faq
Find answers to your questions
We’ve answered some questions that we are often asked. If you don’t find the information you are looking for, please feel free to reach out to us.
FAQ
About voluntering
General questions
How long can I volunteer/intern for?
We accept short and long term volunteers, however we like volunteers to commit to a minimum of 3 months because of the amount of orientation and training.
What does a typical day look like?
There is no typical day at S-CAPE! Which keeps it very interesting. However the basic schedule of a day looks like 9:30 we start work/meetings. There is usually a workshop or therapy for the residents in the morning, and in the afternoon there is another workshop time, and we wrap up around 5!
What kind of experience do I need?
A basic knowledge of the issue of human trafficking is helpful, and it is a bonus if you have been active in this field before, however it is not required. Teachability and flexibility are very important to us. We like to cater to the strengths and passions you can bring to our organization. The work we do can be intense at times, so a heart and passion to see women restored from trafficking is very important.
What does your team look like?
We are a diverse and growing team representing four different countries. The founder of S-CAPE is Swiss, our Director is South African, we have a social worker and social auxiliary worker. We have several long term volunteers working in areas of Program Management, fundraising and social enterprise development, pioneering the Children’s Program, etc. We also have a part time fundraiser, house mothers (the unsung hero’s of S-CAPE), and a Personal Assistant to the Director, and an Operational Health and Safety manager.
What kind of workshops does S-CAPE run?
We typically have a sport workshop, discipleship, some sort of life skill, and we try and include one sort of “fun” workshop/outing each week. We have volunteers running workshops like arts and craft, entrepreneurship, micro business, budgeting, knitting, baking, etc.
Must I be a Christian to volunteer at S-CAPE?
S-CAPE is a ministry of YWAM, and all of our staff are followers of Christ, however it is not a requirement for our volunteers and interns. Our faith does influence and intertwine in all we do and is a key component of our organization.
I am a male, can I volunteer?
Yes, we have had male volunteers and employees in the past and currently. Your responsibility/interaction may look a bit different for a multitude of reasons, but it is very important for the residents to encounter positive male figures.
I am coming from abroad, is South Africa safe?
Don’t worry, we provide an in depth orientation of the area. Long and short answer is yes, you must just be aware of your surroundings like in any new place. The living accommodations both at the office and near the office are very secure.
Practical questions
Where will I stay?
Our office is in a home and there are two rooms here for rent. There is also accommodations in walking distance from our office.
What about my visa?
Most nationalities can visit South Africa for 3 months without a visa. If you want to stay longer than 3 months you can either apply for a visa extension for an extra 3 months (in total 6 months), or you can fly home for a few days and come back for another 3 month visa. We recommend contacting the South African embassy/consulate in your country for more info.
Are there any documents I need?
You will be required to have a police clearance/FBI certificate/the equivalent of that. You can have that done here or in your home country, but it is very important you have that upon arrival.
How will I get to and from the safe house?
We have two S-CAPE cars that can be used. Otherwise uber or the train are options.
FAQ
About S-Cape
Does S-Cape rescue women and children?
No. S-Cape does not currently work to rescue women and children, however we do work with organizations that do. Our efforts are focused on bringing restoration to those who are rescued.
How are they brought to the safe house?
We are a member of the Counter Trafficking Coalition (CTC) of the Western Cape which has developed a Rapid Response that works closely with government stakeholders such as National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Hawks, Department of Social Development (DSD), Vice squad, etc. One of the CTC members also operates the National Human Trafficking hotline number. Once a victim is rescued we are one of the first shelters to be contacted. If we are able to take the victim, they are then brought to our safe house and the process of restoration begins.
How long does each resident stay?
There is no a set length of time a resident stays with us. Each resident is unique and so is their restoration process. We work with each individual, asses their needs, and together with them create a personalized plan for restoration. Some stay a few months and others may stay a year or longer. We never force a resident to stay so at any point they are free to leave.
How many residents are at S-Cape?
We have the capacity to house 8 residents in the Adult safe house, 8 residents in the Children’s Facility, and 3 beds in our 2nd Stage program.
Where is the safe house?
For our safety and the safety of our residents, we do not disclose the location of the safe house.
