Project Description

1. State the purpose and objectives of this Ministry or Project:
   
   To provide a space and time for Christian / Catholic groups of youth (from parishes, schools, clubs, etc) to deepen their awareness of self as children of a loving God; to build active community among the participants; to counter popular disinformation about sexuality and youth culture in a fun and caring atmosphere.
   
   
2. Briefly describe the background and present situation of this ministry:
   
   Until 1993 Bosco was a boys a boarding school (Secondary) for 200 pupils. With the changing political and educational climate the Salesians joined forces with the Diocese of Johannesburg to use the premises as a Youth Centre to run various faith development programmes with youth from the parishes. In 2001 it was realised that the youth were facing a crisis in their understanding of their sexuality / fertility / marriage and the rampant AIDS pandemic. The five day LoveMatters programme was initiated. Besides the development of content and activities, it was found that prepared peer ministers have a much greater impact on the youth than more elderly religious. Thus the youthful volunteer cohort was brought on board. This now is our core programme, while we also continue to present the other courses too. A couple of years ago the Diocese altered its financial policy, leaving the Salesians with total financial responsibility for the Centre.
   
   The Centre now also caters for a wider spectrum of youth who have their own leaders to run courses. Karate groups, Bible Camps, Scout groups, Friendship Camps, and the like all enjoy the premises and facilities offered, but with little intervention from the Youth Ministry Team (YMT). This is done in order to maintain the financial viability of this large plant, and to help subsidise poor groups attending the YMT programmes, especially LoveMatters.
   
   
3. Total number of people involved in this ministry/project now:
   
   13.
   
   This number includes:
   
   

   # of SLMs:	0	Other US or foreign lay missioners:	1 VIDES
   Children:	500/yr	Youth:	8000/yr
   Adults:	10	Administrative:	4
   Teachers:	6	Local laity:	1
   Local religious:	5

4. What other programs, activities or possible projects are involved in this ministry:
   
   
   1. Apostolate among local rural youth in the Saturday & Sunday Oratory Oratories
   2. A teaching position in the local primary / junior school (900 pupils) subject to qualifications and need for a teacher.
   3. Fundraising, statistics, report writing, general administration, promotion of centre…
   4. Professional counselling, research, programme development…
5. Give a brief description of the area in which the lay missioner would be working. Include information such as: rural or urban, income level of area, primary needs of the people in the area, etc.)
   
   The DBYC is situated in a rural area, along a tar road which links two important highways. 40 kms South from central Johannesburg. The nearest village, Walkerville, is 10kms distant. Most of the comforts of life are available here from the shopping mall. The nearest town, Meyerton, is about 18kms distant. We are surrounded by hills, bush, and some buildings. There is a swimming pool, playing fields, basketball courts, volley ball, etc.
   
   The primary need of the people in the area…those who live in the vicinity, is work. Development is starting to take place South of Johannesburg. Local farmers are very protective of their agricultural environment and are resisting any rezoning of agricultural land for other purposes.
   
   
6. Are there any special problems or conditions in the area or project which might restrict some applicants: political, health, personnel, etc. Please describe.
   
   Since our “clients” are children and youth applicants need to like to work with youth and at the same time be balanced in their interaction with them, keeping to all the protocols.
   Applicants must be team players. Necessary skills are required for working and collaborating in a Team Ministry.
   
   We are out in the country, plenty of fresh air, mountain walks, obstacle courses, and sporting activities. The premises are wheelchair and physical disability “unfriendly”. There is no central heating or air conditioning – while we do not normally go below freezing in the winter, the wind factor can make things cold during this time, especially at night. Our buildings require that in moving from one place to another one always goes out of doors into the open. Our winters are dry, our summers are wet.
   
   Visa applications can be problematical and need to be addressed in good time, months ahead. There is no malaria in our area, although we do have mosquitoes.
   
   

Job Description

1. List and describe the major duties to be performed in this ministry or job. Please also include an estimation on the number of hours per day/week you spend on each duty.
   
   
   1. Bosco volunteers are expected to live and work as members of an active and prayerful team on behalf of young people. They are invited to bring their own unique skills and insights to bear on the planning and action of the apostolate of the YMT which prepares retreats, days of recollection, LoveMatters programmes and then puts them into action with the groups of youth who present themselves for the activities.
   2. Guardian Angel duties. This entails looking after groups who come to run their own programmes – seeing to the use of equipment, etc. It also covers responsibilities, when assigned, at the swimming pool, obstacle course, mountain hikes, to ensure that rules are obeyed and that everyone feels cared for in a safe environment.
   3. A gift shop and a tuck shop help us to subsidise needy youth. Both shops are run in a professional way, and volunteers may be asked to help. This help may be casual or managerial and will be in addition to their YMT responsibilities.
   4. Volunteers and not only welcome but encouraged to join the Salesian Community in their prayer times and holy mass. A volunteer should join the community at least once a day for prayer / mass.
   5. Hours are flexible…mostly from 06.30 to 23.00 each day. Some weeks and months are busy with no day off, other times are quite laid back with a more free time.
2. What is the missioner's position with regard to other personnel in the ministry or project?
   
