Volunteer Opportunities
Berakah relies heavily on
the help of volunteers, to operate its programmes. Corporate
sponsors, wishing to volunteer time, are welcome to contact us.
We are eager to use the skills of corporate staff in training
our own staff and presenting education programmes in the areas where we
operate.
Local (South African)
It is possible for individuals and groups to assist in the projects on a long term and short term basis. Institutions wishing to contribute expertise or physical support in the centre operations or in the building project, will be given the opportunity to do so. Presently we partner with the University of Pretoria, who makes available lectures and students from the Music- and Language Faculties, who come to the centre weekly to teach children and adults.
Other volunteer opportunities exist in almost every field imaginable. Needs in administration, building, event management, photography, practical assistance, such as gardening, cooking, cleaning and child care, make it possible for individuals to invest any amount of their talents and time, to help us in turn, to invest in the lives of under-privileged and vulnerable people and children.
Church youth groups are likewise invited to make Berakah their community assistance project.
If you want to get involved, please download the following document Volunteer Form Local and send it to us per fax or as a mail attachment.
Fax 086 634 3386 and Email meleney@berakah.org.za
International
The opportunity exist to visit South Africa and volunteer at the Berakah Educational Centre for a short term (minimum 6 weeks) or long term (one year). Volunteers will receive accommodation, food and transport once they have arrived, but will be responsible for their own transport (flights etc.) to and from South Africa, their own personal expenses and visum requirements. Berakah will assist in the documentation needed for visum acquisition.
Due to the varied programmes and needs of the centre, it is possible for just about anyone to volunteer. Even persons who are not physically strong enough to build or garden, may have the patience and mental capacity to help children with their homework at the after school care centre. In addition to skilled persons, such as nurses, doctors, builders and artisans, we could use the help of any individual, who wishes to get involved. Please keep in mind that, most of the work will be physically demanding although rewarding. All volunteers assist Berakah complete at their own risk and there is no reembursement of travel expenses or any costs, should a volunteer wishes to cut his time short, for whichever reason.
Personal and Professional Requirements
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
| Maximum Age | Not specified |
| Health | Able-bodied, fit
& healthy (Minor ailments or chronic conditions such as asthma should not be a hinderance, if the volunteer takes care of his/her own medication and health needs. Each person should evaluate how much physical, mental and emotional strain he/she is able to bear and consider that the work might be more demanding than he/she is used to in the normal course of their day.) |
| Term | Minimum 6 weeks, maximum 1 year |
| Expertise | Medical, nursing, building, electrical, plumbing, masonry, farming, teaching, administrational, organisational, artists, musicians, etc. would be helpful, but unskilled labourers are also welcome to apply |
| Minimum Education | O or A levels (Grade 10 or 12) |
| Personal | Unwise personal choices and habits, such as crime, drug- or alcohol abuse etc. would make an applicant unsuitable for consideration in the volunteer programme |
| Cost | Own flight to and from South Africa, own personal expenses (pocket money) medical aid, visum costs etc. |
| What is supplied by Berakah | Collect from Airport, transport to and from the centre, accommodation and meals |
| Duties | Volunteers will be called upon to do various tasks at the centre and/or events and any related work |
