Volunteer Adventure Corps

Chris Mitchell

"I arrived in Cape Town on the afternoon of January 11, 2009. I was groggy and dirty but happy to be somewhat stationary after such a long trip. Oliver from Volunteer Adventure Corps, liaison and on-the-ground internship coordinator, greeted me and welcomed me to Cape Town, got me settled in, and began rattling off an itinerary of planned activities. I was in South Africa! The excitement of this revelation was only the beginning of an incredible experience and I was ready to jump in with both feet.

"I went to South Africa without any grand expectations. Since I was much older than the traditional intern, I figured I would approach my younger cohorts tentatively so as not to make them or myself uncomfortable. Not imposing myself on them in any way, I planned to simply find my own fun and make my own friends. To my wonder and surprise, all of the interns extended their company and friendship generously. I gladly and happily accepted. The time we spent together defies explanation or the ability to accurately relay in words. Every single intern I met was intelligent, unique, fun-loving, honest and caring. Together we shared laughs as well as unique situations, all adequately managed while drinking generous amounts of fantastic South African wine. I became both mom and friend. My most profound love continues to go out to them all. They provided an experience that could only be enjoyed in this region of the world. The culture of South Africa is unique in that family, friends and community are given profound priority. Time and effort is made in fostering relationships and assisting where needed. This welcoming atmosphere spills over into the internship experience as friends, who quickly become family, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Cape winelands, lie around all day at one of the many beaches, spend a night out on the town, or sit up late at night around the kitchen table laughing.

"I interned at the Southern African Media and Gender Institute (SAMGI), which is a diverse organization employing people from Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Dubai, United States and South Africa – and which relies heavily on the talents of each individual. Thousands of miles away from home, I was embarking on the type of life of which I had dreamed for so long and towards which I diligently applied myself. I had few desires for my internship and the work that I would accomplish other than placing my educational knowledge at the forefront of my duties. However, my supervisors were adamant that I contribute as an equal, and they maintained that I would be held to the same standards of performance as those expected of the full-time employees. My years of professional office experience and educational background was fully utilized and was adequate preparation for my duties that increased substantially as time progressed.

"One of the most profound experiences was the privilege of accompanying a SAMGI field instructor to Hawaqua (pronounced hä-vä-qua) Men’s Prison. I thoroughly enjoyed assisting the trainer with the classroom exercises. The students were articulate, intelligent, and curious, which led to involved, enlightened, and jocular discussions. I found it very difficult to leave on my final visit before flying home. The students waved to me as they were being marched back to quarters while I stood outside the gate fighting back tears. These young men stole my heart as well as my imagination and I will cherish them always.

"Cape Town, South Africa, is a city eager for the abilities and contributions of talented individuals. It attracts people from all over the world. The people whom I have the extreme privilege to now call friends are lively, caring, jovial and passionate, living their lives within some of the most beautiful and culturally rich landscape in the world. These are a proud people for whom I hope the best of outcomes. I am truly grateful for the pleasure they have given me." -Chris Mitchell. Eugene, Oregon. March 2009.

Internships in Cape Town, Internship South Africa, SAMGI internship Cape Town,

-Chris Mitchell, pictured on the left with fellow VAC participant, Liz Kaoh during a VAC Friday excursion in March 2009. See more photos from the even HERE.

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