Hands at Work in Africa is an internationally renowned South African NGO caring for orphans, widows and patients through community-owned projects across sub-Saharan Africa. In 2001 its development model was deemed a best practice by USAID.

Hands at Work is currently accepting applications for its volunteer teaching internship. It is looking for a university graduate to lead a program preparing high-potential orphans for university study in the Masoyi village in South Africa.

Application Deadline:
Applications are being accepted for 2009 internships. To apply, or for more information contact Lize-Marié Theron at: hr@handsatwork.org.

Internship Length:
1 year (specific dates are flexible)

Location
Masoyi is a rural village of about 250,000 in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. It is a 10-minute drive from Numbi Gate of the renowned Kruger National Park, and a 15-minute drive from White River. Accommodation is on a protected campus 1km outside Masoyi.

Rationale:
Hands at Work believes that true community transformation takes place from within and that students with the potential to transform their communities exist among the most vulnerable populations in the world. Forward Education is a Hands at Work initiative to identify students with demonstrated leadership and academic potential from among the orphans of the Masoyi tribal area and to prepare those students for university study through an 8-month program of combined community experiences and classroom work.

Duties:
After a 2-week preparation period, you will teach 6-8 students 3 mornings per week in a classroom setting. The curriculum is prepared and the materials, including copies of the previous year’s lesson plans, are provided. Approximately 1 day per week will be needed for lesson preparation. Subjects include Language Arts, Character Development, Life Skills, and Career Guidance.

In addition to classroom work, you will oversee the students’ community work as active mentors for younger orphans, as well as partner with another Hands at Work staff member in guiding students on 3-4 experience-building trips across the country.

2 afternoons per week you will also oversee an after-school tutoring session for grade 10-12 orphans.

Requirements:
Basic requirements are a bachelor’s degree (preferably, though not necessarily, in Education, English, or International Studies); a relationship with a Christian faith community; a passion for teaching and community development; an outgoing, self-initiating personality; and a willingness to live in community with other international volunteers.

Additional assets include: demonstrated organizational ability; international travel experience; and teaching experience.

Cost:
There is no fee beyond your cost of living, which may average $1200/month (USD), plus airfare to Johannesburg.

Download a printable PDF of this internship