Social Work
Our social work internships in South Africa allow you a deep insight into the social challenges in a country of the Global South. You will be able to learn about local approaches to social work with different age and target groups and you will be able to make a meaningful contribution to improve access to education for South Africa’s poorest population groups.
Many studies about poverty alleviation strategies around the world show that early childhood development programmes as well as good school education are key to a succesful life. Even Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first democratically elected president, was convinced that education is the most powerful weapon to fight poverty and to change the world.
As part of your social work internship in South Africa you will assist in public schools, nursery schools as well as in prevention or victim support programmes for victims of violence or human trafficking in Cape Town. You are also welcome to intern in grass-roots community organisations that offer extra-mural educational and after schools programmes for children, youth and adults and make a meaningful contribution to the ongoing transformation process from Apartheid to democracy in South Africa.
Your social work internship will allow you to experience a fascinating country on the African continent and get a deep insight into the achievements and challenges of a young democracy and an emerging market economy on the African continent.
As part of live&learn’s Social Work Internship Program in South Africa you can intern in the following projects:
Social Work in Cape Town
If you would like to collect hands-on experience with grass-roots community work and/or social work, volunteering in this grass-roots community centre in one of Cape Town's oldest informal settlements is a perfect opportunity for you. The centre offers a variety of programmes to alleviate poverty and (domestic) violence and drug abuse and works with children, youth and adults.
Education & Social Work
In this holistic project that operates besides a children's home for vulnerable children a nursery school as well as a primary and high school you can assist educators, teachers or social worker. You also help running the after schools programme, where you facilitate sports activities, music or arts classes.
Community Centre Kindergarten
Would you like to collect practical experience in early childhood development and pre-school education in multi-confessional and muöti-cultural classes? Then volunteering in the kindergarten of this oecunemic community centre one of Cape Town's poorest neighbourhoods is an exciting experience for you.
Township Nursery Schools
This project trains local women in townships as early childhood educators and supports them with opening their own nursery schools to improve income generating opportunities as well as educational services in Cape Town's townships. Because of the huge demand the classes in these nursery schools are rather big and the educators are grateful for your support in running the educational programmes.
Mother&Child Care Centre
This long-standing project in the heart of Cape Town offers temporary shelter and support to pregnant women and single mothers in need. Depending on your background and interest you can either support the educators in the child care centre or social interventions with the mothers.
Primary and High School
Would you like to get an insight into the South African school system and at the same time foster education for children from disdavantaged backgrounds? Assist the team of teachers of this Primary and High School with special learning support for children with learning barriers, reading support classes, computer literacy classes, sports and/or career orientation.
Baby Sanctuary near Cape Town
This long-standing baby sanctuary near Cape Town offers babies and toddlers with chronic diseases or challenges in their families a temporary home till they can be reunited with their families or till a foster family has been found. As a volunteer you assist the team of carers, social workers, therapists and remedial educators with all tasks to care, heal and foster babies and toddlers.
Foster Family Support
Volunteering in this project allows you to get a deep insight into the social and educational challenges in South Africa. Depending on your skills you assist foster mothers with home work support as well as therapeutic interventions and the facilitation of spare time activities including holiday programmes.
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