Previous host families all speak of how the volunteers have enriched their everyday lives. They accompany a young person on his or her journey and experience the development first-hand. The host family helps the volunteer find their way around Germany and learns to see their own home country through new eyes. In our experience so far, younger family members in particular improve their English skills and the whole family can get to know new dishes and habits. At the end of the year, host family and volunteer look back on many beautiful and funny moments.

Former host families look back fondly on their time with a volunteer at home. Through volunteers, host families also get to know South Africa in a different light and embark on a year full of experiences with the volunteer. By living together, host family and volunteer, who would never have met under other circumstances, can meet on a very special level. They share everyday life, overcome difficulties together and celebrate their successes.

We are looking for families to provide a warm home for a volunteer from South Africa for (at least) six months. Volunteers should be provided with their own room and bed. A good public transport connection to the volunteer’s place of work is an advantage. The most important thing for us is that you as a host family are open to the world and interested in mutual exchange. The volunteer should be integrated into the family’s everyday life as a (temporary) member, but also have enough space to withdraw (depending on their needs).

The volunteers come from different regions of South Africa, have distinguished themselves through social commitment and have successfully gone through a multi-stage application process. The volunteers are usually between their early and mid-twenties and are very motivated to complete a one-year voluntary service in Germany. In their placement sites in Germany, the volunteers usually have a 40-hour week.

Knowledge of German is not required, but volunteers take part in a German crash course as part of their preparatory seminar in South Africa. After arriving in Germany, the volunteers start a language course lasting several months, which takes place outside working hours (at adult education centres or other language schools). All volunteers speak English as well as at least one of the local languages of South Africa.

As a host family, you always have the opportunity to contact the SAGE Net office, which coordinates the host family programme, with any questions or challenges. Shortly before the volunteers arrive, there is a (digital) introductory workshop for all host families, which mainly focuses on the concrete preparation. In addition, two interim meetings and a personal visit by the volunteer coordinator are planned.

Basically, SAGE Net takes care of all organisational and administrative matters (e.g. insurance) related to the volunteer service and is responsible for the pedagogical support of the volunteers. We are happy if you as host families make it easier for the volunteers to arrive in Germany and help them with minor questions and challenges. Nevertheless, you are not expected to be available for all the volunteers’ concerns. Volunteers can always contact SAGE Net directly. The mentoring programme also plays a very central role: all SAGE Net volunteers have mentors who provide on-site support.

As a rule, host families provide their board and lodging on a voluntary basis. If necessary, SAGE Net can support host families with a monthly household allowance of up to €150. The volunteers receive a monthly pocket money from SAGE Net, which they can use to finance their everyday life and leisure time.

Clear arrangements with the volunteer are recommended. Volunteers receive a monthly pocket money from SAGE Net.