Description

Duties for the volunteers will vary from feeding, playing and teaching, to helping with preparing meals and making educational toys and learning aids. Volunteers need to be flexible and willing to help wherever help is needed. It is also important that they understand the local community situations and the local challenges associated with these types of placements, and must be able to take initiative in assessing the needs at the creche.

Kayamandi is a black informal settlement. People in this township are underprivileged and from disadvantaged backgrounds. The homestay will be within walking distance of the school.

Highlights

Often referred to as The world in one country South Africa is a land of extraordinary beauty, mystery and adventure. Although this expression alludes to the varying climatic conditions, vegetation and the abundance of animals, it can also be used to describe the diversity of cultures, languages and religions, and the extremes of first world development next to third world difficulties.

Working with VIP in South Africa gives the volunteer first hand knowledge of a new nation working toward a vision of unity and prosperity. Many serious problems need to be tackled if this vision is to be realized, such as poverty, AIDS, and inequality. This is where volunteers can make a real contribution, in areas such as education, health care and environmental projects.

Qualifications

A love for children and lots of patience are very important for the volunteer. In the areas where Xhosa or Afrikaans is mostly spoken, the volunteer would need even more patience as most of the children cannot speak English. The language barrier is not really a problem as the kids are very eager to learn. A willingness to help in other areas of the project would also add value such as in working on upgrades to the facility or finding creative ways to make educational and learning materials.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Program Fees Include:

* Application processing, interview and pre-departure information.
* Pre-placement in a development project.
* A handbook and guide with more information about living in South Africa .
* Meals and accommodation for the duration of the placement.
* Transfer from the airport in Cape Town to the Lodge/Hostel.
* Transport to and from the project site.
* A comprehensive seven-day orientation on arrival in Cape Town .
* Daily pick ups from the hostel when on day tours
* A total of 5 different tours during the orientation week, with two free days.
* The full support of the hosting organization.
* Applicants are free to use the office's telephone (for local calls) and computer for e-mail.
* Assistance and back-up support while in South Africa, with full onward travel advice.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• Teaching

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Volunteers for International Partnership's Mission Statement

Volunteers for International Partnership offers each international volunteer an opportunity to learn a culture from the inside while doing valuable community service, peer to peer, in a stimulating new environment. VIP is committed to: *Careful selection and preparation of the volunteer, host family and Host Organization. *Emphasis on the education and self-awareness gained through international community service and volunteering. *Planning the volunteer's intercultural experience to highlight enrichment from cultural differences. *Full immersion in the host culture through orientation, language training, worksite and housing selection. *Individualization of volunteer placement design to take full advantage of volunteer differences in skill, age, experience and diversity. *Effective evaluation of the experience and the Host Organization. *Strong efforts to enhance the volunteer's social adjustment to regional habits and customs. *Choosing volunteer service projects that are worthwhile, safe, meet the needs of the local community and are conducted responsibly with regard to environmental, social and local issues.