Volunteer
UNICEF South Africa's Volunteer Programme aims to improve the lives of children and youth across South Africa.
Calling all volunteers
Become a volunteer for every child
UNICEF South Africa’s Volunteer Programme is a new initiative deploying the actions, ideas and power of people to improve the lives of children everywhere. We're building a global network of volunteers that play a crucial role in realising UNICEF's objectives to give every child a chance.
When communities take the time to work together for the benefit of children, the results are real and lasting. Local knowledge and networks — merged with the skills, stories and energy of UNICEF volunteers — creates a powerful combination for change. This combination of people and resources is indispensable in amplifying the impact of our work.
In South Africa, our Volunteer Programme was launched on several university campuses during 2018 and 2019.
Why do we need volunteers?
We engage young people as volunteers to advise UNICEF South Africa on their priorities, their initiatives, and about the role UNICEF could play in making their aspirations and dreams come true.
What does it mean to volunteer with UNICEF?
- A chance to get actively involved in setting the agenda for children and young people in South Africa.
- An excellent opportunity to learn about and help implement national programmes aimed at children and young people's development.
- It is completely voluntary.
- It is not a paid job.
Volunteering opportunities
#OnMyMind campaign
The #OnMyMind campaign aims to break the stigma around mental health and to advocate for increased resources to support young people’s mental health.
#OnMyMind aims to empower youth, parents and teachers to speak out and act when they or someone they know needs help. It will foster connection, support and de-stigmatize mental health to encourage decision makers to invest in and act on mental health.
Zwakala campaign
Share the Zwakala campaign assets on your social media accounts and encourage your family and friends to participate in the campaign.
The Zwalaka Campaign aims to foster greater willingness of young people to adhere to COVID-19 prevention measures, by reframing the narrative around precautionary measures from behaviours that keep you and those you love safe from Covid-19.
Join the #TippyTapChallenge!
Join the #TippyTapChallenge and earn Zlto rewards by building a Tippy Tap for households/community without access to running water or where people need it most.
Handwashing with soap is one of our best defences against COVID-19 but not everyone has access to running water. A Tippy Tap is an easy to build hand washing solution and is a great way to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Register the elderly at home and in your community for a COVID-19 vaccine
Youth have an important role in South Africa’s vaccine rollout drive in helping the elderly register for vaccines and ultimately, saving lives.
For many of the elderly, smartphones can be challenging and they need help to register on the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) in order to receive a vaccine. The more people registered and vaccinated, the sooner we can hold our loved ones.
#TakeYourShot
We are looking for photos and videos showing South African youth receiving the vaccine and asking peers to follow suit.
As the 18+ age group can now get the COVID-19 vaccine in South Africa, we look to our volunteers who would want to lead by example. We are looking for photos and videos showing SA youth receiving the vaccine and asking peers to follow suit.
Join the #MythOrVax Challenge
TikTok in partnership with ONE, the African Union and UNICEF are launching a trendy campaign to counter-false information.
Joining the challenge Volunteers can counter-false information by joining the quiz which provides factual information in the public domain surrounding vaccination across Southern Africa , Kenya and Nigeria.