Avishka Juta
Literacy Intern
McMaster University Graduate, Canada
19 September 2011
I can say without a doubt that my six week social work and education internship in Cape Town, South Africa was the most incredible six weeks of my life. Having travelled to South Africa before, this was my second time in Cape Town and it definitely provided me with a different perspective on all things South African and allowed me to really immerse myself in issues I have a passion for as well as get to know the city and people. Cape Town is a city you’ll quickly fall in love with!
I decided to work at two organizations during my time in Cape Town. A huge thanks to Melanie Martin for working with me and providing me with so many options and giving great insight into what would be the best fit. She definitely took my interests and experience into consideration when suggesting organizations, so thanks Mel! In the mornings, I was a volunteer teacher at a Literacy Centre based at a primary school where myself and another volunteer, Elysia were floaters. We worked with Grade 2 and 3 learners on their reading and writing skills and making the experience of learning these skills fun. We also helped to celebrate their success at the end of term which was great fun. The children there were so eager to learn and had such great spirits and their willingness to learn touched me. Shout out to Trudy and all the volunteers who helped me familiarize myself.
In the afternoons, I wooked on a book drive project of a movement of learners, parents, teachers and community members striving for quality and equality in South African education. The project collects book donations from the public and prepares them to be put into public school libraries, as well as setting up these libraries. I was the first Connect-123 intern to work there and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who has a passion for books and helping youth and promoting quality and equality. It was a very relaxed environment and the afternoons were spent organizing books and having some amazing conversations about life, the world and all things South African. Thanks so much to Themba and Cosmas for taking the time to get to know me and involve me in a high school opening and other events, and also to the other volunteers who made me feel so welcome. During my time there, I was involved in the preparation of books and helped with the establishment of the hhigh school library. It’s been great to follow along with their progress since I left and there is definitely a sense of progress in the work they are doing, especially with their library campaign.
My time at both organizations complimented each other so well and I felt like I had made a meaningful contribution at both and had learned so much in just six weeks. This experience has definitely opened my eyes, inspired me and only reaffirmed the academic and career path I’d like to pursue in the non-profit/development field. It was a great exposure to youth development work and promoting quality and equality.
Outside of work, Cape Town is one of those cities that has something for everyone. From eating out, to the nightlife, climbing Lion’s Head and Table Mountain and just hanging out on the beach with friends, there’s a wide array of things to do and experience! Cape Town has certainly embraced all walks of life and there is such a fusion of art, culture, music and food. It’s very easy to navigate and find your footing. I also had a chance to become friends with some of the locals which gave me a new and exciting perspective on life in the Mother City.
The staff at Connect-123 were incredibly helpful and friendly! They are always there to chat or answer any questions or queries. I can’t thank Melanie enough for being there whenever I had questions or queries and needed further insight. Accommodation wise, I would definitely recommend Perspectives. It is right in the heart of the city and a quick taxi ride to many sights in Cape Town. Many volunteers and interns choose to stay there so it’s a great way to meet other Connect-123 participants.
My internship with Connect-123 was the perfect blend of work and sightseeing. I gained exposure to issues in a South African context while also experiencing the city and getting to know the sights and the people. Not only did I make some wonderful friends at Connect-123, but also made some incredible friends at work who I still remain in touch with and have built long lasting friendships with. It is so true what they say about people making the experience. I can say with all honesty that I had the time of my life in Cape Town. Trust me when I say that you’ll be wishing you had stayed longer. I will definitely be back in Cape Town soon and would love to work there in the future!
