Volunteer Food Handler

Volunteer Food Handler Opportunity at Bakwena Secondary School

Duration: 11 Months (May 2025 – March 2026)
Location: Bethanie, North West Province, South Africa

The Department of Education in the North West Province, through Bakwena Secondary School, has announced an opportunity for Volunteer Food Handlers (VFHs) as part of the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). This initiative aims to promote learning by addressing hunger and malnutrition among learners by providing healthy, nutritious meals daily.

The school invites applications from parents and legal guardians of learners currently attending Bakwena Secondary to be considered for this volunteer position. Successful candidates will serve for 11 months, beginning in May 2025 and ending in March 2026.

🧾 Key Responsibilities of the Volunteer Food Handler

Selected candidates will be responsible for a range of duties focused on ensuring that learners receive well-prepared, hygienic meals in a conducive environment. The duties include:

1. Meal Preparation and Service

   • Prepare and serve nutritious meals to learners punctually.

   • Maintain meal quality and adhere to daily schedules to avoid disruption of learning activities.

2. Support Teaching and Learning

   • Assist by taking cooked food to classrooms and helping teachers ensure learners eat and clean up efficiently.

   • Create a seamless integration between the nutrition program and the learning environment.

3. Health and Hygiene Maintenance

   • Make handwashing facilities accessible to learners before and after meals.

   • Promote basic hygiene practices and support learners in developing long-term healthy habits.

4. Sanitation and Cleanliness

• Wash cooking utensils and clean food preparation areas thoroughly after use.

• Practice safe food handling procedures, helping reduce the risk of contamination.

5. Storage and Inventory

   • Ensure the safe storage of ingredients, cooked meals, and cooking equipment.

   • Conduct regular stock checks and report inventory levels to school authorities.

   • Keep an updated stock register and follow a tracking system for usage.

These duties form a crucial part of the learning ecosystem, not only nourishing the learners physically but also enabling better classroom participation and concentration.

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👤 Minimum Requirements

To qualify, the applicant must:

• Be a parent or legal guardian of a learner enrolled at Bakwena Secondary School.

• Be a South African citizen.

• Reside within the school’s local community.

These requirements are designed to ensure trust, familiarity, and accountability, while also encouraging local economic participation.

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⭐ Added Advantages (Preferred Criteria)

Although not compulsory, applicants who meet the following criteria will be at an added advantage:

• Proximity: Lives close to the school, ensuring punctuality and availability.

• Experience: Has previously worked under the NSNP or served as a VFH within the last two years.

• Literacy: Can read and write, which helps in maintaining stock registers and reporting.

• Teamwork: Shows willingness to cooperate with the school team and follow instructions.

While these qualities are not mandatory, they reflect the ideal candidate profile that can maximize the success and reliability of the program.

💵 Compensation & Conditions

Volunteer Food Handlers are not salaried workers, but they will receive a monthly stipend. The exact amount is determined by the NSNP Conditional Grant Framework, which standardizes the allowance across participating provinces.

The stipend is not meant to be a wage but rather a token of appreciation and compensation for time and effort. It ensures the program attracts committed individuals while maintaining its non-profit nature.

Successful applicants must be willing to:

• Submit banking details for stipend processing.

• Follow set schedules and participate in school planning where required.

• Engage with other staff members respectfully and professionally.

📅 Application Details

Collection of Application Forms:

• Date: 05 May 2025

• Time: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

• Location: Bakwena Secondary School

Forms must be collected in person, and only on the date specified.

Submission of Completed Applications:

• Dates: 06 – 07 May 2025

• Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

• Location: School Office

• Attention: The Principal

Applications must be submitted using the official VFH Application Form, which is provided by the school free of charge.

Applicants are strictly advised to ensure that the forms are fully completed and submitted by the deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

📞 Enquiries and Contact Information

For further assistance, applicants may contact the school at:

• Principal: Mr. Segale R.D.

• Chairperson: Maila M.M.

• Secretary: Phethise M.G.T.

• Telephone: 012 256 1001

• Postal Address: P.O. Box 103, Bethanie 0270

Enquiries related to the program, form completion, or eligibility can be directed to the school principal. Walk-ins during school hours are likely to be accommodated, though appointments are encouraged for longer discussions.

📌 Final Notes and Ethical Considerations

This opportunity is an example of how the Department of Education is empowering local communities to participate in enhancing the learning environment. The NSNP's success depends not only on efficient logistics and resources but also on dedicated volunteers from the community.

By recruiting Volunteer Food Handlers from among parents and guardians, the program ensures that the individuals involved have a vested interest in the well-being and development of learners.

The school and department emphasize that no fee is required to collect or submit application forms. All official documentation is provided free of charge, and any demand for payment should be reported to school authorities or education officials.

This advertisement is an inclusive call to action. It invites members of the school community to be active contributors to learner wellness, school spirit, and holistic education.