Teach children photography, from township areas, giving them a chance to learn about this exciting medium whilst also training them to become self-sustainable professional photographers. A brilliant social impact project that can change lives.
... We need a minimum of 2 participants on this project so please do encourage your photography friends and course mates to get involved too ...
Photography in South Africa
As in most countries, photography is only accessible by those that have money so you will find in bustling cities, like Cape Town and Johannesburg, that professional photographers are in good supply and are making a good living from it. However, for the majority of South Africans, in particular, those living in the disadvantaged and township areas, photography opportunities don't exist at all. This is why our photography project provides a great platform for children and young adults to be trained in this discipline, teaching them the right skills to one day seek their own profession careers in photography.
Your Photography Volunteer Placement in South Africa
During your photography project you will assist a team of professionals, who have developed a curriculum to take photography into the disadvantaged areas to train and teach children and young adults the skills required. Starting off with the basics of handling a camera, understanding exposure and composition, the curriculum aims to give young South Africans the raw materials to feel confident in using equipment that they are unfamiliar with. Photography can be a board and sometimes technically complicated subject to get your head around, so your purpose is to make it fun and simple to understand, giving the children a passion to continue learning and taking this creative skill further.
Your Photography Role in South Africa
Depending on what phase of the project you enter, your role will be either teaching young people the absolute basics of photography through to more advanced and technical support for those that have progressed further in their training. You will be there to encourage creativity, remembering the important message when teaching kids photography for the first time is not to 'kill' some of the playfulness that can make a child's images so special. Experiment and have fun, setting briefs to allow these young photographers to explore their own stories and ways of capturing historic moments in and around the communities where they live. Teach them how to shoot from different perspectives – up high, down low, getting in close to their subject – stepping back for a wider angle shot, moving around the subject to shoot from different sides and experimenting with different settings (teaching them about different exposure modes). Your timing may also involve public exhibitions, putting on events and showing off your photography students work, helping communicate that these young people have the skills to be given photographic work in their own local community, thus providing jobs to those that otherwise would not be given the chance.
Taking Your Own Photography Further
(Great For College and Degree Level Photography Students)
Your trip would not be complete without exploring and developing your own photography portfolio further. By working through us, we can provide you with unique access to communities, people and life stories that a typical tourist would not have. If you are working towards a photography degree exhibition then find an interesting subject you want to explore and we'll make the efforts to help you meet the right people. After the awful years of Apetheid in South Africa you will soon see the effects this has had on many South African lives, which might become the backdrop for an interesting project. South Africa is also rich in wildlife and stunning landscapes so you time would not be complete by visiting local game reserves and travelling this awesome country.
CRB/ DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) Check
It is advised that participants complete a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check before joining this project. Changing Worlds can provide this service for you at an additional cost of £30. For more information on the application process please take a look at the relevant Add On tab.
Gap Year, Career Breaks or Student Photography Trips in South Africa
Our photography trip to South Africa to teach kids photography is the perfect trip to fit into a gap year, student summer holiday or career break. We need people that are wanting to do something a little different (whether an amateur photographer or professional) whilst having the perfect platform to explore their own photographic interest in a great and exciting country. This trip will see you give something back, empower lives whilst giving you unforgettable memories, close friendships and an experience of a lifetime.
Download the South Africa Country Info Brochure - Click Here!
Quick Facts
- Trip Name
- Photography Teaching Project
- Trip Code
- ZAVPT1
- Continent
- Africa
- Country
- South Africa
- Airport
- Port Elizabeth (airport code PLZ)
- Minimum Duration
- 5 Weeks
- Minimum Age
- 18
- Trip Type
- Volunteering
- Activity
- Art & Craft, Media & Journalism, Photography & Film
- Cost
- From £1295 for 5 Weeks
- Deposit
- £ 195.00
- Preferred Duration
- This project runs for 5 weeks only, so please come for the full duration.
