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)

We hosted Anna for a school term to volunteer at our education centre and had a wonderful time with her. She brought a calming effect to everything she did with us and the kids who she helped.
We could rely on her to come up with creative ways to work with the children who loved the opportunity to make fun Christmassy things and she brought a… read more

(Excellent )

02/04/2020

Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host

My stay in the Transkei District was my first workaway experience and I can only say that this time with Debby, Theo and so many, wonderful children really moved and enriched me. I cannot put into words what all the time there taught me. Working with those kids was such a pleasure and I really enjoyed the time at school or the education centre,… read more

(Excellent )

20/11/2019

Left by Workawayer (Gerard) for host

Long overdue feedback for my amazing experience!

Debby and Theo are great hosts, they make you feel welcome from the second you step off the bus. They live in a simple, functional, cozy house surrounded by stunning and beautiful scenery. The volunteers stay in separate huts that are made in the traditional Xhosa way. They are very comfortable and… read more

(Excellent )

31/10/2019

Left by Workawayer (Paulus & Theresia) for host

When I looked for a meaningful Workaway opportunity this project appeared and I only contacted the hosts a week bevor I eventually went there. The conversation was great, and Debby was very helpful with arranging transport etc. Living in the rural village and teaching at the primary school was an outstanding experience. You cannot imagine the way… read more

(Excellent )

30/10/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Paulus & Theresia)

Theresia stayed with us for only 2 weeks but we wish it were longer. She was easy to have around, was interactive and a friendly person who's company we enjoyed. Besides her kindness and dedication to teaching the students she worked with. she gave us a huge gift by spending her free time applying her marketing skills to fund raise for prosthetic… read more

(Excellent )

19/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (Anja) for host

I spent six weeks with Debby and Theo and I had a great time!
In the mornings you usually either help at Manyano or Soga Junior School to teach reading and writing in English to the children. There is a special programme you follow for this which starts at phonics level and becomes more complex with time. Especially in the beginning the programme… read more

(Excellent )

13/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (Pretom) for host

My two months here were nothing short of incredible...
Debby and Theo are excellent hosts that make you feel at home while teaching you a lot about the Transkei and it’s people. Everyone says Theo’s food is great but spending time with them is even better!
I taught at both the elementary school and the high school. The students are eager to learn… read more

(Excellent )

03/12/2018

Left by Workawayer (Angel) for host

Debby & Theo are gracious hosts, – approachable, caring & knowledgeable. They've been running this programme for quite a while so everything is well thought out & regularly reviewed with feedback from volunteers. Pick up some Xhosa phrases before landing if possible. Bring a sturdy coat or windbreaker for the W-I-N-D. Buy a south african sim card… read more

(Excellent )

05/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (Paula & Vinicius) for host

The experience in Ngcizela touched our hearts. At first we planned to stay only two weeks, but ended staying 30 days. It was our best decision. During this time we had a chance to live and work closely with the Xhosa people. The children, especially, are very affective and smart; you really can see how the project impacts positively in their… read more

(Excellent )

08/04/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (David)

David was a fun volunteer to have. He arrived in time to first help out with the cleaning up of the centre and he was ready to go at all times - even used his car for transport trips back and forth to the centre carryying furniture and boxes - thanks for that bro :-)
Working with the kids was easy for David once we started classes and he was keen… read more

(Very good )

22/02/2017

Left by Workawayer (David) for host

Thankyou Debbie and Theo for an amazing experience.I went not knowing what to expect and had great experience. The area it self is remote and wonderful you feel like you are in real africa. Sadley i only stayed for two weeks but enjoyed every minute. The school kids were such good fun and you could tell that they really enjoyed the interaction… read more

(Excellent )

13/03/2017

Left by Workawayer (Saskia) for host

I stayed with Debby and Theo for a school term in the February/March 2017. During this time my daily activities would vary from one on one reading with primary school students, teaching a grade 4 English class, helping high school students with maths homework, organizing improvised music and drama sessions and much more fun activities with the… read more

(Excellent )

12/03/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Saskia)

Saskia volunteered at our charity education organization for a school term. The children enjoyed her English lessons and her fun loving attitude towards life in gerneral, made her a really good volunteer to have around. She made a point of getting to know some of the high school students who she worked with in the drama, music and book club… read more

(Excellent )

11/03/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Roman)

Roman was an easy volunteer to host. He showed interest in the Xhosa culture and was keen to learn. He stayed with us for 6 weeks and besides helping the students with our reading program at school every day, he also gave computer lessons every afternoon. The comupter lessons were challenging but his perserverance paid off. In the afternoons… read more

(Excellent )

10/03/2017

Left by Workawayer (Roman) for host

I highly recommend this work-away experience to anyone who is looking to make a positive impact and experience rural life in the Transkei. Theo and Debby are wonderful hosts who welcome you into their home and help to quickly integrate you into the community. As other reviewers have stated, Theo is a great cook! You will not be disappointment… read more

