Human Rights Office, Interns / Volunteers

Projects Abroad in association with Selfhelp Manenberg organised a soccer tournament for the boys in Manenberg which aimed at providing a forum through which the boys of the different sectors of Manenberg could interact. Gang life is very prevalent in the township and it was an opportunity to give the boys of Manenberg a chance to play together in order to provide a sense of unity in the community and to prevent future gang violence.

Cape Town is a vibrant city with so much to offer: museums, beautiful beaches, adventurous activities, a thriving night life and so much more. But who are those lucky enough to enjoy these luxuries? More often than not, it’s those who can afford it.

Working in the area of Manenberg has been an experience like no other. Inside this community you will find the footpaths packed with people at all times of the day; children are running around playing games, women are chatting outside their houses and girls are playing netball on the streets.

"DO ME A FAVOUR, AS A MAN AND AS A SOUTH AFRICAN, DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THESE BOYS". When Lyndon Metembo, the PAHRO Social Coordinator sat us down to plan our first workshop in Bonnytoun with 14-17 year old offenders, he opened with these words.

Whilst I have been working for the Projects Abroad Human Right’s Office in Cape Town, I have had the opportunity to get involved in many great projects, within both the legal and social justice services. Although my incentive to go to the projects were based on personal interest and the desire to make a difference in people’s lives, the projects have also taught me a lot; about the diversity of problems in South Africa, but also about myself. I will be leaving South Africa with great experiences and memories of everything involved, especially the special people I had the occasion to meet within the projects.