- Pre-requisites
- Ideally we need people that have experience in photography and the basics of using a camera and understanding exposure and composition. Students on a college or degree level course as well as professionals would be perfect. We would also like you to try and get at least 5 digital cameras and some old laptops to help us run the project so get asking your college, university and friends for old equipment that can be donated.
- Ideal for
- Photographers (amateur and professional), photographic students, photography teachers, creatives, travel photographers, social documentary photographers, career breaks and gap year travellers.
• • •
Arrival Dates
Start Dates 2020
19th Sep to 24th Oct = 5 weeks at £1295
19th Sep to 31st Oct = 6 weeks at £1470
19th Sep to 7th Nov = 7 weeks at £1645
Note 1: dates are subject to change.
Visa
British Nationals only require a visa to enter South Africa is they intend on staying over 90 days. Click here to check your eligibility or to get a tourist visa for visit over 90 days.
• • •
Included
- Accommodation
- Volunteer lodge with shared rooms (4-10 people per room); Basic but comfortable; Shared toilet and shower facilities; Communal areas for socialising and relaxation; Single and double rooms may also be available – contact us.
- Food
- 3 meals a day; Basic but nutritious.
- Airport Transfers
- Included on arrival and departure dates. Ask us for details if you are arriving early.
- Training
- Full project induction and local orientation given on arrival.
- Support
- Pre-departure help and advice; Local in-country team; 24 hour emergency support.
- Donation
- Part of your fee is used to buy decent equipment for the project and community you work with. However, it would be helpful if you could bring old digital cameras and laptops as well.
- Equipment and Medical Discounts
- Changing Worlds customers will receive 10% off Travel Equipment, Medical Supplies and Vaccinations from Nomad Travel Store.
- Excursions and Social activities/trips.
- These vary depending on the length of your stay, but can include: Kragga Kama Game Reserve trip, Meal at Bushcamp Boma, Visit the Red Location Museum, Trip to Jeffrey's Bay with Duneboarding (Accommodation and surfing not included), Trip to Bungee location (Bungee costs not included), Authentic Braais (BBQ), Traditional dance and drumming performances.
• • •
Not Included
Flights; Travel Insurance; Visas; Vaccinations; Spending money; In country travel; Laundry service; Extra activities not on itinerary.
• • •
With seven world heritage sites, home to the Big 5, a absolute powerhouse in international sport, and birthplace of the great Nelson Mandela, South Africa is a truly diverse and captivating country. South Africa attracts many travellers from all over the world, from the rich and famous going to have a luxury safaris at Shamwari Game Reserve, or the adventure traveller looking for their own secluded piece of natural beauty on the Garden Route, South Africa is as diverse as it is large, and has a great deal to offer.
Five times the size of the United Kingdom, South Africa’s culture and landscape will inspire and amaze you, from wildlife safaris and wine tasting tours, to breathtaking surf beaches and cosmopolitan cities. South Africa will leave a lasting impression long after you return home.
Quick Facts
- Name
- Republic of South Africa
- Location
- Africa
- Bordering Countries
- Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.
- Capital City
- Pretoria (official); Bloemfontein (judicial) and Cape Town (legislative).
- Government
- Democratic Republic
- Population
- 53 million
- Language
- 11 official languages; English, Afrikaans, Sesotho, Setswana, Xhosa and Zulu.
- Currency
- Rand (ZAR)
- Name
- Republic of South Africa
- Poverty
- 50% of population below the poverty line
- Main Exports
- Gold, diamonds, metals and minerals, cars, machinery.
- Climate
- Temperate: Mostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny days, cool nights
- Time Zone
- UTC +2
- Flag

Fun Facts
• Charlize Theron was the first South African to win an Oscar (Best Actress, Monster, 2004)
• Lekker means "cool" or "awesome"
• South Africa is the first African nation to host the FIFA World Cup
Travel Highlights
• Big 5 Safari – the chance to see lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino
• Climb Table Mountain for spectacular views of Cape Town
• Wine Tour in the Stellenbosch Valley – find a new favourite in this famous region
• Walk in the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains
• Surf at Jeffrey's Bay - have a lesson with a professional surfer
Where is South Africa?
