Volunteering

TVS relies heavily on volunteers to run our children’s study camps, reading clubs, and teachers’ workshops. This includes volunteers from local Tyume communities and schools and international volunteers from the UK and other countries.

The charity was founded as a volunteering organisation for people who want to do more than donate money. Many volunteers are teachers themselves, but we also welcome less experienced volunteers, particularly to help at our study camps.

Volunteers are normally responsible for funding their own flights and accommodation (we can help with finding and booking accommodation in local hotels or hostels). The nearest airport is East London – a short flight from Johannesburg or Cape Town. Many volunteers hire a car to get to Tyume – this is also helpful in getting around the valley. Volunteers often stay a little longer and take the opportunity for a holiday in South Africa.

We take very seriously the safety of our volunteers and the children they are in contact with. Volunteers will normally be expected to have recent DBS clearance or equivalent. TVS undertakes to ensure that all volunteers are as safe as possible while they are with us. TVS has a detailed safeguarding policy designed to protect both the children we work with and our volunteers.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us.