Youth Action South Africa

  South Africa

• Cape Town: 
Cape Town (Kaapstad)

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: 1st Monday of each month

Description: The project is run like a family home and offers a safe and secure environment for these young men to get their lives back on track.

Highlights: After arrival at Cape Town International airport, you will be met and taken to your accommodation ready for your 4-day induction with all the other volunteers who have also just arrived. The induction will provide you with all the necessary information for living in Cape Town, after which, you'll be introduced to the project.

The project works with young men (aged 17 - 25) from troubled backgrounds, who are offered a chance to make something of their lives. Typically these young men are too old to qualify for Child Benefits, but too far behind in their education to be able to support themselves. Run as a family, this home is a safe environment where young men are supported while they complete their schooling and get ready for the job market.

There is a strong focus on reuniting the young men with family, and volunteers could assist the Social Worker in establishing contact and visiting families. There will be a certain amount of filing and other admin related to this, which volunteers may be expected to help with too.

The volunteer's role is to arrange activities for the youths, to boost the ratio of youth to adult so that each youth can receive more attention. To offer Internet and computer assistance, especially for research purposes. To be a big brother or sister by being positive, supportive and someone who challenges the guys to be the best they can be. Cook meals with the guys, play football, sit at flea markets with them selling their T-shirts and other goodies, arrange social events and outings for them, and go surfing with them on Friday afternoons!

The project runs 3pm - 9pm, Monday to Friday and there are weekend activities that volunteers can get involved with too, such as outings, camping trips and social events. The project is quiet during the mornings while the guys are at school or college. There are some routine tasks to do, like fundraising, housekeeping and assisting social workers with reuniting the guys with their families.

It is important to relax and get to know the guys, to build friendships, and realise that your being there is more important than set tasks you are doing. Through friendships and sharing your own life experience you will be a positive influence.

Qualifications: - Minimum age 21 yrs

- Ability to communicate in a warm and simple way, and meet the guys at their level

- Basic counseling and conflict management

- Educational skills would be an advantage, as well as computer literacy

- Emotional maturity is essential.

- International volunteers are welcome

Cost in US$: From 900 GBP

1 - Living with a host family gives you the opportunity to play an active role in the household, and a true understanding of South African culture. You will be provided with a food allowance and self-catering facilities. Certain meals are also taken at the project at no additional expense.

2 - Volunteer House Accommodation in a trendy part of Cape Town close to city centre, making it easier to go out at night. Highly recommended for party people and independent travelers. Accommodation will include self service breakfast, evening meals prepared for you, regular cleaning of the house and laundry services.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

Twin Group - Work and Volunteer Abroad's Mission Statement: To provide the highest quality and the best value services to students, clients, suppliers, agents and partners in the worldwide delivery of language courses, travel, training and employment services.

Year Founded: 1993