Community Internship

Gain international work experience
Develop a global understanding of community service
Work with locals in the settlements
Discover the South African culture and social challenges
Gain insight into the South African social system
Make a difference in the lives of the community members
Improve your organizational and project management skills by organizing poverty prevention and upliftment workshops and projects
Gain social working hours and a letter of recommendation
Enhance your CV

The Western Cape, where the programs are based, is a very culturally diverse area of South Africa. There is a large integration of the poor with the wealthy. The main cultures that you will be working with are English or Afrikaans South Africans. In most of the poorer areas the children are colored (this is a non-derogatory name used to describe someone of mixed race in South Africa) or black, and speak Afrikaans and English.

Wolwerivier is a settlement located approximately 32 km from Cape Town centre. The settlement is home to around 3500 people living in 400 housing units. Each housing unit has access to running water, sanitation facilities and electricity as well as regular waste removal. Currently there is no police station, medical facilities, shopping areas or job opportunities within the settlement. However, there are security guards often patrolling Wolwerivier to maintain a safe environment.

Sunshine Educare is a school in Wolwerivier that was set up with the help of our volunteer foundation. It is open for children aged between 0 and 6 and aims to teach them basic English, maths and engages them through play and craft activities. When children reach the age of 6, they then have to travel outside of Wolwerivier to surrounding primary schools. A few schools offer a bus service whereas other schools do not, resulting in some children not being able to attend school because they cannot afford the taxi service. Sunshine Educare also serves as a community centre for the Wolwerivier community.

Day 1: Welcome to South Africa
You are collected from the airport and taken to your volunteer accommodation in Table View where you can check in and get comfortable before your welcome orientation and evening BBQ (braai). You will also receive your arrival package which includes a little bag, t-shirt, welcome book and SIM card.

Day 2: Orientation Tour of Cape Town
You will head into Cape Town with a member of staff who will take you on a walking tour of this great city together with the other new arrivals.

After the walking tour you can take a bus or walk to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Sit back and sip a cocktail, enjoy some fresh fish and watch the ships in the busy working harbour or walk around taking in the shops, markets and musicians on the sidewalks. Alternatively, you can take the cable car up Table Mountain and enjoy breathtaking views of the city, or visit the famous Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held in prison during the apartheid era (at own expense; advance booking recommended).

In the evening take the local bus back to Table View. Sunday dinner is a DIY evening, allowing everyone to showcase their local meals or join in a 'bring and BBQ'. You will also have time to relax and get ready before your internship begins.

Interns work 5 days a week from Monday to Friday and assist with childhood literacy projects, mentor students, work as the teacher’s assistants, lead life skills workshops, assist with sports programs, research educational policy, and contribute to the overall operations of education programs.

Responsibilities:
Assisting in maintaining the curriculum that is already in place under the direction of the head teacher
Supporting the head teacher in the process of developing and sharing classroom activities to meet developmental and academic objectives
Using constructive feedback from the head teacher and the volunteer organization to improve classroom environment
Developing, maintaining and implementing a classroom maintenance schedule with the head teacher, including but not limited to items such as cleaning the classroom, repairing materials, and planning events. Also assisting in record keeping for the classroom.
Maintaining a positive attitude and open communication with the head teacher
You will be required at projects on a daily basis to supervise and assist volunteers, possibly also required to transport volunteers to their projects 4-6 days a week
Assisting with collections
Ensuring there is appropriate support and training for volunteers
Organising rotas and providing inductions and training
Monitoring, supporting, motivating and accrediting volunteers and their work
Attending committees and meetings
Generating income, writing funding bids and fundraising to make projects sustainable
Data capturing, maintaining databases and undertaking any other administrative duties

With every new arrival we have a safety and orientation briefing where we discuss issues such as general safety in South Africa for example, what to do in the settlements, where not to go, what to do in case of an emergency, sea currents, HIV AIDS and crime. We offer all our volunteers 24/7 support and assistance.

Airport pick-up
Accommodation
Orientation & welcome BBQ
Walking tour
24-hour support and supervision
Donation to the project
Certificate of appreciation

Minimum age of 20
The position is a contract for 10-20 weeks
A diploma in teaching is required (experienced teachers will have preference)
Police clearance certificate
A valid driving license (PDP license would be a bonus)
This internship is for creative individuals who take initiative and like to bring their own ideas about teaching and education in general to the country
Good social and communicative skills
Well-spoken and articulate in the English language as well as good English writing skills
Copy of return flight itinerary
Acceptance subject to availability
The most important things to bring are a sense of humor, patience, an open mind and a positive attitude!

Internships and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.