Community building

Community 

UCT encourages you to be part of the university community. One of the many reasons students are encouraged to avail themselves for community projects is so that you feel part of something bigger than you, while at the same time keeping the main thing the main thing.  

The Knowledge Co-op 

The Knowledge Co-op allows external communities to access the university’s knowledge, skills, resources and professional expertise. It facilitates collaboration with community partners to address the development challenges they identify and define. Participating students and academics gain work experience, advance the quality of their research, and contribute to local communities. 

021 650 4415 | knowledgecoop.admin@uct.ac.za 

The Global Citizenship Programme 

UCT’s Global Citizenship: Leading for Social Justice Programme provides students with an opportunity to engage with global debates and reflect on issues of citizenship, social justice and community engagement. 

021 650 3431/4158 | globalcitizen@uct.ac.za 

Summer School 

The university’s flagship public education programme, Summer School, makes academic resources available to the wider Cape Town community. The programme contributes to the university’s social responsiveness by making academic and university resources available to the public and by providing learning opportunities that do not involve examinations or certification. 

021 650 2888 | ems@uct.ac.za 

Here are a few non-profit organisations around Cape Town that welcome volunteers. 

The Help2Read initiative aims to recruit, train and support literate adult volunteers from local communities to help disadvantaged primary school children who struggle to read. The volunteer readers work with children on a one-on-one basis and reading sessions take place once a week. 

Western Cape 
082 365 2153| info@help2read.org 

Sisters Incorporated 

Sisters Incorporated is a non-profit organisation that houses South African women who are victims of domestic violence. Volunteers are required to visit the organisation once a week to facilitate a workshop with residents. These workshops aim to educate women on their human rights and empower them for their return to life outside. 

Kenilworth 
021 797 4191 | info@sisters.org.za 

Rape Crisis works around adult rape and sexual violence. They encourage survivors to report sexual violence to the authorities, and the organisation also works towards addressing legislation in the country. 

23 Trill Road, Observatory 
24-hour helpline 021 447 9762 

communications@rapecrisis.org.za 
www.facebook.com/rapecrisiscapetown 
www.twitter.com/RapeCrisis 

The Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children researches gender-based violence and provides safe accommodation, legal advice and childcare services to survivors of abuse. Centre volunteers visit and interact with children over weekends, collect food and other donations in and around Cape Town, and assist with garden work. 

Klipfontein Road, Athlone 
021 633 1253 

Friends of the Children’s Hospital Association is a voluntary support group to the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and welcomes all volunteers. Note: you’ll need to undergo a special screening and orientation before you start work. 

Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital 

Klipfontein Road, Rondebosch 
021 658 5003| friendsofthechildrenshospital.org 

If you’re an animal lover, the SPCA is the place to be. There are many ways to get involved, including exercising dogs, cleaning cages and grooming cats. Attend one of the SPCA’s monthly volunteer sessions for insight into the volunteer programme. 

1st Avenue & First Road, Grassy Park 
021 700 4140 | info@capespca.co.za 

Get your hands dirty and get involved with Greenpop, a non-profit organisation dedicated to combatting climate change and raising awareness on environmental challenges. Typically, volunteers are tasked with educating children about the importance of conserving and preserving the environment. 

62 Roeland Street, Gardens 
083 412 8006 | info@greenpop.org 

The Scalabrini Centre offers specialised services to South Africans, migrants and refugees in Cape Town. The organisation is committed to alleviating poverty and promoting development in the Western Cape, while simultaneously fostering integration between migrants, refugees and South Africans. 

47 Commercial Street, Cape Town CBD 
021 465 6433 | info@scalabrini.org.za