Info

Working with young men aged 17 - 25 helping them discover their full potential

* Overview *
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.


* Programme details *
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

Duration

From 8 weeks up to a maximum of 1 year

Start Dates

First Monday of each month

Requirements

* 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