In keeping with our vision to empower
members of the community to take on tasks previously
carried out by the various teams, Recruitment officers
are responsible for the recruitment, initial screening
and training of volunteers to assist in their work
with the children whom Cape Town Child Welfare seeks to serve and
protect.
As we see the needs of children
in the Western Cape growing steadily, our quest to recruit,
prepare and inform more volunteers grows increasingly
urgent as we realize that the needs of these children
can only be met with the assistance and dedication of
volunteers who will act as the eyes, ears and hands
who assist social workers.
It is vital that, communities understand the needs and
that they take up the challenge to become involved in
the care and protection of our children.
No contribution is too small or
insignificant and we believe that every individual has
a valuable contribution to make.
There is a vast range of activities which volunteers
can assist with, and these range from direct involvement
with children, to assisting with administration and
practical tasks.
It is not necessary that volunteers be able to offer
large amounts of time; even an hour a week, or a set
period during holiday times will be welcomed and valued.
The Volunteer Program aims to widen
the social safety net at community level in order to
render more effective care and protection to vulnerable
children, and to form a close partnership with people
from all communities.
Recruitment drives are advertised via the media in order
to encourage any prospective volunteers to attend the
orientation, information and preparation meetings.
Prospective volunteers are required
to bring along their identity documents, Driver's License
and details of two contactable referees.
A variety
of volunteers are needed to:
Care for children (for adoption,
foster care and emergency parents)
Monitor the care of children
Participate in or provide:
- Child abuse training
- HIV/AIDS training
- Job Skills training
Educare / Early Learning Development
training
Support families e.g. with respite
care or child-headed households
Assist with Fundraising and Marketing
e.g. special events
Support our volunteers
Provide transport e.g. take children
to hospital
Assist with our second-hand clothing
store e.g. sort, wash, repair clothing
Help trace birth parents and children
Assist children with homework
Provide after school care in identified
areas
And…..many more ways
The
basic training process includes:
Overview of Cape Town Child Welfare
Allocation procedures and the
needs of each team within the Cape Town Child Welfare
Rights of the Child; Responsibilities
of the Child
The Child Care Act
Guiding principles of a volunteer
(confidentiality/honesty/trust/respect/discipline/reliability)
Basic child safety and health
Dealing with basic accidents
HIV/AIDS
Roles (Social worker / social
auxillary worker / volunteer)
Volunteers are given the chance
of electing the capacity in which they would like
to assist the organisation.
The Recruitment Officers will assess skills, interest
and availability of time in individual interviews
with the volunteers, before incorporating them into
specific projects. The various teams will then further
nurture and support, as well as give the relevant
training for work to be done in their specific focus
areas.
For more information contact
Nosipho Dimbaza at +27 21 638 3127 or e-mail nosipho@helpkids.org.za
Please click here to fill in the Volunteer
Form
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