Volunteering at the local school provides a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the local San Bushman children, whilst surrounded by Namibia’s beautiful landscapes and wildlife. Located at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary, the School co-exists with nature and is truly a place where wildlife and communities come together. All routine aspects of the program are carried out in a rotational group system to ensure that everybody gets exposed to the variety of experiences available.

At Clever Cubs, we believe every child deserves the right to an education. We believe in providing a positive learning environment for children to expand their knowledge and gain an understanding of the importance of education in their futures. Clever Cubs is a place where passion is encouraged, and enthusiasm is fostered. It’s a safe and stimulating place where San bushmen children can learn and become thoughtful students who take pride in their education. Coming to school every day is a joy for each child and helps establish a routine for young children, providing them with stability in their lives.

Clever Cubs began as a pre-primary school, but now we are able to educate children up to the 3rd grade. After grade 3, we sponsor the children to attend mainstream primary school in Windhoek in order to further their education. As well as the native bushman language that all the children speak at home, classes are held in English and Afrikaans. Mainstream schools in Windhoek teach in Afrikaans and English so it is vital they gain fluency in these languages, thus giving them the opportunity to continue their education at a higher level.

Learning, development and cultural heritage are at the heart of the school. The students regularly attend our ancient San skills academy to hear stories and learn bushmen skills in order to prevent the loss of this ancient culture. The Clever Cubs School receives no government funding and is reliant on the generosity of donours and volunteers to continue this important work.

Volunteers work at the school from Monday to Friday. School hours are from 08:00 to 13:00.
The children get 2 breaks in between lessons: 09:00 to 21:30 and 11:30 to 12:15.
Afternoon activities start at 14:30 and continue till 16:00.

Saturdays and Sundays are your off days.

Please note that from time to time there can be unavoidable changes to projects. These can be caused by weather, conservation priorities, materials supply, or because ongoing projects have progressed more quickly or slowly than originally planned. We ask you to accept the changes - we are sure that you will enjoy the replacement projects just as much. The daily activities might include:

Assisting the teachers in preparations of lessons, develop/create teaching aids
Helping in the playground and ensure the safety of the children
Actively participating in school projects
Helping out with clearing up and cleaning around the school as required
Teaching the students new skills such as arts and crafts, music, dance, etc
Planning and take part in the extracurricular activities
Assisting with homework and student school projects

An interest in education is essential, but previous experience of working in a school is not required. What is more important than your qualifications and experience is your attitude and approach to life. We are looking for volunteers who are self-motivated, flexible, able to work both independently and in a team, patient, kind and considerate, able to cope with setbacks, and of course have a sense of humour! Volunteers are expected to be role models for the children and passionate about helping them have the best possible start in life.

Airport pick-up on arrival & drop-off at departure (Windhoek International)
Accommodation
Three meals a day
24-hour support & supervision
Donation to the project
Certificate of appreciation

Minimum age of 18
Basic level of competency in English
Police Clearance Certificate
Completed application form
First aid certificate or qualification is desirable
Experience in teaching or experience in working with children is preferred

Visa Info
You will receive a 90 day tourist visa on arrival, remember to have a copy of your supporting letter.

The project is closed on the following school holidays in 2020:

05 Dec to January 2021

The project is closed on the following public holidays in 2021:
Due to the current situation with COVID the new school holiday dates for 2021 and 2022 are not yet available.

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.