We welcome volunteers and interns to experience our programmes.  Classes take place Mondays to Thursdays from 15:00 to 17:00 and certain outreach programmes take place on Saturday mornings.  We do not run our normal programmes during school holidays (27 March – 11 April, 10 June – 12 July, 24 September – 3 October) and our programmes close as from 10 December until end January.  We do run holiday programmes and camps during the school holidays.

Amy Biehl Foundation Intern & Volunteer Programme

The information below has been compiled to provide you with a greater understanding of what type of work ABF engages in and the possible roles you will play as an Intern at the Amy Biehl Foundation here in Cape Town.

If you are interested in applying to the Amy Biehl Foundation Intern Programme please send an email to Joanna at joanna@amybiehl.co.za who will send you an application form.

Interns

Introduction

As a non-profit organization, ABF recognizes and appreciates the contributions made by local and foreign interns. Like ABF employees, the intern and volunteer force consists of people of all ages, backgrounds, races and experiences. Previous interns have come from diverse cultures and background such as the United States, Austria, Germany and Holland. Amy Biehl Foundation seeks to utilize the many skills and talents of interns from both South Africa and abroad, in an effort to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization.

Roles & Responsibilities of ABF Interns

Interns may be assigned to one or more tasks within the Foundation. Potential roles include fundraising (proposal & grant writing, presentation development, and events management), assisting in the implementation of existing programmes (tutoring, teaching, coaching or building) or aiding in the development of new programming. Though

allowed a degree of personal creativity in carrying out their duties, once assigned to specific programmatic or administrative tasks, interns are expected to work within the parameters established by the work plan and the policies of ABF.

Interns are required to produce bi-weekly reports of their activities and accomplishments and submit their reports to the Intern Coordinator. Additionally, interns must submit a final report which compiles and summarizes their ABF work experience, including tasks undertaken, successes, challenges, handover details, and recommendations. The final report will be given to the ABF staff in the form of an exit presentation. Further impact evaluations will be conducted throughout the course of the internship with a formal evaluation prior to departure from ABF. Lastly, interns are required to familiarize themselves with and adhere to the operational policies and procedures of ABF in the same manner as ABF employees.

Qualifications & Application Procedures

Individuals interested in internship opportunities must submit a completed application form at least three months prior to the date of availability. This is to accommodate the selection and placement process as well as any logistical issues such as visas or housing.

The Intern Coordinator in conjunction with the ABF Staff will evaluate potential interns based on the strength of their academic background, skill base, and experience. ABF seeks enthusiastic interns who demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, an ability to multi-task, a commitment to peace, tolerance and development and a willingness to learn, experience and except a dynamic and diverse South Africa.

Should a prospective intern be offered an internship at ABF, project assignments will be made based upon the combined needs of ABF and the applicant. Interns agree to fulfill a minimum time commitment of two months unless otherwise negotiated with the Intern Coordinator.

Due to the availability of scarce resources, interns and volunteers do not receive any financial support from the organization, e.g. living allowance or other stipends. Interns are responsible for their own travel and transportation, accommodation, food, entertainment, and medical care. The Foundation provides office space, work equipment and supplies, and official transportation according to need and availability. As a courtesy, the Foundation will assist interns in identifying suitable housing to the extent possible, but housing ultimately remains the responsibility of the intern.

Upon arrival to Cape Town, interns can expect to attend a brief introduction to the office and staff, including an overview of ABF programmes. Additional activities may include programme tours and demonstrations, language and cross-cultural orientation, and safety and security briefings.

Volunteers

Amy Biehl Foundation welcomes both local and foreign volunteers to assist at the Foundation. Volunteers will be assigned to a broad range of tasks that will be determined by the length of intended service and skill base. ABF asks prospective volunteers to complete the volunteer application form and submit it to joanna@amybiehl.co.za at least one month before commencement of duties.

Picture: Maja (The Netherlands) was a volunteer at the ABF in February 2010 and did Reading and Art classes.

Feedback from Jeremy Taylor (ex-volunteer):

‘I have found my involvement with the Amy Biehl Foundation to have been of immeasurable personal satisfaction and inspiration. The whole experience has shown me the power of Non Profit community work and the potential calibre of people involved with these institutions. I am immensely proud to be involved with such people. The little I may have contributed pales compared to the wealth I have received in return. Thank you for all of your amazing work.’

Accommodation

The Amy Biehl Foundation will give advice on accommodation possibilities once a volunteer/intern agreement has been made.

One of the possibilities is Riverview Lodge

Please contact us for further advise if required.