The Cape Flats of Cape Town, South Africa, are largely populated by economic refugees from previous Apartheid homelands. The number of new arrivals in Cape Town is officially estimated to be 1200 per month. Between 30 and 40 per cent of them are unemployed. Abalimi Bezekhaya (AB) works to empower disadvantaged people in this area through urban gardening and micro-farming projects.

AB attempts to alleviate poverty and create self-employment by growing food using organic methods and utilising native flora at home and in community gardens. Backyard and community allotment gardening provides an affordable way to produce food for a family, but also the opportunity for an entrance of small businesses in the market.

In this project, interns are required to be ready to assist in all aspects of the Farmer Support & Development as well as the Harvest of Hope box scheme program  – eg:  crisis and problem solving, systems development, marketing, promotions, driving, deliveries of resources, monitoring , data collection, administration support, research to increase yields, adapting various planting methods and general planning and report compilations. Qualifications in organic agriculture/horticulture are therefore required, as well as experience in training and skills development.

The core task for the interns, besides the above, is the production and dissemination of AB’s Newsletter, its main communication element. Interns will source and collect all necessary information from the field staff, farmers and administration personel and compile and provide a summary of AB’s work over the last year. They will also design the newsletter and develop an electronic one to increase social networking online.

Interns should have good computer skills and experience in data processing, public relations and possibly fundraising. Project planning and management aptitude and/or skills are essential. Above all, AB values interns who are open minded, independent and flexible.

The scheduled time for the internship is 3 months between July and October 2012. Training and seminars prior to the internship will be held in English. The tandem will be formed by a French participant and a German/Swiss participant.