Volunteer program
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 committed 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
Want to become a Volunteer?
Send Erna Tolkamp your motivation letter and application form.
Download Volunteer Application Form here
Life as a Volunteer at the 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
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