Kelo Kubu, Curator of TEDx Johannesburg, named as Country Director. Picture: Supplied.
Recognising the challenges facing young graduates, CorpsAfrica has provided an extension until August 31 for applicants to apply to its South Africa 2024/25 volunteer programme.
This provides more time for aspiring volunteers to apply and make a positive impact in rural communities.
With continued support from Mastercard Foundation and other funders, CorpsAfrica is set to induct its inaugural group of volunteers in South Africa beginning in November 2024.
Since its inception, CorpsAfrica has established a presence in 10 countries, including Morocco, Senegal, Malawi, and Rwanda. The organisation has trained and deployed over 900 volunteers who have successfully implemented more than 800 community-driven projects, impacting the lives of thousands of people.
“Our entry into South Africa is a testament to the incredible growth and impact CorpsAfrica has achieved over the years,” said Kelo Kubu, Country Director for South Africa.
“We are excited to bring this transformative program to South Africa, where we believe our volunteers will make a meaningful difference in the lives of communities. Volunteers can look forward to a unique and enriching experience, one that will not only develop their professional and personal skills but also create lasting, positive change.”
Volunteers serve for one year and facilitate small-scale, high-impact projects identified by local community members to fulfill key needs. As part of its expansion, CorpsAfrica is inviting passionate and driven individuals to apply for its 2025 cohort in South Africa.
Selected volunteers will undergo comprehensive training before being deployed to rural and underserved communities across the country. They will work on a variety of projects tailored to the needs of these communities, focusing on areas such as education, health, agriculture, and economic development.
“Volunteering with CorpsAfrica offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference while gaining invaluable experience and insights,” added Kubu. “We are looking for individuals who are committed to service, eager to learn, and ready to be part of a movement that is driving change from within Africa.”
Interested candidates can apply through the CorpsAfrica website at www.corpsafrica.org
CorpsAfrica was founded in 2011 by former Peace Corps Volunteer Liz Fanning with the idea of turning community development in Africa over to local changemakers. During her own service, Liz was approached by young Moroccans who wanted to be Peace Corps Volunteers so they could help people in their own country, but she had to tell them it was only for Americans.
That exchange sparked the idea for an organisation built on the simple belief that young Africans are the catalyst for lasting growth in Africa.
Building on the enormous success of the Peace Corps, CorpsAfrica offers a similar transformative experience to young Africans, giving them the chance they deserve to be a part of the solution and to find their place in the world.
By training highly educated young Africans to help local communities identify and solve their own challenges, CorpsAfrica is shifting Africa’s development sector from reliance on external aid to empowering and strengthening its most valuable asset: its people. Inspired by the Peace Corps model, CorpsAfrica Volunteers are trained and posted to live in remote villages for up to one year to facilitate small-scale, high impact projects that are identified by local people.
Since launching its first programme in Morocco in 2013, it has expanded to 10 countries across the continent and aims to expand to all 54 of Africa’s countries in the next ten years.
To date, CorpsAfrica has hosted hundreds of volunteers across Morocco, Senegal, Malawi, and Rwanda, who have completed over 800 projects, including building wells, schools, roads, and irrigation systems; establishing literacy programs; and supporting vegetable and livestock farms.
CorpsAfrica Volunteers prioritise community engagement to build resilience so local people are better prepared to weather crises, recover from setbacks, and thrive. Through their service, the Volunteers also undergo a transformative experience that helps to shape their view of the world and prepare them for personal and professional success.
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