Change Lives through Volunteer and Internship Position in Cape Town

  South Africa

• Cape Town: 
Cape Town (Kaapstad)

Term: Throughout the year 
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: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Year round

Description: As an intern or volunteer you will be based with a non-profit organization working with underprivileged children in African communities. Most of the work is done in Cape Town, South Africa. The organization aims to give children and families purpose and hope in their lives and this is done by forming relationships with children and families through camps, holiday clubs, an after school enrichment program, education assistance and a daily breakfast club.

The programs are primarily run by interns and volunteers from around the world who assist from 1 week to 3 years!

Volunteers and interns can choose to work in one or several of the following programmes:
1. Education
You will assist children who, for various reasons have fallen far behind in their education. Sometimes children miss a lot of school due to illness, usually a result of poor nutrition.
Other times children are made to stay home to assist with looking after younger siblings.
The programme assists children with catching up to where they should be for their grade level. With small classes individual attention can be given and students are assisted in areas where they are behind (usually reading, writing and maths). Children are also given a healthy lunchtime snack everyday to assist with concentration and behaviour management. Children are also taught about personal hygiene, each child has a toothbrush in the classroom so that they can clean their teeth after attending the Breakfast Club. Children are taught basic life skills such as cooking, how to answer the telephone, measuring, etc. The organization aims to catch children up enough to ensure that they can attend good high schools and graduate, enabling them to attend a college or university.

2. Holiday Club
Each school holidays children are invited to join the holiday club. During this time you go on field trips to local attractions such as beaches, parks, go on hikes, hold theme days, and have the every popular sleep overs! Children enjoy a wide variety of activities while learning about the things around them. Each holiday period we have one day where parents can be involved too a family movie night, a game show day or family games. The aim in doing this is to get parents interacting with their children in a fun and positive way.

3. After School Enrichment Programme
The after school enrichment program runs Monday - Friday from 3 PM 5 PM. Children are given a healthy snack each afternoon. Children are split into groups by age and gender. Each week groups follow a theme such as health, leadership, friendship, etc. Children are able to learn, discover and have fun in a safe, caring environment. Children are also able to learn teamwork and get some physical activity through playing sports and games. Children are able to earn "SHINE Dollars" by showing teamwork, caring for others, being helpful, etc. Each month children are able to spend their SHINE Dollars in our SHINE shop. They are able to purchase items of clothing, school supplies, balls, games, etc. This teachers children the value of "money" as well as responsibility -they have to make sure that they keep their SHINE Dollars in a safe place until shopping day! Children are given the opportunity to correspond with pen-pals around the world. This gives the children the chance to learn about people in other countries.

Highlights:
-Training provided in one of the top youth organizations in South Africa
-Interning in one of the most beautiful cities in the world
-We take care of all the necessary paperwork with your host company, organization 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 organize weekly meetings and affordable and exciting monthly weekend trips for all 'Magisters' and friends of Magister.
-If you are interested in traveling 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:
-A study background in education, psychology, youth development or a passion for youth work
-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$: 600

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18 to 35

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

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

Magister Student Placement Organisation's Mission Statement: As one of the most established and well known intern and 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