Youth Development Volunteer - Volunteer Position - Onsite in Eswatini - 15 months, plus 3 months training
Peace Corps
United States
Posted on May 13, 2025
About The Job
Apply by :
October 1, 2025
Know By
December 1, 2025
Depart On
June 2, 2026
Duration
15 months, plus 3 months training
ELIGIBILITY: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen.
Project description
Eswatini prides itself with a vibrant culture and stunning landscapes. It has a rich history and warm-hearted people. As a potential Volunteer, the allure of Eswatini lies in its opportunity to immerse oneself in a community that values tradition and also embraces change. Volunteering in Eswatini promises not only to make a difference, but also to leave an indelible mark on the heart of the Volunteer, fostering connections that transcend borders and enrich lives as well.
Despite its small population size, the Kingdom of Eswatini has the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence in the world. In 2003, Peace Corps reopened the Eswatini program to focus on halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and combatting its devastating impact on Swati society.
Presently, the country is at a historic moment in their HIV/AIDS response. Eswatini has achieved HIV/AIDS epidemic control by ensuring that 95% of all people living with HIV know their status, 95% of all people who know their status access treatment, and 95% of all people on treatment have suppressed viral loads. Regardless of such a major milestone, the country continues to struggle with new HIV infections particularly among youth between the ages of 15-24 years.
Currently, with more than 50 percent of Eswatini’s population under the age of 25, Youth Development work is more pressing than ever before. In many areas of the country, traditional family and community systems are unable to meet the changing needs of Swati youth; additionally, schools struggle to equip youth with the critical life skills needed to thrive in today’s rapidly modernizing world.
Education
Youth Development Volunteers empower Swati youth, ranging in age from 9-24 years old, to become healthy, productive, and civically engaged adults. Volunteer’s support the goals of the Ministry of Education by:
During the first three months in country, Peace Corps Trainees (PCTs) will participate in Pre-Service Training (PST) to prepare for community integration and their work assignments. PCTs will receive training on the Siswati language and norms and culture, the Peace Corps approach to development, the fundamentals of their technical assignment area, safety, security, personal health, and resiliency. Trainees must successfully complete the full training package and achieve the minimum standards for language proficiency to be sworn in for 12 months of Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) service.
Required Skills
Competitive candidates will have an expressed interest in working directly with adolescents (10-14) and youth (15-24) and one or more of the following criteria:
Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, Youth Development, Applied Behavioral Science or related field
OR
Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Social Studies, Psychology, Education, Youth Development, Applied Behavioral Science or other related field and at least 3 months of experience working with youth and/or families
OR
3 years of professional experience working with youth and/or families, preferably from under-resourced communities
Apply by :
October 1, 2025
Know By
December 1, 2025
Depart On
June 2, 2026
Duration
15 months, plus 3 months training
ELIGIBILITY: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen.
Project description
Eswatini prides itself with a vibrant culture and stunning landscapes. It has a rich history and warm-hearted people. As a potential Volunteer, the allure of Eswatini lies in its opportunity to immerse oneself in a community that values tradition and also embraces change. Volunteering in Eswatini promises not only to make a difference, but also to leave an indelible mark on the heart of the Volunteer, fostering connections that transcend borders and enrich lives as well.
Despite its small population size, the Kingdom of Eswatini has the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence in the world. In 2003, Peace Corps reopened the Eswatini program to focus on halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and combatting its devastating impact on Swati society.
Presently, the country is at a historic moment in their HIV/AIDS response. Eswatini has achieved HIV/AIDS epidemic control by ensuring that 95% of all people living with HIV know their status, 95% of all people who know their status access treatment, and 95% of all people on treatment have suppressed viral loads. Regardless of such a major milestone, the country continues to struggle with new HIV infections particularly among youth between the ages of 15-24 years.
Currently, with more than 50 percent of Eswatini’s population under the age of 25, Youth Development work is more pressing than ever before. In many areas of the country, traditional family and community systems are unable to meet the changing needs of Swati youth; additionally, schools struggle to equip youth with the critical life skills needed to thrive in today’s rapidly modernizing world.
Education
Youth Development Volunteers empower Swati youth, ranging in age from 9-24 years old, to become healthy, productive, and civically engaged adults. Volunteer’s support the goals of the Ministry of Education by:
- Planning and teaching life skills classes using the Ministry’s Life Skills Curriculum four days per week in both secondary and high school settings.
- Building the capacity of schools and individual teachers to teach the Life Skills Curriculum through co-planning and co-facilitation.
- Working in partnership with teachers and school committees to form “youth friendly” welcoming school environments.
- Building the capacity of community service providers – including teachers, religious leaders, and coaches – to implement youth programming focused on sexual and reproductive health, job skills, healthy relationships, and life skills.
- Establish new and strengthen existing Peace Corps youth clubs to support after school “youth friendly” programming.
During the first three months in country, Peace Corps Trainees (PCTs) will participate in Pre-Service Training (PST) to prepare for community integration and their work assignments. PCTs will receive training on the Siswati language and norms and culture, the Peace Corps approach to development, the fundamentals of their technical assignment area, safety, security, personal health, and resiliency. Trainees must successfully complete the full training package and achieve the minimum standards for language proficiency to be sworn in for 12 months of Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) service.
Required Skills
Competitive candidates will have an expressed interest in working directly with adolescents (10-14) and youth (15-24) and one or more of the following criteria:
Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, Youth Development, Applied Behavioral Science or related field
OR
Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Social Studies, Psychology, Education, Youth Development, Applied Behavioral Science or other related field and at least 3 months of experience working with youth and/or families
OR
3 years of professional experience working with youth and/or families, preferably from under-resourced communities