Country Info
South Africa has experienced tremendous change in the past twenty years, with the end of apartheid and the establishment of a new government and new social, economic and political systems for the country. It is seen as a model of reconciliation and development. Although impressive progress has been made at a constitutional level, tremendous challenges remain, including very high levels of unemployment, low levels of skills and confidence in poor communities, rapid urbanization, poverty and the impact of HIV/AIDS. This summer program is designed to help support skills development and instill confidence in young people in this challenging new democracy.
Unique Challenges for South Africa Volunteers
For many South Africa volunteers, this is their first time in Africa. It can be difficult for volunteers to reconcile all of the history they have learned about the country with the experiences they are having.
Web Resources for South Africa
- Government of South Africa | Web portal
- Embassy of South Africa to the US
- Mail & Guardian Online | Internet-based news source
- BBC on South Africa | News and country profile
- Background Notes | From the US State Department
- CDC | Health Information
- Country Study | From the US Library of Congress
- Stanford Libraries African Collection | Extensive collection of RSA weblinks
- WorldTeach in Cape Town | WorldTeach South Africa volunteer quotes and slide show, along with extensive audio recordings about SA history.
- South Africa Gateway | Information, tourism, news
- CapeConnected | An independent guide to Cape Town, including history, photos, and tourism information
- The South African Story | All you need to know about South Africa