   

   Administering or supervising others:	Mainly the youth in the groups attending the Centre during sessions and in recreation. Dormitory supervision is minimal.
   Member of a team:	Works with team members preparing and presenting sessions for and with the youth.
   Working alone:	Special skills (eg. Typing) may indicate that a volunteer works alone.( getting material typed up and printed, as an example.)
   Under supervision of:	Salesian team leader, who reports to the Rector and Community.
   Other:	Volunteers see to their own personal domestic chores. They also form their own small community, with its ups and downs.

Necessary Qualifications

1. Please indicate below the qualifications or skills considered necessary for performing well in this ministry - i.e. language, special skills, technical training, physical strength, etc.
   
   Language medium is English. So a good command of “public speaking” English is required. Any post school qualification that gives the volunteer confidence and capacity for motivating, encouraging, supporting, playing and praying with youngsters from 10 years of age to 20 years of age.
   
   A robust young person, preferably in their twenties, who has a good attitude with teenagers that maintains their respect, and provides them with a role model. So, does not smoke, abuse alcohol, etc.
   
   A good knowledge of the church teachings, bible, and liturgy are also highly recommended. A practising catholic who is involved in the local church and will present a recommendation from his local pastor.
   
   
2. What particular areas of academic preparation or educational certification would be helpful for this work:
   
   Presently we have on our team – two SDB priests, and a SDB cleric (MEd.) and three young local FMA sisters. The rest of the team - a SDB Aspirant (a fireman and paramedic); a car mechanic; an accountant; a VIDES volunteer (BSc Chem); a student teacher; a poet and writer; a lawyer (BA LLB) are all in their twenties – two ladies four gents. The real test is not so much the academic criteria but the enthusiasm to bring Christ to young people in a way that they can relate to.
   
   
3. Describe the experience that would be helpful for this position:
   
   An experience of Church in a faith community. Experience of working with young people at various stages of their development. Knowing how to be open, to work in a team ethos, to be flexible and accommodating. Previous volunteering experience.
   
   
4. Briefly describe the personal and professional qualities most needed in this ministry:
   
   Absolute adherence to the protocol when dealing with youth…no exceptions. Responsibility and commitment to the task in hand. An eye for detail, initiative, creativity and self motivation. Willingness and availability. Fidelity to church teachings…to practice what is preached!
   
   

Any other comments relevant to performing this ministry?

We encourage the youth to find their own solutions / path through discussion and dialogue rather than preaching at them. The process is important.

Mission Site Living Conditions...

1. Do the SLMs live with the religious members of the community?
   
   No
   
   
2. If "No", where do the SLMs live?
   
   In cottages (gents and ladies) apart from the Community house.
   
   
3. Do the volunteers have their own room or do they share?
   
   Private
   
   
4. Do the volunteers have their own bathroom or do they share?
   
   Shared
   
   
5. Is there the opportunity for daily mass/Eucharist?
   
   Yes
   
   
6. What you do for laundry:
   
   Each cottage has its own facilities – washing machine, iron, etc. There is also a large laundry on the premises to cater for bulk washing of sheets etc.
   
   
7. What are the local medical facilities like (where would you go for an infection, broken bone, etc.)?
   
   Local doctor…6 kms down the road. Mulbarton Private Hospital – 30kms on the way to Johannesburg.
   
   
8. What does your local diet primarily consist of?
   
   Not much different to what one finds in USA. Salads, vegetables, meat, fish, potatoes, rice, bread, etc. There is a wide variety of foodstuffs available to cater for all tastes.
   
   
9. Is there an ATM relatively close where you have access to money?
   
   Yes
   
   If "No", what is the preferred method of receiving money?
   
   
10. What is your involvement with the religious community?
    
    I am the Rector of the Salesian Community which owns the plant and drives the apostolate.
    
    
11. What is your involvement with the greater community (local festivals, invited over for meals, dance groups, etc.)?
    
    We provide facilities for local schools and groups to meet, hold picnics and fun days, church services and the like. Since we are in the country on large farms our neighbours are scattered over a wide area. We have very little to do with them at a social level. To get to the main arterial highways is a 7km journey…no public transport. At this point transport may be found to travel into Johannesburg or Vereeniging.
    
    
12. What other things do you feel others should know about "Life at your site"?
    
    Anyone who finds it difficult to survive in the country, without a daily fix of the shopping mall had better not come. Transportation is a problem to and from the site.
    
    Volunteers receive a stipend of R300 per month for their own needs. Breakfast and lunches are provided with the groups or the community. If there is no group present the volunteers are provided with the necessary items to make their own suppers.