(Excellent )

03/03/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Adriana & Marco)

Adriana volunteered at our charity projec for a month. She arrived at the time we were setting up our new education centre which required a lot of cleaning, painting and preparing which she was more than ready to assist with. She was able to work on her own, showed initiative and wa easy to get along with. Once the work was done she helped set… read more

(Excellent )

29/01/2017

Left by Workawayer (Adriana & Marco) for host

I had the best experience I could ever imagine. Debby and Theo are amazing people. Debby is a lovely person and Theo is a GREAT Chef, his food is delicious!! I’ve stayed with them for 3 weeks.
I helped get the Education Centre ready. My tasks were painting, cleaning, organizing and setting up books in the library. I am glad that I was there on… read more

(Excellent )

06/01/2017

Left by Workawayer (Michele & Bruce) for host

We stayed with Theo and Debby for the month of October. There's no better way to immerse yourself into rural South African culture. The children were a pleasure to teach - grateful, eager and friendly. We also helped get the Education Centre ready. Really felt like we were making a difference. Theo and Debby were very welcoming, and shared many… read more

(Excellent )

11/05/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Malou & Wouter)

Wouter and Malou volunteered at our education centre for 3 months January to March 2016.
It was such a pleasure having them as they were an extremely easy going couple and fitted in so well. They never complained, never found fault and were always ready to give a hand.
Wouter helped us with various building jobs and did a wonderful project of… read more

(Excellent )

19/04/2016

Left by Workawayer (Malou & Wouter) for host

We stayed with Theo and Debby for one term (six weeks). It was our first workaway experience and by far the best ;)

Wouter helped Theo building the house and the future volunteer-rondavels. He enjoyed working outdoors (digging, chopping wood, gardening etc.) in the beautiful Transkei surrounding and seeing the place slowly turning into a truly… read more

(Excellent )

24/01/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Jordon & CRISTINA)

Jordon and Cristina volunteered with us during the school holidays and it was a pleasure to host them.
They did not stand back when when there was work to be done and we had fun sitting chatting in the evenings after supper on subjects ranging from Canadian ice hockey to the Anunnaki. They are both worldly wise and friendly by nature and we… read more

(Very good )

18/01/2016

Left by Workawayer (Jordon & CRISTINA) for host

Our stay with Theo and Debby was a very nice experience, they are very kind people who care about their community. While we were there it was the holidays and the school was closed but they still had open doors for the youth/kids who needed help sending stuff to colleges and who just wanted to come use the colouring books!
We helped with the… read more

(Excellent )

15/09/2015

Left by Workawayer (Sarah) for host

I had a wonderful and eye opening fortnight with Debby and Theo at the centre. They are a kind and generous couple who are doing a fantastic job helping local students who are being desperately short changed by the South African education system.

I taught English in a local junior school where I witnessed a high proportion of students struggling… read more

(Excellent )

12/11/2014

Left by Workawayer (Ueli) for host

This was my first workaway experience and it exceeded all of my expectations. Theo and Debby are great hosts and I felt very welcome right from the beginning. They are very dedicated to their projects and make a huge impact on the local students with the good work they do. In addition Theo is a great chef and prepares awesome meals. I stayed… read more

(Excellent )

06/10/2014

Left by Workawayer (Diane Louise) for host

Theo and Debby are wonderful hosts and this was an incredible workaway experience, I loved it. Theo is a fabulous chef and he dealt with my veggie requests with style sometimes in the face of limited fresh vegetable availability. This is a beautiful and remote part of South Africa where you will get a true African experience. The night sky, the… read more

(Excellent )

15/09/2014

Left by Workawayer (Joseph) for host

What an experience! This was my 3rd trip to South Africa, but my first to the Transkei. Debby and Theo treated me like family, and it was great getting to know them and their vision for the projects at their centre and the local schools. I was teaching music at the high school, a short walk from where i was staying. I received an incredibly warm… read more

(Excellent )

21/06/2014

Left by Workawayer (Claire) for host

I've had the most wonderful time here at this school. Theo and Debby are wonderful hosts and make you feel like part of a family (and Theo is quite the chef!). Teaching at the school is really fun and valuable, but of course can be hectic. I would absolutely recommend coming to stay here for a long term commitment. My biggest regret is that I… read more

(Excellent )

03/06/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Alcée)

(Excellent )

02/06/2014

Left by Workawayer (Alcée) for host

What 's the good experiment ! Live with Debby and Theo is a real pleasure. Debby enjoys the life and wants to create a lot of thinks with students. Theo is a real chef, you will extend the dinner time !
I taught mathematic and physic lessons to the High school. Students are so happy to have a foreigner to help them. With them, I was able to… read more

(Excellent )

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