South Africa 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.

Volunteer in a Museum 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 records 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 organizing 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 can help with the school visit program, assisting with workshops and artistic productions, including theatre, music, poetry, and visual arts.

Alongside the work with the children, volunteers write up documents and reports concerning the work they are doing, and create proposals for the museum.

To apply volunteers will be required send their resume and provide suitable letters of recommendation.