Rhodes University International Student Volunteer Programme
The South African Government has acknowledged the value of volunteerism and, with the Vuk'uzenzele (arise and act) campaign, President Thabo Mbeki wants to see volunteerism become a "permanent feature of our society".
Rhodes University' Community Engagement encourages the idea of volunteerism in communities and has in the past years facilitated a student volunteer project that annually allows many Rhodes University student volunteers to go beyond their academic environment and take their particular skills to the community. In doing so, the students grow both personally and professionally.
We are now growing this initiative to include and accommodate the increasing number of international students who visit Rhodes University to study here for a semester.
Application process
International students studying at Rhodes who would like to volunteer will be asked to complete application forms prior to arriving in Grahamstown, to gauge student's interests and skills. After attending orientation and compulsory training, students will then indicate their preferences. The process of matching the students with the different organisations and allocating of placements will take place. Appointments will be made for them to meet with directors of the various organisations to find out what is expected of them. The relationship will then be carefully monitored and evaluated on an ongoing basis by Rhodes University's Community Engagment Unit and where necessary training and support will be provided. Safe and reliable transport is available and can be arranged at a nominal cost.
What do Rhodes' international student volunteers do?
Some students assist children at the various organisations, some of whom are neglected and/or abused, through art and play therapy as well as tutoring on an individual basis. Students can also assist in adult education through tutoring and computer and other lessons. Some help organisations design posters and letterheads, build websites, develop herb gardens and raise funds. Others run movement and dance classes for the youth. Students can also make themselves available for administration, painting and general maintenance. Any skill that a student has to offer, regardless of experience or level of expertise is valued and anyone with a heart to help has a significant contribution to make. The CE volunteer progamme is open to any students who are willing to give time and know-how to make a difference in the lives of those that need it most.
The projects that have been selected for the International Students studying at Rhodes University for a semester are as follows:
• Raglan Road Multi Purpose Centre
• Amasango Career School for Street Children
• Raphael Centre for people living with AIDS
Students can elect to volunteer at one of these three places. Where possible students will be given their first choice but placement is dependent on organisational need so preferences can not be guaranteed. Students may elect to work in more than one organisation depending on their time commitments and course requirements. These negotiations will take place after orientation week once students are acclimatised and have an idea of their daily schedules.
Volunteering is an empowering process for any students wishing to develop, but is particularly valuable for international students wishing to get the most out of their study abroad experience. A recognition function will again be held at the end of the year where students get awards and certificates in recognition of their endeavours. Students and the organisations are also given the opportunity at this function of expressing their views on what the project has meant for them.
More information about these projects for international students studying at Rhodes is available at the links (right).
FORM
Click here --> to download the international student volunteer form
. SVP form- international students
Contact: International Office: internationaloffice@ru.ac.za
or svp@ru.ac.za
