Young volunteers from Canada, Kenya and South AfricaBridging the cultural divide in Khayelitsha
A group of energetic and dynamic volunteers from Kenya, Canada and SA are being hosted in Khayelitsha while volunteering at various organizations.
These volunteers have been participating for the past 5 months on an intercultural youth exchange program. The team arrived in December 2008 after spending 3 months living and volunteering in Calgary, Canada. Their main focus has been on gender issues but it includes topics such as equality; poverty alleviation and reduction; HIV/AIDS impact on women, families and communities; food security and resource management and so forth. The team gathers once a week to do presentations on the above topics. On Wednesday 4 February the team presented an exciting yet informative subject, namely, Equality in South Africa. The team had group discussions on pertinent topics such as Women in Government and the diversity of the cultures of these youth presented interesting debates. For the rest of the week, the team volunteers at organizations such as Africa Leadership, the local youth clinic, Khumbulani Day Care centre and Feedback to name a few. The youth are being equipped with soft skills such as public speaking, managing group dynamics as well as organizing and planning. They are hosted by families in the community where they have an opportunity to learn very basic Xhosa, experience life in Khayelitsha and so doing integrate into the community. We are celebrating 5 years of presenting successful youth exchange program and we are preparing to host another year of exciting youth exchange programs. Are you a vibrant volunteer aged 18 – 24 yrs and are in possession of a valid passport? If yes and you’d love an opportunity to travel and volunteer while living in a host family then please contact us for more details. Our head office is based at 124 Belvedere Road, Claremont and we are seeking to recruit volunteer youth from all areas. Please apply before 31 March 2009. Contact: Marion @ (021) 674 5338 or Nombini @ (021) 364 5326
