South Africa Volunteer Reconciliation Project

South Africa Volunteer Reconciliation Project

Modern day Cape Town

The South Africa Reconciliation Project is a great choice if you are interested in the history of South Africa and wish to volunteer abroad on a project focused on ensuring we learn lessons from the past. Volunteers work with The District Six Museum, established in December 1994, to commemorate the history of the forced resettlements which took place during apartheid.

District Six was originally established in central Cape Town as a mixed and vibrant community of freed slaves, merchants, artisans, labourers and immigrants at the end of the nineteenth century.

In 1966 it was formally declared a white area and by 1982 over 60,000 people had been forcibly removed to barren outlying areas known as the Cape Flats, and their houses in District Six were flattened by bulldozers.

Volunteering on the Reconciliation Project in South Africa with Projects Abroad

There are three different areas Projects Abroad volunteers can get involved in:

  • Collections, Research and Documentation

Volunteers have the opportunity to assist with the documentation of the museum's database which includes transcripts, photos and the documentation of policy and procedures. You will also be encouraged to develop the catalogue and assist with the museum's attempts to commemorate the un-sung heroes from the period.

  • Exhibitions

Volunteers are involved in planning and organising both permanent and temporary exhibitions at the museum. This may include collecting material for the handbook publication, developing story boards and writing short biographies.Volunteers may also work with international tour groups.

  • Education

Volunteers also help with the school visit programme which consists of assisting with workshops and performing arts performances, including theatre, music, poetry and the visual arts.

Alongside the practical work, volunteers write up documents and reports concerning the work they are doing, and produce proposals for the museum.

To apply volunteers will be required send their CV and provide us with suitable letters of recommendation.