For South Africa, yesterday’s freedom fighters are today’s managers at City Hall. Now that the nation has been freed from the oppressive system of Apartheid, the difficult work of managing freedom has led to new conflicts. Peace building organizations are addressing these conflicts through community clinics, town hall meetings, conflict training, mediation services and skill development. Other peace building organizations, such as the Tutu Peace Centre, are working to develop peace building skills in women and youth while taking the lessons of the Truth and Reconciliation and Commission to other countries in Africa and Asia. Internship placements are available in both types of organizations.

The South Africa Community Fund designs each internship individually. These volunteer-based positions can run between 8 weeks and one year. The goal is to provide an important service to South African organizations that are working for peace while also providing a practical training experience in peace building for the intern.

During the internship, students are trained and supervised by the staff of the South Africa Community Fund. The eight-week placement consists of the four following components:

1. 40 hours of training
2. 600 pages of monitored readings
3. 240 hours of supervised volunteer work
4. 10 hours of post placement debriefing

Students live in homes during the internship, use public transportation and are free during evenings and weekends. Contact our office for the current fee structure. The South Africa Community Fund is a non-profit organization and most Interns are able to raise the cost of their fee through designated donations from individuals, churches, family members and community organizations. Some volunteers find it valuable to acquire an academic transcript for their internship work. This option can be arranged in advance of the placement. Academic credit ranges from 8 units (for the eight weeks) up to a maximum of 16 credit hours.