The Republic of South Africa lies at the very southern tip of Africa, flanked by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The country is almost five times the size of the UK and shares southern Africa with Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.
History of South Africa
South Africa’s turbulent history is a blend of tribal warfare, racial struggle and political activity, the legacy of which lives on in the multicultural country that you see today. The Dutch were the first European settlers to land in South Africa, way back in the 17th century. They brought a new religion (the Dutch Reformed Church) and a new language (Afrikaans) which is still widely spoken throughout South Africa. The British, however, became increasingly prominent during the late 18th century and tensions soon led to the Anglo-Boer War. The conflict saw the Boers (Dutch farmers) and the British forces locked in battle from 1899-1902. The British were victorious and finally took control of the Boer regions of Transvaal and the Orange Free State (OFS) and ruled the country until 1910 when the Union of South Africa was created.
The Union of South Africa installed political power to the whites and, unsurprisingly, extreme racial segregation, better known as apartheid, was soon evident across the country. The Afrikaner National Party was especially renowned for upholding its strict racial regime from 1948 onwards. Blacks established their own political parties in response to this oppression, the most notable being the African National Congress (ANC), and black-led protests were met with unfettered violence. During the 1960s, the leaders of the ANC were imprisoned, including Nelson Mandela, and the country left the Commonwealth declaring itself a republic state. Racial tensions continued for many years and it was only in 1989, when FW de Klerk came to power, that South Africa gained a new hope for peace. In 1990, Nelson Mandela was freed from prison and became the first black president, winning the 1994 general election. Soon afterwards, South Africa returned to the Commonwealth.
South Africa has come a long way since the days of apartheid, but the division between whites and blacks still exists today. Fortunately, as one of the most democratic and well developed nations on the continent, South Africa can now be hopeful about finally resolving its turbulent and racially-loaded past.
Climate in South Africa
South Africa has an envious climate, with sunny weather being enjoyed throughout the year, although the temperatures in winter tend to be cool and mild. South Africa’s seasons are the opposite of the northern hemisphere and the winter months are therefore spread from June to August, with temperatures ranging from around 10°C to 20°C. The summer weather blazes from November to March, with temperatures reaching about 30°C, and spring is during September and October, with autumn between April and May.
Languages of South Africa
There are 11 official languages in South Africa but English is widely spoken, especially in the main cities. If travelling through South Africa, you will undoubtedly come across this variety of language. Afrikaans speakers usually speak English well, but this is not always the case in small towns and amongst the older generations. There are several African languages spoken, of which the most common are Zulu and Xhosa which uses a variety of clicks – hard to learn but will provide a source of intrigue for listeners.
Music in South Africa
Many people are familiar with the African sounds and choral beauty of the Lady Smith Black Mambazo band, most notably for their collaboration with Paul Simon on the Graceland project of 1986, winning fans throughout the world. Their music has also been used on TV commercials such as the Heinz baked beans TV advert in 1999. The Mambazo’s music has a recognizable sound (known as the Iscathamiya style of singing) but there is an array of other South African music which you should try to sample while in country, including Hip Hop, Reggae, Jazz and other contemporary styles.
Food in South Africa
South Africa offers traditional food spanning many different cultures, from Braais (barbeques) and biltong (dried meat), to Potjiekos (cooked meat and vegetable stew) and Mielie Pap (a stiff corn meal mix).
Travelling in South Africa
South Africa offers a reliable and affordable bus network that makes travelling the country by coach a convenient option. The journey from Cape Town (west coast) to Johannesburg (east coast) takes around 20 hours and there are a number of reputable companies to choose from, including Greyhound and Translux, as well as other hop-on, hop-off services that are targeted at the backpacker market. Travelling by bus is also a great way to explore the Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth – a stunning coastal landscape rich with wildlife and flora.
Travelling by train is another affordable option, but often slightly more expensive than bus. Travel times tend to be shorter than bus, but not in every case. For example, the train journey from Cape Town (west coast) to Johannesburg (east coast) can take up to 30 hours as opposed to 20 hours by bus.
