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Internships with Scalabrini

This organization started in Cape Town in 1994 as religious assistance to different communities of migrants but soon expanded to offering more tangible assistance as they were confronted with the problems experienced by refugees from Angola, the Congos, Rwanda, Burundi and other African communities. In 2003 a secular non-government organization was started to run these projects, the Scalabrini Center of Cape Town (SCCT).

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Refugee research internship

Open for applications

Refugee Research Internship

  • Min. 5 months
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • HUMAN RIGHTS, RESEARCH, REFUGEES AND MIGRANTS
Investigate challenges in the migratory phenomenon across Africa, focusing on refugees and displaced populations to shape impactful solutions.
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Migrants and refugee charity internship

Open for applications

Migrants & Refugee Charity Internship

  • Min. 12 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • REFUGEES AND MIGRANTS, HUMAN RIGHTS
Promote the welfare of migrants and refugees, fostering inclusivity in diverse communities and participating in the daily operations of programs.
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human rights internships

Open for applications

English School Assistant

  • Min. 4 months
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • ENGLISH TEACHING, COORDINATION, ADMINISTRATION
Acquire valuable teaching experience by teaching English to refugees, facilitating language acquisition, and promoting community integration.
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Empowerment of Refugees Internship

Open for applications

Empowerment of Refugees Internship

  • Min. 5 months
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • REFUGEES AND MIGRANTS, SKILL DEVELOPMENT, SOCIAL WELFARE
Empower migrants and refugees in South Africa to rebuild their lives and contribute to their new community through social and economic support.
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Advocacy and Human Rights Internship

Open for applications

Advocacy & Human Rights Internship

  • Min. 5 months
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • HUMAN RIGHTS, REFUGEE LAW AND MIGRATION ISSUES
Champion human rights and advocate for justice in the vibrant context of Cape Town, where your unwavering dedication makes a meaningful impact.
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Communications Internship

Open for applications

Communications Internship

  • Min. 3 months
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • COMMUNICATIONS, SOCIAL MEDIA, DIGITAL MARKETING, WRITING
Manage and enhance communication channels for a nonprofit supporting refugees, amplifying their voices, and encouraging community engagement.
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Female Empowerment Internship

Open for applications

Female Empowerment Internship

  • Min. 5 months
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNICATION, COORDINATION
Acquire meaningful work experience as you empower female refugees through skill development workshops, enabling them to shape a brighter future.
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human rights internships

Refugee Integration and Support

Migration is perceived as an opportunity by this organization. They are on a mission to alleviate poverty and promoting development in the Western Cape while fostering cultural, social and economic integration between migrants, refugees, and South Africans. Scalabrini uses a holistic approach that considers all basic needs and advocates respect for human rights while providing their assistance.

Their services are offered through six main program areas:

  • Paralegal desk: Protecting, promoting and advancing the rights and freedoms of migrants and refugees by providing paralegal advice and practical assistance to individuals on a walk-in basis. In addition, this team works on driving deeper systemic change in the South African society and immigration and asylum systems.
  • English School: Providing a specialized English language school for refugees and migrants.
  • Employment Access: Providing a gateway to employment by providing support to foreign nationals who are legally entitled to look for work in South Africa. The organization provides a combination of skills training, professional development, and resources needed for success in the job market.
  • Unite  Youth: A unique extra-curricular curriculum for grade 8-11, which provokes a deep exploration of the themes of identity, integration, and diversity to promote activism and critical thought in youth living in South Africa.
  • Welfare: Accessing services for migrants and refugees in need. Through a process of consultation, they assist individuals to access basic services such as medical care, schooling, shelter, South African Social Grants (SASSA grants) and assistance with advice/application for voluntary repatriation.
  • Women’s Platform: A multi-national network of women that strengthens individuals to enhance economic independence and integration into the broader South African community.

Every month around 2,000 people from all over Africa visit the center.

What to Expect as a Volunteer with Scalabrini

The Scalabrini building is always buzzing as the whole day people are walking in to join English classes, speak to people from the Employment Access or Advocacy Program or ask for assistance. There are generally between five and ten volunteer interns in the office assisting with one of the above-mentioned programs. In total there are almost 40 volunteers assisting this organization with the different projects. No matter what your role will be, you can be sure to meet new people, hear their stories and learn about migrants’ and refugee lives and the challenges they face (but also celebrate the successes).

Read about Emiel’s experience as an intern for Scalabrini.