Description

Connect-123's Child Life program at the Red Cross Children's Hospital in Cape Town strives to normalize the hospital experience through play as well as by providing developmentally appropriate psychological preparation and support to encourage effective coping and management of stressful medical events for children and their families. As a volunteer, you'll become a part of this dynamic program and work to change lives!

The program is open to child life specialists and students; however we also recognise that the most successful child life programs take a multidisciplinary approach which offers different kinds of therapies and interventions for the children and caregivers. Therefore we are delighted to consider volunteers whose contribution allows us to include therapies such as art, music and recreation as part of a child's treatment plan.

Highlights

Connect-123 program highlights:

- A placement coordinator who specializes in your field of interest to guide you through the application process, giving you insight into local opportunities and placing you in a position that suits your specific skills and experience.
- All the information you need to plan your trip and prepare for life in Cape Town
- Secure, central housing, with easy access to our on-the-ground staff
- Substantial local support, from providing logistical assistance to career and personal mentoring to hands-on help in case of an emergency
- Regular social and cultural activities to help you meet other volunteers and experience all that Cape Town has to offer.

Cape Town Highlights:
Cape Town is rated as one of the most beautiful cities in the world and for good reason: few cities are home to white sandy beaches, scenic hiking trails, spectacular ocean views and a 3,563 foot mountain!

Cape Town has something for everyone. Nature lovers can explore national parks, picturesque botanical gardens, historic winelands, and endless stretches of the Atlantic and Indian Ocean coasts. Adventure-seekers can sail, paraglide, surf, bungee jump, shark cage dive, sandboard, cycle, climb, run, paddle, and swim their way around the Western Cape at any time of the year. Culture-vultures can explore Cape Town's interesting political history, experience the art forms of its diverse cultures and learn more about social change and development in a new democracy. For socialites and foodies there are world-class restaurants, friendly locals and a vibrant nightlife.

With so much to do and see in Cape Town and South Africa, we're always happy to provide advice on how to plan your adventure.

Qualifications

Students and professionals in the fields of Child Life, therapeutic recreation, art therapy, music therapy, psychology and education, as well as pre-med students, will be assigned roles within the team according to their skills, interest and experience.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 1,595

Cost Includes:

• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure
• Registration fees

Program Fees Include:

Connect-123's program fee includes the following:

- facilitating a volunteer experience in Cape Town that specifically meets your needs
- arranging secure, high quality, centrally located accommodation based on your budget
- assisting with local transport, from providing advice on public transport routes to arranging long-term car hire
- airport meet and greet service
- a complete South Africa preparation and orientation information pack
- a comprehensive orientation on arrival and free ticket for a guided city bus tour, that highlights all that Cape Town has to offer
- advice and mentoring before, during, and after your stay
- access to our social program and discounts on tourist activities
- 24/7 emergency support and hands-on assistance

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

yes

Some experience with children is required

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Guest House
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 2-10

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

one week

Post Services Include

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

Connect-123 Internship & Volunteer Programs's Mission Statement

Connect-123 facilitates international internship and volunteer positions, linking students and graduates with hands-on learning opportunities in Argentina, China, Ireland, South Africa and Spain for personal and career development. We work across a wide range of fields including business, education, health care, human rights, journalism, social work, and sustainable development and, through our unique consulting process, aim to match the right person to the right local organization, creating equal value for both. Our local knowledge, commitment and passion for what we do ensures that participants feel fully supported and helps them to make the most of their experience abroad.

Year Founded

2005