Volunteer Peer Educator

  South Africa

• Cape Town: 
Cape Town (Kaapstad)

Duration of Program: 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 7-12 months
Dates: 1/2/10-12/20/10

Description: Live in a rural community in the Eastern Cape of South Africa for 9 months, while working in partnership with a local South African young person. Together they will develop "Youth Action Groups," focusing on career guidance and the development of life skills such as computer literacy, business skills and sustainable community development, in addition to building young peoples' understanding of basic health issues. SPW volunteers may stay in a home stay for part of training, but will live in a rondeval with their South African partner in their placement community.

Highlights: SPW works in the traditional heartlands of the Xhosa people in the Eastern Cape. Rural communities in this area are among the most disadvantaged in Africa and deeply affected by both unemployment and HIV & AIDS. Volunteers use sports, music, drama, arts and debate to open a dialogue with local youth and actively involve them in learning about the health and environmental issues affecting their community.

Qualifications: We are looking for young people aged 18-28 with a minimum of a high school degree, and who are committed to making a difference.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: 6,500

Salary / Pay: SPW provides comprehensive health insurance for the duration of volunteer's placement.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A typical volunteer is either taking a break after graduating from high school or university, taking a year off while in school, or young professionals looking for a career break or exploring a new career path. Volunteers come with all kinds of motivations, but all share a desire to make a positive difference within the communities SPW works, are open to working in partnership with local youth and national counterparts, and are eager to grow personally and professionally through their work with SPW.

Age Range: 18-28

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European and Kiwi Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 1-2

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Students Partnership Worldwide USA's Mission Statement: Placing young people at the forefront of change and development.

Year Founded: 1985