When you move it always takes a bit of time to adjust. This is true when moving house, county and more so when moving country. Had it not been for my last few days in Youth Service I would have been tempted back into my holiday mentality. I am now officially a Lagos State Youth Corper and have had to shake off my London Swagger in order to fit in.

This was and continues to be easier said than done as I found myself speaking not only in my full English accent but also using statements like " I have been waiting ages for my uniform' to which I was met with a roar of laughter as my officers and fellow corpers proceeded to mock me.

However I am a soldier (well actually I'm a Youth Corper but there's not much difference) and I intend to make it out the other side ALIVE!

Now with every institution there are rules and regulations that must be followed i.e do not use the internet to browse porn at work, equal rights, etc. With Youth service there are a host of right and wrongs with laughable penalties. For instance you can be fine 1,000N (approx 4 quid) or face 4-6 months in jail for wearing an NYSC uniform when you are not serving. I intend to see how many people I can get to don my uniform even in the face of such terrifying consequences, lol.
I will provide pictorial proof!

I really Loved this poem, I though it was very powerful!

The Africa Centre is a Section 21 Company based in Cape Town , dedicated to supporting and celebrating the rich history and contemporary practice of African arts and culture.

General Manager

Responsibility: To ensure the smooth functioning of the Centre and the effective administration of its various projects.
Requirements: At least ten years experience in managing medium scale organisations; proven administrative skills; effective people management skills; high level computer literacy; experience in devising and monitoring budgets; knowledge of, or an interest in the creative sector; own transport.

Communications and Marketing Manager

Responsibility: To ensure regular communication with the Africa Centre's stakeholders and to coordinate effective marketing, communication and media plans for its various projects.
Requirements: Excellent writing skills; at least five years experience in marketing, publicity or PR; knowledge of or interest in the creative sector; sound relationships with the media; excellent computer skills; training and/or experience in web-based communication and own transport. French would be a recommendation.

Researcher

Responsibility: To update and maintain a comprehensive portal on African Arts, Culture and Heritage
Requirements: MA degree in the Humanities or Arts Admin; research skills; excellent computer and web-based skills; verbal and written fluency in English and French would be a strong recommendation; an interest in culture, good communication skills; flexibility to travel and undertake field research.

Receptionist/Administrative assistant

Responsibility: To coordinate the flow of information within the organisation and provide administrative assistance as required.
Requirements: Excellent communication skills; administrative experience and skills; sound computer skills; ability to work under pressure and to multi-task.

Fundraiser

Responsibility: To raise funds for the Africa Centre and its various projects, and to build and maintain sound relationships with donor partners.
Requirements: Excellent budgeting and financial management skills; effective communication skills; a passion for fundraising; a commitment to the African creative sector; at least five years of fundraising experience.

Project Managers

Responsibility: To coordinate and manage major and minor cultural projects.
Requirements: Excellent organisational, planning, administrative, computer, writing, financial management and communication skills; flexibility, initiative; ability to work under pressure; own transport.

Arterial Network Project Manager

The Arterial Network is an informal, dynamic network of individuals and organisations that aims to advance the African creative sector and cultural industries. The Network is independent of the Africa Centre which provides it with infrastructural support.

Responsibility: To manage the affairs of the Arterial Network on a day-to-day basis.
Requirements: See Project Managers above; excellent verbal and writing skills in English and French.

The Africa Centre is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment both to local employment equity and to representation of the broader African continent in its staff component.

To apply for one of these positions, please send a covering letter motivating your suitability for the position, a CV and the names and contact details of two referees to Staff Applications, Africa Centre; PO Box 137, Lynedoch, 7603, South Africa or info@africacentre.net by Monday 25 August 2008. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews by 31 August 08. See www.africacentre.net for more information about the Africa Centre.

I have been so preoccupied with getting ready for my move to Nigeria that my blog has been neglected these last few weeks. I will however be uploading some new information as the week progresses.

Sorry and thanks for the support!