Cape Town Migrant & Refugee Support Volunteer Program

Our Cape Town Migrant & Refugee Support Volunteer Program offers a combination of volunteer work and cultural immersion, allowing participants to contribute to communities and experience the dynamic beauty of Cape Town, South Africa.

1. Scalabrini Centre Support
   • Location: Cape Town
   • Project Focus: Engage directly with residents and staff at the Scalabrini Centre through supporting English language education, assisting with livelihood and vocational skills development, facilitating community integration activities, and providing administrative support.
   • About Scalabrini Centre: The Scalabrini Centre originally takes its name from John Baptist Scalabrini, the Bishop of Piacenza, who founded the Scalabrini order in 1887 to care for the welfare of migrants. Today, the Scalabrini Fathers specifically care for migrants, refugees, and seafarers, interpreting migration as a meeting place for people of different cultures and nationalities. The Congregation and their various lay organizations can be found in 24 nations across Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
   • Community Highlights: Connect with resilient individuals from diverse backgrounds, participating in initiatives that foster integration, education, practical skills, and well-being.

Our Cape Town Migrant & Refugee Support Volunteer Program offers a combination of volunteer work and cultural immersion, allowing participants to contribute to communities and experience the dynamic beauty of Cape Town, South Africa.

1. Scalabrini Centre Support
   • Location: Cape Town
   • Project Focus: Engage directly with residents and staff at the Scalabrini Centre through supporting English language education, assisting with livelihood and vocational skills development, facilitating community integration activities, and providing administrative support.
   • About Scalabrini Centre: The Scalabrini Centre originally takes its name from John Baptist Scalabrini, the Bishop of Piacenza, who founded the Scalabrini order in 1887 to care for the welfare of migrants. Today, the Scalabrini Fathers specifically care for migrants, refugees, and seafarers, interpreting migration as a meeting place for people of different cultures and nationalities. The Congregation and their various lay organizations can be found in 24 nations across Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
   • Community Highlights: Connect with resilient individuals from diverse backgrounds, participating in initiatives that foster integration, education, practical skills, and well-being.

Discover the heart of South Africa by volunteering with Volunteer To The World. This opportunity allows you to immerse yourself in Cape Town’s rich culture and contribute meaningfully to local communities in diverse and dynamic settings. Your involvement can directly impact the lives of migrants, refugees, and seafarers at the Scalabrini Centre, offering a unique and rewarding travel experience.

• Holistic Support: Centers like the Scalabrini Centre provide comprehensive care, but resources can be limited. Volunteers can offer crucial support across various domains, including language, skills development, and administrative tasks, supplementing the care provided.
• Empowerment and Skill Sharing: Individuals can greatly benefit from empowerment and skill-sharing initiatives, which provide new avenues for self-sufficiency and improved quality of life. Volunteers can contribute by sharing knowledge in areas like English language, vocational skills, or organizational support, enhancing their capabilities and opportunities for a better future.

• Volunteers must be 18+ to join this program. Volunteers who are interested to join below 18 can apply if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Volunteers should speak fluent English, and French is advantageous.
• Volunteers should have an interest in learning about migration issues, community development, and supporting vulnerable populations.

Volunteer applications are screened according to capacity needs per programme, availability of candidate, and skills & experience of the candidate.

• Available for 5+ month volunteers:
  • Social Workers: For Refugee child care at Lawrence House / Gender Based Violence support.
  • Legally trained in Refugee Law/Immigration Law: For at least 4 days/32 hours per week.
• Available for 3 months:
  • Allrounders: For general administrative support, logistical support, CV writing, class assistant, etc. (at least 4 days/32 hours per week).

Volunteer Visa / Study Visa is required.

• Accommodation is provided as part of the program at the self-help accommodation on the 3rd floor of the Scalabrini Centre building.
• Travel and food expenses are for the volunteer’s account.

• Social Workers: Relevant degree related to social work.
• Legally trained in Refugee Law/Immigration Law: Law degree with Refugee & Immigration Law Experience.
• Allrounders: Any tertiary qualification will do.

• To be trauma-informed (some experience is preferential).
• To be culturally sensitive.
• To display professional behavior (including willingness to adhere to a culturally sensitive and conservative dress code).

• Cape Town: South Africa, is a stunning coastal city known for its dramatic natural beauty and vibrant culture. It sits at the southern tip of the African continent, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the rugged coastline. One of its most iconic features is Table Mountain, a flat-topped mountain that dominates the skyline and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the ocean. The city’s harbor is a bustling area with a rich history, and the V&A Waterfront is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Cape Town is also known for its diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character, from the colorful houses of Bo-Kaap to the trendy cafes and boutiques of the City Bowl. The city’s diverse population contributes to a vibrant mix of cultures, languages, and cuisines, making it a dynamic and exciting place to explore.

• Day 1: Arrival and pick up from the Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and introduction to your accommodation. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
• Day 2: Morning: registration and start of orientation. About 4 hours lecture at a designated location, possibly your accommodation or a local center.
• Topics covered during orientation lecture will include South African culture, customs, language training details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in South Africa, and an introduction to your project and placement.
• The afternoon is free for exploring Cape Town life and settling into your accommodation.