Looking to make a real difference?
For those of you who are looking to take some time out from college or work and to try something completely different you could consider the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Volunteer Programme MSCVP. The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart minister in over fifty countries around the world in a wide variety of different areas, including schools, parishes, hospitals and prisons. We have developed a volunteer programme for people, between the ages of twenty three and forty to work for seven weeks in some of these locations.
Through our volunteer programme you will work with a community who need your skills, talents and enthusiasm. It’s about being in partnership with others, teaching and learning at the same time, and sharing of yourself in order to make a real difference in your world.
The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Volunteer Programme (MSCVP) is an initiative that:
- looks to provide enriching, challenging and meaningful short term voluntary experiences
- seeks to share the talents of our volunteers with our partner projects.
- works towards promoting responsible volunteering in our partner projects in South Africa.
We are looking for men and women, between the ages of 23 and 40, who are interested in undertaking seven weeks of volunteering work abroad over summer. Ideally applicants should have relevant skills, such as teaching, mechanics, carpentry, nursing, electrician, medicine, etc. However each person is taken on their own merits. All necessary preparatory training will be provided. Some of the expenses for the trip will be provided, but there will be a need for fundraising.
Where we work
One of the places our volunteers work and stay is in the Holy Family Centre, situated at the foot of the Drakensberg Mountains in Ofcolaco, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The Centre works with the sick and vulnerable, especially orphaned children with HIV and AIDS. At any one time there are about seventy children being cared for. The Centre is about much more than just basic food and accommodation. It’s not about providing a house, but a home for these children. Our sister Congregation, The Daughters of the Lady of the Sacred Heart, administer the Centre which is non-denominational. They work with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who provide individual and loving care for the children. For more information on the Holy Family Centre click here.
In addition to Holy Family Centre this year we are working in partnership with projects in Louis Trichardt that focus on the rights of refugees and the educational needs of children with disabilities. It is our aim to provide a wide range of volunteering experiences, while at the same time working with partners who follow the highest standards of care.
The nature of your work in the project will include day to day concerns, but will also seek to engage your particular skill set. Most importantly your time with the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Volunteering Programme will provide a rewarding and unforgettable experience, both for yourself and those you serve.
So what is volunteering with the MSC Volunteering Programme really like?
You can check out the blogs of some of this year’s volunteers:
Joanie’s Blog
http://www.mscvocations.ie/2013/09/02/volunteering-africa-good-things-come-end/
Karen’s Blog
http://www.mscvocations.co.uk/2013/09/13/volunteering/
Kevin’s Blog
http://www.mscvocations.ie/2013/07/11/celtic-volunteer-in-south-africa/
Preparation Session
http://www.mscvocations.ie/2013/05/08/face-paints-football-and-knitting-volunteering-msc-style/
Want to know more?
For more information contact Fr. Alan Neville MSC on (086) 7857955 or by email fralan@mscvolunteering.com
For further resources and latest news around volunteering contact Comhlamh.
MSC Volunteering Project supports best practice in volunteering and upholds the Comhlamh’s Volunteer Charter.
MSC Volunttering Project supports best practice around responsible use of photos and images in volunteering. We are also signatories of the Dochas Code of Best Practice.
If you have any queries or issues about our application of either the Comhlamh or Dochas Codes of Best Practice do not hesitate to contact us. Alternatively you can contact Dochas directly click here.
As part of our commitment to best practice in child safeguarding all successful applicants will complete a Garda Vetting ( Irl. ) or Disclosure and Barring Service ( UK ) check.