“Let no man despise your youth: But be thou an example to the believers in word, in conversation, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
~1 Timothy 4:12

• We agree to respect each other’s boundaries and to never expect anyone to do anything against his/her free will. Ministry on invitation only.

• We will exhibit a polite and respectful attitude towards others at all times and behave in a manner that brings glory and honour to God.

• As a community-based project not affiliated with any particular Christian denomination, we will respect others in the way we would like to be respected. No one knows the whole truth except God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit. We have the Bible to lead us but not to harm each other.

• We agree to adhere to the guidelines stated in Matthew 5:23-25, Matthew 18:15-17, and the Peacemaker’s Pledge. This is the basic principle upon which our organization operates. If an offence occurs, the offended must “go directly” to the offender to resolve the issue; the offended should not discuss the issue with another person or gossip. Staff members and volunteers are required to submit to third-party mediation in order to completely resolve a matter, if necessary.

• Adherence to policy on conflict handling

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference in Africa?

Are you a self-motivated worker with a heart for kids age 6-18 and a commited Christian?

Can you commit for a minimum of 3 month’s or more?

If you would like to volunteer, send us an email today and come make a difference in our beautiful town of Jeffreys Bay!

Volunteers aged 18 and older are welcome to apply.

We especially need people with the following skills:

• Teaching skills (literacy and computer)
  
• Sports coaching skills
  
• Fundraising skills
  
• Creative skills (music, dance, arts and crafts)
  
• Administrative skills

Your motivation letter and application form is welcome at:
hr@joshuaproject.co.za

Download Volunteer Application Form here

Erna Tolkamp

Life as a Volunteer at Joshua Project

6 Months ago I arrived in South Africa. I had never been here before.

I came here all the way from Holland to work with children at the Joshua Project. I thought it was interesting to see how people live in a community like in Jeffrey’s bay and I have a passion for young people and especially children.

Now, 6 months later, I have to say I’m really happy to work here. Its great how colleagues, parents and children tell about the social structure in the community and how I learned –and still learn– how to work in a different culture. How I can learn from the more socially focused culture in the community, instead of the task-orientated culture I come from (and the other way round as well…)

What I think is a good arrangement for volunteers, is that there is a good back-up. There is a staff member who coaches volunteers. For some people it’s not always easy to work in a whole new environment and culture.

Initially, I needed some time to see where I fitted in at the project and how to use my skills. After some weeks of exploring and learning about the culture, I’d found my place. There is a lot of flexibility and space within the project for volunteers to develop and discover how to use your skills and talents.

There is also space to implant your own ideas about how to deal with stuff or new creative ideas for the program, etc.

At the moment I’m teaching 2 boys on the Tuesday morning. In the afternoons, I work with Jaap, Shelton and Betsie. Then we have a program where we teach the children life lessons and social skills according to Biblical values. Besides that, we organize creative and sports activities and on Friday we have movie time.

Sometimes a child with a certain problem crosses your path, or a certain family that is on your heart. Those are also the big challenges at the project. But together with colleagues, we’re dealing with these things. It’s really dynamic to work at a place where every day you face new and different challenges!

Wilke Werner – Volunteer March to December 2009

The goal is to give learners exposure to the different fields of trade such as carpentry, plumbing, painting, electrical and mechanics. The Joshua Project will not become another training centre but only a means of encouraging and developing skills identified in learners.

We want to identify learners and show them basic skills and if they show interest, they can enter the formal trade schools.

This also gives a opportunity to establish a Mentoring relationship between the teacher and learner as they work together and learn together. The Joshua Project wants to teach the children basic skills like using a hammer, changing tap washers, changing a tyre etc and with that build relationships and trust , furthering the development of the child’s character.

Building skills is the process of facilitating learning through a set of structured activities. It is intended to equip a street child with new or improved strategies for dealing with the daily life on the street and with specific situations that they are likely to experience. Many types of skills can help a street child to plan and carry out responsible and healthy choices. These include; life skills, practical skills, performance skills, vocational and livelihood skills.

Life skills are defined by WHO as ‘abilities for adaptive and positive behaviour that enable individuals to deal with the demands and challenges of everyday life’ (WHO, 1993)

Sport and Life Skills

Some of these skills are mentioned below:

• Decision making and problem solving.

• Creative thinking and critical thinking.

• Communication and interpersonal skills.

• Self-awareness and empathy.

• Coping with emotions and stress.

We also provide the opportunity and facilities for children to take care of their basic hygiene needs like showering and washing their own clothes.

The four levels of ABET training are equivalent to Grades R to 9.

ABET includes training in:

• language, literacy and communication

• mathematical literacy, mathematics and mathematical sciences

• natural science

• arts and culture

• life orientation

• technology

• human and social science

• economic and management science.

Learners can also choose to take courses in:

• small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs)

• tourism

• agricultural science

• ancillary health care.

ABET programme’s are overseen by the National ABET Board.