Work at a Youth Development Centre in a township, helping out with anything from basic schooling, such as reading or writing, to community projects, job skills and life skills lessons. The programmes are all presented in a fun, experimental manner with an outcome based learning environment. There are also arts and crafts programmes, computer classes, sewing and baking.

The purpose is to prepare youngsters to re-enter mainstream schooling and domestic home life again and to give them the skills that will enable them to become a fully functioning, employable member of society.

WORK CONTENT:
You'll work closely with the children at the Centre helping out in any area you might be needed. The school term programs are run with a more educational aspect, focusing on life and job skills.

The whole purpose of the various programs run by the Centre is to get them ready to be taken back into the mainstream schooling and domestic home life again, if it is at all possible. Some of the youth though have been out of school for so long that the chances of them finishing their school education are very bleak. It is for this reason to that it is important for them to still keep up numeracy and literacy classes.

The programmes are all presented in a fun, experimental manner with an outcome based learning environment. There are also arts and crafts programmes, computer classes, sewing and baking as part of the weekly schedule, as well as sport coaching in soccer.

THE ADP PROGRAMME:
ARE YOU STUDYING OR QUALIFIED IN PSYCHOLOGY, COUNSELLING OR SOCIAL WORK? If yes, you’ll be very interested in the Adolescent Development Programme (ADP) which the organisation is currently focusing on. The ADP programs tackle subjects like self image, anger management, peer group pressure, substance abuse and other similar topics.

If you have any specialised skills, you may also be able to assist with training staff who lack training in your specialist area. For example, a recent volunteer is a qualified Psychiatric Nurse who specialises in the early detection of mental disorders and he is assisting in training the staff in this area. And you may be able to contribute new ideas and ways to develop the ADP Program.

Contributions like this are of enormous benefit to the organisation and the community!

The Centre is fairly laid back, because the youngsters are there out of choice. They are quite a lively bunch but love interaction with our volunteers and it is very easy for volunteers to develop a strong connection with the youth.

The centre has a very warm, friendly feel with the fulltime staff immediately making you feel like part of the family.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.