Volunteer in South Africa with Jesuit Missions this autumn

Jesuit Missions, the international development and mission office of the Jesuits in Britain is looking for young people aged between 18-27 who are willing to travel to South Africa this Autumn to volunteer for twelve weeks.

This is an exciting opportunity to travel to Johannesburg to work alongside local volunteers providing support to refugees in collaboration with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS).

You will support JRS in their different areas of work. You could be working in the skills centres teaching English, supporting health visits or getting involved in advocacy work to raise awareness. Before you leave you will attend a three day training session in Wimbledon where you will meet other volunteers and have an opportunity to ask any questions as well as find out more about what you will be doing and learn some vital skills that you may need.

Jesuit Missions Volunteer Coordinator Teresa Undurraga says: "This is an exciting new opportunity to play a part in one of our world's biggest humanitarian crises. There are now more refugees in the world than ever before, and yet many of these are forgotten and unreachable. This work in South Africa is an important part of changing that."

More about JRS South Africa

Last month JRS South Africa celebrated the graduation of 221 refugees and asylum seekers from the Arrupe Women's skills centre in Johannesburg who have all completed five months of training in the course of their choice and have received materials to start up their own businesses. The courses include sewing, baking, cosmetics, hairdressing, computer skills and English.

One student, from the English class said: "Before coming to the Arrupe Center, I did not speak English. Now I can support myself and I leave here with confidence." Another student, from the baking class, shared, "In addition to our baking skills, we are empowered by knowledge of business to generate income for our families".

Put your faith into action and register your interest today! You can find out more detail about this volunteer opportunity by visiting http://jesuitmissions.org.uk/volunteering/

Jesuit Missions is the International development agency for the Jesuits in Britain. For over fifty years it has been supporting vulnerable communities across Africa, Asia and Latin America.