Join our next Change by Design workshop in Johannesburg

Join Our Change by Design Workshop in Johannesburg!

We are excited to announce that applications are now open for our forthcoming Change by Design workshop in Johannesburg, South Africa, exploring principles and solutions for upgrading informally occupied buildings in the inner city. 

Organised by ASF-UK in partnership with 1to1 – Agency of Engagement and SERI (Social Economic Rights Institute), the initiative is supported by the Housing Justice team of IIED (International Institute for Environment and Development) and by London Metropolitan University’s Centre for Urban and Built Ecologies.

The workshop counts as Stage B of our flagship learning programme Challenging Practice: Essentials for the Social Production of Habitat. 

In addition to workshop participants, we are also looking for two Johannesburg-based field volunteers who can assist with the workshop's activities. To learn more, please scroll down.

Call for Workshop Participants

We are looking for a multidisciplinary group of action-research volunteers to help tackle some of the housing challenges facing inner-city Johannesburg. Following a successful workshop in 2023, ASF-UK, 1to1, SERI and IIED are launching a new call to support residents and their organisations in imagining possible ways forward for upgrading informally occupied buildings in the inner city.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a dynamic action-learning experience, starting with a one-day online symposium in March 2024, followed by a one-week live workshop in Johannesburg in April 2024. Throughout this period, we will collaborate closely with 1to1 – Agency of Engagement, SERI and their grassroots partners. Together, we will adapt ASF-UK’s Change by Design methodology to explore how collaborative scenario building and future-oriented design can drive meaningful progress towards achieving housing justice in inner-city Johannesburg. 

Benefits of Participation

• Learn from and build upon our extensive engagement in Johannesburg
• Tackle real-life housing challenges in inner-city Johannesburg
• Work in close partnership with grassroots and civil society organisations
• Collaborate with a diverse group of action-research volunteers from various disciplines
• Benefit from the guidance and expertise of experienced ASF-UK and 1-to-1 facilitators 
• Receive a Challenging Practice Stage B certificate upon completion

Limited Places Available

Places are limited, so apply now to secure your spot by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below. Applicants holding a Challenging Practice Stage A certificate will be given priority.

Extend your impact beyond one week! Join us as a local volunteer and make a difference in your community

We are excited to offer a unique opportunity for two dedicated individuals to become local field volunteers. As a field volunteer, you will work closely with 1to1 – Agency of Engagement, SERI, ASF-UK, and local community-based organisations for 2.5 days a week over 6 weeks, from early March to the end of April.

What You'll Do:

• Assist in workshop preparation, documentation, and follow-up activities
• Collaborate with experts and community organisations
• Contribute to community engagement and urban development initiatives

Benefits of Participation:

If you're passionate about community engagement, urban development, and making a positive impact, this is the perfect opportunity for you! 

This position comes with a small stipend to support your involvement and is specifically designed for Johannesburg-based students and early career practitioners seeking valuable experience in the urban development sector.

As a local volunteer, you will also benefit from a fee waiver for the workshop.

How to Apply:

For more information about the position and the application process, please email us at [email protected].

Take advantage of this chance to contribute directly to our workshop's success and gain valuable hands-on experience!