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WOULD
YOU LIKE TO VOLUNTEER AT THE HOMESTEAD?
The Homestead needs volunteers in many areas, for both short
and long-term projects.
Local Volunteers
We only have a small staff, and local volunteers are valued
especially evenings and weekends, but any time outside of
school hours. Engaging the children in activities is welcomed
- reading to the boys, soccer coaching and practice, sports
coaching of any kind, dance, drama, music, computers - any
of the things that stimulate a child and help to develop self-esteem
and confidence.
Regular volunteers are needed to just be with the boys, especially
those with skills in counselling, youth work, child care and
relationship-building. However, these are not essential skills.
More important is a commitment to remain with the process
for a longish time so that the children do not experience
constant loss. They are in need of lasting relationships with
adults they can learn to trust, and who will give them special
time. The more contact that they have with caring people,
the more they learn to value themselves and to find a sense
of belonging.
Before beginning a voluntary job it is important to think
about the length of regular service you will be able to give.
Continuity of service is important in building up relationships
with the boys.
The work can be very challenging. Volunteers who are emotionally
balanced, sensible, able to maintain strong adult boundaries,
and have a sense of humour tend to cope best with the work
circumstances we offer.
Once Off Projects
Not all volunteering requires such a commitment. We also need
help with special once-off projects, such as a group of friends
getting together to paint a room, put up gutters, fix cupboards,
arrange a special outing once a year or plant the garden in
Khayelitsha with shrubs, flowers and vegetables. The group
could go on to help with maintaining the garden on a regular
basis, and involve the boys in learning about gardening, or
just do the once-off task.
All of these suggestions will impact positively on the children
- either on the environment in which they live, or their ability
to form relationships, or enabling them to develop skills
in various areas.
Foreign Volunteers
The Homestead welcomes foreign volunteers. Generally a minimum
commitment of six months is required (for the reasons outlined
above). Only in special circumstances will we consider a shorter
placement. We are not able to provide airfares, accommodation,
transport or any form of payment for foreign volunteers. What
we can provide is a chance to learn about another country
and its diverse cultures, and an opportunity to help disadvantaged
children to rebuild their lives.
Application requirements:
In order to apply, you need to provide us with
1) Your CV
2) The completed volunteer application form
3) Contact details for two referees
Please either download and print the PDF version of the
Volunteering Application Form and fax it to us 021 419 2600
or download the Microsoft Word document and save it to your
desktop. Complete the Volunteering Application Form in Microsoft
Word on your desktop and hit save. Then email it to us at
info@homestead.org.za
with your completed Volunteering Application Form attached.
Download
the PDF version of the Volunteering Application Form
Download
the Microsoft Word Document
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