Renting a car gives you flexibility and is perhaps the best way to discover the areas of South Africa that the bus and train networks do not service. The roads are well kept and a number of major car rental companies operate in South Africa which makes car rental simple. You must, however, make sure you have a valid driver’s licence and are fully insured to drive in South Africa.
Flying is the most convenient way to travel between South Africa’s most popular areas and cities, including Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg. Booking early will save you money and there are a number of domestic airlines to choose from.
South Africa is a haven for adventure with extreme sports, varied landscapes and famous surfing destinations, namely Jeffrey's Bay. There are also fantastic golf courses, scenic hiking routes (an ideal way of getting close to the natural environment and also an inexpensive way of exploring the country), places to parachute jump, go mountain biking, scuba dive and much more. You may want to include some of the following activities while in-country: mountain biking, camping, shark diving, bungee jumping, 4x4 safaris, golf, fishing, scuba diving, parachuting, horse riding, dune boarding, boogey boards, deep sea cruises, tennis, squash, kayaking, badminton, water skiing, coastal hiking and power kiting.
Sport in South Africa
South Africa has long been a respected and fearsome force in international sport with its rugby, cricket and football teams providing strong competition around the globe. South Africa is therefore a perfect destination for anyone who has a passion for sport, whether playing it, coaching it or watching it. However, behind South Africa’s sporting success, lies a lack of sporting opportunities for many of the children living in the townships and poorer communities.
Gap Years and Career Breaks in South Africa
South Africa is a fantastic destination for those who want a really varied gap year or career break. With opportunities to witness sporting drive and passion on another level, the experience of free falling from a platform high above the ground on the worlds tallest bungee jump, to getting up close with wildlife, and tracking the Big 5 in some of the worlds most famed game reserves. South Africa has something for everyone, so take this opportunity to make your trip truly memorable!
Some people find the concept of paying to volunteer a bit strange. The truth is you don’t actually pay for your volunteer placement. That part is free. Your money goes on all the other benefits around it.
Placement Assessment
Before you see a placement on our website, a lot of background work has gone on. We have met with local organisations, vetted in-country staff, conducted rigorous safety assessments and thoroughly evaluated the benefits of the placement, both for you and the community. Only then do you get to see the placement on our website and book your place, safe in the knowledge that it is well-structured and beneficial to the local community.
Help Choosing Your Placement
If you are not sure which placement or country to choose, our hugely informative Travel Advisors are here to help. They are a friendly bunch, have all travelled extensively and can offer lots of advice on choosing the right placement for you. This makes the task of deciding to volunteer in a foreign country much less intimidating, and far more exciting.
Pre-departure Advice
Once you have booked your placement, you will be assigned a dedicated Travel Advisor to offer essential pre-departure advice on vaccinations, visas, kit lists and more. They will also be on call to answer those important last minute questions like “how many pairs of socks do I need?” and “can I take my mobile phone with me?”
Help with Flights and Insurance
We do not include flights and travel insurance in our placement fee. This avoids us having to pass on unnecessary admin charges to you. It also gives you flexibility to plan any further travel before or after your volunteer placement. We do, however, offer lots of help on this through our leading flights and insurance partners, providing you with an easy booking facility and the best prices around.
Airport Pick-Up
Landing in a foreign country for the first time can be daunting. This is why we ensure our in-country staff are there to meet you on arrival. There’s nothing like seeing a friendly face when you walk out of a new airport. And once we have given you a warm welcome, the in-country staff will take you back to your accommodation where you can meet the rest of the team and other volunteers.
Arrival Orientation
We will take you through a local orientation and placement induction on arrival. This will introduce you to any useful amenities and local customs, and it will also show you how to stay safe while volunteering abroad. Our team also have lots of handy travel tips and advice if you are thinking of exploring the country in your spare time.
Accommodation and Food
Accommodation is included in all of our placements. Our volunteer houses, family home-stays and shared residences are comfortable and very sociable places to live while overseas. In some destinations, you may be able to upgrade to alternative accommodation. Just contact us for details. We endeavour to supply food on all of our placements, however in some cases this is not always possible. In many cases you will receive at least 1 meal a day, please see the project summary for further details.
