Challenging Volunteer Positions in a Youth Organization in Cape Town

  South Africa

• Cape Town: 
Cape Town (Kaapstad)

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Year round

Description: This organisation works with troubled children and aims to be effective in communities through family preservation. They develop and assist the youth by teaching life skills and enable them to realize their full potential.

At present the unemployment rate is high and most of the children, youth and young adults are living lives without vision and meaning. Many adults abuse alcohol and other drugs and are therefore not actively positively guiding the youth. The organization has a programme that focuses on teaching children and youth life skills and give them vision and meaning. There are many other programs running with the goal of developing the community so as to prevent children being found at risk and needing residential care.

The organization has hosted many interns and volunteers in the past so they are familiar with introducing students and making sure they get the most benefit from their stay.

As an intern you will work with the program manager. In the mornings you will work in the primary school in the Village community, as an Edu-care assistant, and be assigned to a specific teacher to assist them in dealing with children in the class. In the afternoons you will be involved with the after-school programme which runs from Monday-Thursday from 2-5pm and during this time you will focus on teaching life skills to the children, and using games and various forms of arts and crafts to give the children vision and meaning and encourage their strengths and build relationships. On Fridays you will take part in team meetings with other staff & volunteers until 3 pm. They also provide a "holiday program" during the school holidays which mostly consists of outings, sleep-overs, and other fun events.

Highlights:
- Volunteering in one of the most beautiful cities in the world
- We take care of all the necessary paperwork with your host company, organisation or institution
- We assist you with the visa formalities, insurance and flight bookings.
- We organize an accommodation for you that suits your needs and budget.
- We welcome you at the airport, take you to your accommodation and show you around.
- On arrival you'll get an information folder about Cape Town including important phone numbers, tips and details plus a discount card for several backpackers, bars, restaurants and car hire.
- You will receive a local SIM-card for your cell phone from us.
- We accompany you on your fist day of work and give you a friendly introduction to your new colleagues.
- We assist you with renting or purchasing a car.
- You will receive our weekly Newsletter.
- We organise weekly meetings and affordable and exciting monthly weekend trips for all 'Magisters' and friends of Magister
- If you are interested in travelling we can get you large discounts with well known local tour operators.
- We are always available for you before, during, and after your stay.

Qualifications:
- An interest in education, psychology,youth development or a related field.
- A passion for youth and a keen desire to make a difference in their lives
- Outgoing personality and enjoy taking part in activities.

Cost in US$: 500

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

Magister Student Placement Organisation's Mission Statement: As one of the most established and well known student, volunteer organizations in Cape Town, Magister's main objective is geared towards the matching and placing of qualified International students and volunteers with dynamic Cape Town based companies and organizations. Magister also caters for the needs of backpacker tourists and newly qualified entrants to the labor market. With our wide network of contacts and range of skills we strive to ensure that your experience abroad remains an unforgettable one. While strengthening foreign ties between South Africa and other countries, Magister offers great value to their students and invests in their personal development and education as well as their careers. By liaising regularly with the students and providing professional advice and individualized services, we aim to ensure the easy set-up, smooth running and successful conclusion of ventures. We encourage the students to get to know one another and establish relationships that will support them throughout their stay in South Africa.

Year Founded: 2000