SPW programmes offered Youth Empowerment Programme
Length of placement 11 months

South Africa is a nation still learning to deal with cultural diversity. Our volunteers from South Africa and abroad are helping to show that people from different backgrounds can work together towards achieving a common goal.

Programme Facts:
Youth Empowerment Programme - Working where?

  • live and work in a rural community of the Eastern Cape
  • community-based programme enabling volunteers to work with all segments of the community
  • community size varies (750-2500+ people)
  • traditional dwellings - either rondevaals (mud huts) or small brick houses
  • paraffin is the main source of energy
  • possibility of electricity for light
  • 75% of placements rely on rain water
  • all communities have schools and some have health clinics
  • each community is different from the next and the clan of each family determines its cultural practices
  • volunteers are placed in pairs, (a local volunteer recruited from each target community and a non-local volunteer recruited elsewhere in South Africa or from overseas)

The role of volunteers in South Africa goes beyond initiating activities and projects in your communities. You and your partner will live and work in the wider community and be involved in the following activities:

  • Formal and non-formal teaching: Health problems result from poor hygiene practices and range from malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, TB and Cholera. You will encourage behavioural change towards health and sanitation by raising awareness of important health issues such as adolescent reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, sanitation and nutrition.
  • Setting up and running sports clubs, craft classes and debating societies to encourage young people to develop life skills in order to take control and implement change in their lives, such as leadership, critical thinking, self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • Facilitating peer education classes with the youth and parents using a variety of non-formal techniques such as games and activities to present sensitive issues to young people and to encourage them to take action.
  • Establishing resource centres, libraries, science and reading clubs.
  • Establishing Youth Action Groups to ensure that the voice of the youth is recognized and respected by the broader community and to ensure that the work you are doing is sustainable

Case Study

At our event on AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day guest speakers from the Department of Health addressed the dangers of unprotected sex and two young girls from the community publicly disclosed that they are HIV+. Their willingness to do this reflects the amazing achievement of SPW volunteers in helping to break down AIDS related stigma in the community. Mrs Sixpeni, a community elder said “the volunteers have made a big difference to the lives of young people in our community, and we as elders feel obligated to support SPW and the volunteers.
CHEP Volunteer

Programme Structure
Initial 3-week training covering:

  • cross cultural awareness
  • basic development theory
  • specific programme information
  • language training
  • Youth Sexual Reproductive Health
  • Human Rights, Democracy, Governance and Citizenship
Placement stage 1 (1month)
  • conduct baseline survey
  • needs assessment of community
  • conduct Knowledge, Attitudes and Belief Surveys
Phase 2 Training (7 days)
  • NFE (Non Formal Education) Techniques
  • Career Guidance, Fundraising, Networking etc.
  • in depth training from external NGOs, e.g. Treatment Action Campaign on AIDS Treatment, UCARC on child abuse awareness and prevention
Placement stage 2 (4 months)
  • fulfil objectives
Mid-placement training
  • top-up training
  • mid-placement evaluation

Staff Support

  • 2 offices - East London (main) & Umtata (field)
  • field visits to placement (1 per month) to assist with evaluations, planning and to observe facilitation of workshops to feedback
  • monthly meetings in cluster groups to report back achievements, help resolve problems and share information and materials

Community Support

  • SPW Community Committee (SCC) - main link between vols and community at large
  • 3-5 members representing all sectors of community
  • provide accommodation and support volunteer work and activities
  • help identify the needs of community
  • help plan activities

Country Information

Background: The Eastern Cape comprises vast open plains and sweeping landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. Its people are warm and welcoming, and despite the suppression of traditional black culture during the apartheid years, the Xhosa have retained a strong sense of culture and identity. Cattle play an important part in Xhosa culture; they symbolise wealth and are often used as sacrificial animals.
Language: Xhosa - it's the one with the clicks!
Religion: Christian, (though traditional religion remains based on the belief in a masculine deity, ancestral spirits and supernatural forces)
Food:
  • Staple - maize, potatoes and rice
  • Meat - eaten at sacrificial ceremonies, known as mgidi, but is too expensive to be consumed daily
  • Vegetarianism - accepted easily
  • Other - Xhosa brew their own beer, also made from maize, which has a consistency similar to that of porridge and is very strong!
 
 
   
site designed by carmelia