Overview
South Africa Community Development Internship

As part of this internship you will work alongside a dedicated staff supervisor to make a real difference to the lives of orphans, aged from birth up to 8 years old, outside of Cape Town in South Africa. Interns will gain an internationally recognized qualification in Team Leading and gain invaluable hands on practical experience in a variety of fields including project management. You will be involved in implementing an educational program which focuses on fun, interactive activities in an informal environment. These activities will enhance the children's development in basic English conversational skills, arts, music and drama as well as their gross and fine motor co-ordination. This project will ensure that these children will be able to develop to their full potential in a safe, creative and caring environment. When volunteering at the orphanage there are also many opportunities to explore this beautiful part of South Africa. Paid and unpaid positions may be available for qualifying candidates upon completion of this internship.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, stories from the field, video diaries and more at the programs media centre

Working with the children has been one of the best experiences of my life. Their smiles make it hard to leave the orphanage everyday. No matter what happens during the day, I’m guaranteed to laugh with them at least once…

Chris Konolige, USA, GVI Intern

What Difference Does This Internship Make?

GVI have teamed up with a couple of small local partners that are working to improve the lives and opportunities of orphaned and disadvantaged children. GVI have designed an educational program to be implemented by GVI volunteers. No such program existed before and there is a desperate need for extra hands and skills to help deliver and run these educational activities for the children.

Highlights

Volunteer and live in an attractive coastal village or picturesque winelands town close to Cape Town and Stellenbosch, with direct exposure to local culture and communities. Gain an internationally recognised certificate in team leading. Optional side trips are available to Robben Island, Table Mountain, Cape Point and Penguins, Cape Town wildlife safari, wine tasting in Stellenbosch. For those travelling onwards there is easy access to the Garden Route and cheap domestic flights to Kruger National park from Cape Town.

Skills And Qualifications Received

• Internationally recognised qualification in Team Leading


• Teacher training


• Classroom management


• Lesson Planning


• Teaching experience


• Risk assessments


• Emergency evacuation plans


• Program logistics


• Cultural knowledge

See Requirements And Training page for more information

Location

Gordons Bay is a picturesque coastal village nestled at the foot of the Hottentot Hollands Mountain Range, just outside Stellenbosch and 45 minutes from Cape Town. The area is home to beautiful swimming beaches, magnificent wine farms and popular restaurants and bars. Gordons Bay is also the beginning of the scenic and well-known Garden Route, making this the perfect base to explore the best sites and activities the Cape has to offer. Alternatively, Paarl is a quiet town in the heart of a beautiful winelands region again 45 minutes from Cape Town. Aside from more fantastic wine farms, there are a whole range of entertainments available for when you have some down-time.

See Life on the internship page for more information

Field Conditions

Your accommodation will be in modern apartments with typically no more than 4 people per room and within walking distance of numerous shops and restaurants. There is electricity, hot and cold showers, and flushing toilets. Access to the internet is available nearby. Food is simple and nutritional and will be prepared for you each day.

See Life on the internship page for more information