Volunteer – Arts & Handcrafts Facilitator

CESVI ZIMBABWE
221 Fife Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe

HOUSE OF SMILES VOLUNTEERS ANNOUNCEMENT

Special Focus: Arts, Handcrafts & Creative Expression
Job Title: Volunteer – Arts & Handcrafts Facilitator
Workstation: House of Smiles (HoS), Harare
Reports to: House of Smiles Coordinator
Start date: To be agreed with the candidate
Duration: Depends with Candidate’s availability

ORGANISATIONAL BACKGROUND

CESVI is an international humanitarian organisation working in over 20 countries
worldwide. Since 1998, CESVI has operated in Zimbabwe, implementing programmes in
Environment, Sustainable Livelihoods, Health, and Child Protection. In 2005, CESVI
established the House of Smiles (HoS) in Harare, a safe drop‑in centre where vulnerable
children receive psychosocial support, protection services, and opportunities for
personal development.

POSITION OVERVIEW

CESVI is seeking a motivated volunteer to join the House of Smiles Volunteer Roster, with
a priority focus on arts, handcrafts, and creative expression for children and youth living
on the streets, including girls, teenage mothers, and pregnant teenagers. The volunteers
will help create safe, inclusive, and engaging creative activities that support psychosocial
wellbeing, build confidence and practical skills, and open future livelihood opportunities
for these groups.
Please note: CESVI does not provide financial compensation, stipends,
accommodation, or per diems. Transport costs will be reimbursed, subject to prior
agreement and available funds.

Areas of Engagement

 Visual arts (e.g., drawing, painting, clay, collage, murals) as a means of
self‑expression for children and youth.
 Handcrafts such as beadwork, weaving, knitting, sewing, basketry, and crafts
made from recycled materials.
 Expressive and therapeutic arts activities that support psychosocial healing,
emotional expression, and stress relief.
 Life skills through creative work, linking art and craft activities with patience,
planning, teamwork, and self‑esteem.
 Skills training for older adolescents, teenage mothers, and pregnant teenagers,
including pathways into small‑scale craft production and income‑generating
activities.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Volunteer shall:
 Design and facilitate inclusive art and handcraft sessions adapted to different
ages and abilities.
 Create a safe, welcoming space where children and youth can express themselves
freely through creative work.
 Use art and handcrafts as a tool for psychosocial support, confidence‑building, and
social integration.
 Teach practical craft techniques and support participants in producing quality
items, including for possible exhibition or sale.
 Identify and nurture creative talents, supporting pathways into community
opportunities or craft‑based livelihoods.
 Help manage art and craft materials responsibly, promoting the use of low‑cost
and recycled resources.
 Maintain attendance records and basic activity documentation.
 Work closely with House of Smiles staff and other volunteers to ensure a
protective environment.
 Prepare short activity or progress reports when requested.

REQUIREMENTS

Essential

 Experience or strong interest in visual arts, handcrafts, or creative activities.
 Passion for working with vulnerable children, girls, teenage mothers, and pregnant teenagers.
 Patience, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.
 Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
 Commitment to CESVI safeguarding and child protection policies.

Desirable

 Previous volunteering or work experience with children, youth, girls, or young women.
 Training or certificate in fine arts, art therapy, textiles, or a specific craft.
 Experience in small‑scale craft production or marketing of handmade products.
 Experience collaborating with NGOs, CSOs, or community‑based organisations.
 Ability to propose innovative, engaging, and safe creative activities.

TO APPLY
APPLICATION PROCESS
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
Interested candidates should submit:
 A CV (maximum 3 pages) with at least 3 contactable references.
 A cover letter (maximum 1 page) describing:
o Skills and areas of interest.
o Proposed arts and handcraft activities for the House of Smiles.
 APPLICANTS SHOULD APPLY ON THE FOLLOWING LINK:
https://ee-eu.kobotoolbox.org/x/mDaA6IiY
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted on the status of their application.

SAFEGUARDING

Cesvi has a zero-tolerance approach to any harm to, or exploitation of, a child or a
vulnerable adult by any of our staff, related persons, or partners. Cesvi commitment to
being a safe organization begins with the staff recruitment process which includes
meticulous checks, such as criminal records check or check disclosure of previous
convictions, to ensure children and vulnerable people are safeguarded and abuse is
prevented. Safeguarding checks are part of the selection process.

No closing date was given in the original advert. Apply as soon as possible.