In-Country Staff
Your safety and enjoyment is extremely important to us. That’s why we have dedicated in-country teams to look after you throughout your placement. Our staff live nearby, can be reached 24-hours a day and will check-in with you throughout your placement to ensure everything is running smoothly, and you are happy in your new environment.
24-Hour Emergency Support
In addition to our in-country staff, you will benefit from our international support network. You will be given emergency contact details before you leave which you can call in the event of a crisis. We are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Ongoing Project Support
For every volunteer who travels with us, we make a donation to support the work you do in-country. This donation funds future initiatives in the countries and supports the local community, ensuring that those living in disadvantaged communities also have opportunities to develop.
Recruiting More Volunteers
In order to provide a reliable flow of volunteers to our placements overseas, we have to spend a chunk of money on recruiting people like you. Our projects simply wouldn’t survive if we didn’t. It costs to maintain a website, an office, phone lines and a team of dedicated Travel Advisors to answer all your questions!
There are quite a few things to consider and to organise before you travel to your chosen destination to take part in your trip or tour with us.
Flights and Insurance
Flights and insurance are not included on your placement which means you will have to arrange them before you leave. But don't panic, this is simpler than you may think! To make life much easier for you, we offer a free, personal booking service through our chosen flights and insurance partner – StudentUniverse, part of Flight Centre. They will guide you every step of the way.
Please only use this service here and do not go into one of their branches as this can complicate things for us.
Browse or book flights using our search engine. Click here to access it.
Alternatively you can call them on 03300 585032 and mention you are considering or are going away with Changing Worlds and let them do the hard work. They will also be able to provide you with adequate travel insurance.
Travelling after your trip with us? Need a round-the-world ticket? Not a problem... just discuss this with them too.
Why are flights not included?
By not including flights in our trips and tours, it avoids us having to pass on unnecessary admin charges to you. This keeps the cost of your trip lower and also means you have the freedom to search around for the lowest fares and most flexible tickets that fit your travel plans. It also means you can benefit from the expertise of our preferred partner.
What happens when flights and insurance are booked?
When you book any trip with us, you will gain access to our online Travel Centre, personalised for you. In here you will have all the information about your trip and how to plan for it, including the contact details for our in-country team and address you will be staying at.
There are also some forms we need you to complete before you depart, covering areas like your dietary requirements, next-of-kin, medical information, flight arrivals details and more.
Do I really need travel insurance?
We take the safety of our travellers very seriously. You must therefore book adequate travel insurance before you come away with us – you simply won’t be able to participate in your trip or tour if you don’t. Although policies vary, your insurance must include emergency medical expenses, personal accident cover, and repatriation. We also recommend that you book baggage, personal liability and cancellation cover.
Visas
Some of the countries where we work will require you to have a visa. We provide guidance for this against the Trip Summary tab so you can check whether your nationality requires it. If a visa is required we will provide a letter of invitation, if the embassy requests this, as well as all the relevant information you will need to complete the visa application process. This information is provided after you book with us. With all visa applications it is important that you have sufficient space available in your passport for the relevant visas required for your travels, and that your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned date of return.
Please note we have no control over the issuing of visas and this is at the embassies discretion. We will help wherever possible though.
Vaccinations
At least 6 – 8 weeks before your chosen travel date you should visit your local GP or Nomad Travel Clinic to discuss your vaccination and medication requirements. Your medical professional will be able to advise you of any recommended and required vaccinations for your chosen destination(s).You should inform your doctor of all of your destination countries, and what activities you plan on doing, and in which regions you plan to stay while you are there, as different regions and activities have different health risks in some countries.
Some destination countries will require you to produce a certificate of vaccination in order to enter the country, so be sure that you understand any vaccination requirements for your chosen destination, so that you do not have any issues when passing through customs.
Above all you should make sure you are well prepared for your travels, so that you have the best experience possible whilst overseas!