Volunteering with MusaweNkosi
Our volunteer program has been running since 2010. In that time we have had about 44 volunteers spend time at MusaweNkosi Ministries. These volunteers have come from England, Germany, Wales and Ireland.
Duration
Volunteers come for a period of 3 months up to a year or longer. Some come for 10 months, go home and then come back again.
Less than three months is not long enough to get settled into the project and to feel as though you belong. This is why we suggest that volunteers come for a minimum of 3 months.
Some people come in a long summer holiday or as part of a gap year, or to see if missions is what they want to do long term. Because we are an established organization with many projects, there are opportunities for many different types of work.
Hibberd House
The volunteers live together at a house in Hibberd road, the Hibberd House. There is a lovely garden for entertaining and plenty of space.
There is a lounge, dining room, 3 bedrooms and big kitchen. It is in the town of Empangeni and is close to shops.
Volunteers are responsible for keeping the house clean and for buying their own groceries and cooking. For many, it has been the start of learning how to cook!
Vehicles
MusaweNkosi has a fleet of vehicles which volunteers with a valid drivers license can drive. Before driving Gavin takes all volunteers for a few driving lessons to get used to the different style of driving in South Africa and to assess driving competency.
When he is happy that a volunteer is safe, that person will be allowed to drive.
Volunteers can use the vehicles to drive around town and to go away. They are expected to take good care of the vehicles, to complete the logbooks and to pay for their own petrol.
Cost
Volunteers need to be self supported. We ask that they pay 190 euro or R3000 a month. This covers the cost of food, rent and electricity. This is the figure from 2020.
Not included in this are any trips or extra treats that volunteers take. So we suggest that volunteers raise a little extra support for pocket money.
Duties
Duties differ from year to year. Generally, volunteers help mostly with the education programme. They are assigned to either Entoyeni or Enseleni.
They prepare, do and mark homework with the children. At Enseleni volunteers are also involved in the Bible time and prepare Bible stories, memory verses and quizzes.
Other responsibilities of volunteers include shopping for food for the feeding scheme or home; helping to prepare the creche curriculum; doing home visits; helping with the day to day admin of the organization and most importantly, building relationships with the children.
Travel
Empangeni is an hour drive from Hluhluwe – Umfolozi game reserve and St Lucia beach. Durban is an hour and a half away. The Drakensberg Mountains and the Mozambique border are all within a few hours drive. There is opportunity to visit all these beautiful places as well as the rest of South Africa.
Applying
If you are interested in volunteering with us or want to find out more, please contact us using any of the methods on the contact page.
If you are from Germany you have the possibility to come to South Africa with the help of APCM (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Pfingstlich-Charismatischer Missionen).
If you are from the UK, UFM often offers the possibility to join a summerteam coming out and doing holiday bible clubs here. Just contact them to get more information.
