South Africa

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America through ELCA Global Mission has positions available in the Republic of South Africa for ELCA young adults, ages 21-30. Volunteers must be flexible and able to work cooperatively, in good physical health, emotionally resilient, and culturally sensitive. They must also be willing to engage in issues related to race, poverty and class, serve in diverse communities (both racially and socio-economically), have a commitment to live simply and to learn basic communication skills in the language of the region. College degree or equivalent life experience required.

CONTEXT

In 1994 the first nationwide democratic elections were held for all the people in the Republic of South Africa marking the official end of the apartheid era and minority white-rule. While a remarkable transition towards political liberation was achieved with the help of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission the major challenge facing the country is to address historic and current economic and social disparities.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA) was formed in 1975 through the merger of four regional bodies. With a membership of 700,000 the church is organized into 7 dioceses with parishes in rural and urban areas involved in a variety of ministries. Throughout South Africa numerous ecumenical and community-based organizations are deeply committed to working for justice, reconciliation and sustainable development.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE?

Positions are designed along the line of internships where the young adults will participate in learning and service placements, working closely with assigned advisors and mentors. Placements will include engagement in the ministries of the ELCSA and/or a number of ecumenical and community-based organizations. This is a program that offers diverse learning opportunities to those willing to live and explore God’s calling to political, social and economic justice as well as spiritual formation. It is an invitation to a lifestyle of simplicity in challenging cross-cultural settings shared with people of common commitment. The South Africa program will provide an encounter with a country and people in transition and embody a balance between learning and serving wherein the YAGM volunteer offers time and energy and the placement offers insight and direction. Each placement is constructed according to the interests and skills of the volunteer and the needs and vision of the receiving organization.

Placements may include any of the following areas, either alone or in combination:

• children and youth ministries in congregations
• after-school programs, including tutoring, arts, music, and recreation/sports
• advocacy, development work and training programs
• research and data capture
• HIV & AIDS ministries
• creative arts and crafts
• care for the elderly, vulnerable orphans and children
• library assistant
• assistance with administration, computers

Placements focus in the above areas, especially around the issues of: parish ministry, youth, women, children, workers and unemployed, poverty, land rights, justice and reconciliation, global economics, sustainable development, ecumenism and human rights. Placements are in both urban and rural settings.

The YAGM experience in South Africa provides in-country orientation, guided periods for processing the experience, and efforts toward building community. Young adults will join together with other YAGM volunteers for reflection, expression, study, prayer and community building led by the country coordinator and learning advisors. The program is designed to equip the YAGM volunteers with the tools to be effective companions working to promote justice, the understanding to interpret and articulate mission in South Africa, and the skills to be capable leaders for the church upon return to the U.S

The program is designed for young adults between the ages of 21 and 30. Volunteers must be flexible and able to work cooperatively, in good physical health and be emotionally resilient. The program calls on volunteers to be culturally sensitive and willing to engage in issues related to race, poverty and class. Volunteers need to be willing to serve in diverse communities (both racially and socio-economically), willing to learn basic communication skills in the language of the region, and have a commitment to live simply. Placements particularly appreciate volunteers who are willing to “muck in” as needed and requested.

WHAT IS PROVIDED?

As a Young Adult in Global Mission, you will have the opportunity to learn more about yourself, grow in faith, and increase in understanding of your place in God’s world. In addition, you will receive:

• 35-40 hours per week work assignment
• Housing (varies depending on the site – home stay, shared housing, apartments, on-campus housing, etc)
• Food (either provided with your housing arrangement or by cash allowance)
• Pocket Money
• Vacation time as determined by country program
• Orientation in the US at the start of service
• Training conferences, retreats, and seminars throughout your period of service
• Opportunities for reflection, study, prayer and community building
• Supervision and support through your placement and an in-country program coordinator
• Airfare to and from your home and South Africa
• Medical Insurance
• Student loan deferment

WHAT IS MY COMMITMENT?

• Attend the Discernment Event April 16-19, 2009
• One year of service (beginning in mid-August 2009)
• Raise at least $4,000 towards program and support costs (let staff know if you have questions or concerns)

Applications received by February 15, 2009, will be given first priority. Final deadline for applications is March 1, 2009.