Poetry Buddies Children s Coorinator

Vacancy for position of a Poetry Buddies & Children’s Coordinator, at Khanya College

Khanya College is an NGO based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Learn more about Khanya College and its social justice work at www.khanyacollege.org.za. Khanya College’s commitment to social justice work includes the recognition of the importance of publishing and publications in the advancement of its mission and of its work within working class communities. Among other aspects of this work, Khanya publishes a range of newsletters, a newspaper, books and brochures.

Khanya College is looking for a social justice activist to work in the position of Poetry Buddies & Children’s Coordinator. This position is based within the Jozi Book Fair (www.jozibookfair.org.za), a project of Khanya College.

The main duty of this position is to organise Poetry Buddies children’s groups at schools, libraries, at homes and within communities. The main aim of the Buddies is to encourage children to read, write, and express themselves in all Southern Africa’s languages, especially their mother tongue. The coordinator will also facilitate and teach Poetry Buddies volunteers to assist children to write poems, songs, drawings, and so forth; and to produce a monthly JBF Poetry Buddies newsletter.

This position will include:

• Liaise with schools, libraries, churches, community organisations, and find ways to encourage people to set up poetry buddies groups in all communities.

• Setup and support and regularly maintain Poetry Buddies groups;

• Organise educational activities for Poetry Buddies groups that develop children’s self-confidence, self-esteem, self-expression, friendship and solidarity.

• Coordinate the Poetry Buddies groups;

• Maintain a monthly newsletter where buddies communicate with each other. Facilitate children learning each other’s languages.

• Write, read, research, edit and proofread.

The duties of this position are:

• Organise children into poetry buddies groups.

• Be innovative in getting children to read, to write, to draw and to generally express themselves.

• Inspire children and their parents, teachers (and others) about the value of the poetry buddies

• Regular support to poetry buddies

• Coordinate the poetry buddies

• Gather information and respond to the needs of the poetry buddies groups

• Facilitate and run educational workshops and activities for poetry buddies coordinators

• Develop the reading, analytical and other educational capacities of poetry buddy coordinators.

• Establish and maintain contacts and databases of poetry buddies and other children-related organisations.

• Develop and monitor all relevant areas of focus for children

• Write, edit and submit copy

• Attend events and travel

• Produce a monthly newsletter written by the buddies.

• Liaise with teachers, librarians, principals and parents.

• Liaise with government departments, ngos and other related institutions concerning children’s issues.

• Regularly update the website and social media

• Facilitate children to engage each other.

• Manage staff

  Other duties

  • It is a requirement for all staff to be involved in the marketing of the organisation. •

  • It is a requirement for all staff to travel in the course of their duties from time to time and if necessary to make use of their own vehicles for this purpose.

  • It is a requirement for staff to make themselves available for out of town travel from time to time. This may take the form of local or international travel.

  • Staff are required to take part in organising other College activities as and when it becomes necessary. •

  • Any other duties that may arise from time to time and may reasonably be expected

  Requirements

  • Tertiary qualification in humanities, or an equivalent qualification and/or training and

  experience in working with children.

  • Proven interest in social justice issues.

  • Proven experience in working with children, and developing progressive child-friendly practices.

  • Ability to write, edit and present reports.

  • Ability to work accountably in a team.

  • Ability to manage staff

  • Strong presentation skills and clear and confident in team communication.

  • Computer literacy (incl. Excel), online research and email applications.

  • Preferably multi-lingual.

  • Preferably owner of driver's licence (Code 8).

  • Black women are encouraged to apply.

  Khanya College offers:

  • A vibrant and progressive working environment.

  • Working relationships with diverse communities and other NGOs, museums, and other community organisations, locally, regionally and internationally.

  • Position with career development

  • Diverse exchange with the public and partnering stakeholders through a wide range of educational and activities and cooperation projects of the College

  Salary and Benefits:

  The College offers traditional benefits like medical aid, provident fund, and 13th cheque. The salary range for this position, depending on experience and skills, is R8769.91 per annum (Total Cost to Company). In exceptional circumstances, the package is negotiable.

  The deadline for applications is:

  Starting date: By mutual agreement with the College or as soon as possible

  Please send motivation letter and CV to: vacancies@khanyacollege.org.za