South Africa: Volunteer International Development Internships

Business in South Africa - International Development Internship

International development is a notoriously difficult area to break into, so volunteering on an International Development internship in Cape Town could give you experience to set your CV apart from the pack. Cape Town may well be one of the strongest and most developed cities in Africa, but outside of the major industrial centres, South Africa still suffers from a severe lack of development, with the vast majority of black Africans living below the poverty line. Volunteering on an International Development internship here is a great way to help redress this balance.

Volunteers work with an NGO called Where Rainbows Meet Training and Development Foundation based in the Vrygrond informal settlement area, 20km from the centre of Cape Town. The organisation is non profit and aims to empower, support and mentor organisations, youth, women and other community members.

The foundation offers a variety of services and programmes such as, life and leadership skills, computer skills, feeding schemes, soup kitchens, sewing project, sports programmes linked to awareness education, training support and many other awareness raising programmes in order for people to take their rightful place in society. The foundation also focuses on issues of unemployment, crime, domestic violence, drugs, alcohol abuse, prostitution, teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and health.

The foundation is involved in annual events like Women’s Day Celebrations, Youth Day, Clean-up campaigns, holiday programmes, Human Rights Day, World Aids Day, Talent Search and a Community Christmas Party. These events have different themes that highlight the positive elements of the community and present an opportunity to raise awareness of the social problems affecting the community.

Volunteering on an International Development Placement 

Volunteers can be involved in a number of areas and have the chance to gain experience of fundraising, project management, volunteer management, human resources, or general management. You'll usually be given the opportunity to sit in on executive and lower level meetings and write grant applications and other fundraising materials. Volunteers are also involved in coordinating the many events run by the foundation from skills training workshops to Human Rights Day celebrations.

In the past year Projects Abroad volunteers have taken on part or full responsibility for several specific projects. These included a life-skills and computer course where students receive education in Microsoft word and follow workshops in stress management, conflict management, time management, self development, CV writing and interview techniques.

Volunteers have also been involved in helping families start their own businesses, have supported a care programme for local children and started to offer free English lessons to people in the local community.

As with all internships you should show a willingness to participate in any task given to you, whether it is as glamorous as organising a campaign rally, or spending a few hours proof reading a project proposal. By working within all areas of the organisation, you'll gain a well-rounded view of how international development charities work and the unique set of challenges they face in achieving their goals.

The placement will accept anyone who is motivated to get involved and help, but would also be particularly suitable for students and recent graduates of human geography or development studies. Please let us know if you have any experience or a special interest in any particular area.

During the placement, volunteers are expected to be punctual, professional and hard-working. You will be required to work an average of 35 hours per week, usually Monday-Friday. When you arrive at work on your first day, you will be assigned a supervisor who will be able to advise and support you during your placement, and of course our Projects Abroad staff are always available to support you throughout your placement.

Always remember that the more questions you ask, and the more you show you are willing to learn, the more time your colleagues will spend with you. If you complete every task to the best of your ability, you are certain to go home having gained valuable practical experience for your CV, whilst also having supported a worthwhile cause.