Description

Volunteering in an orphanage or care center in Togo can be challenging but also incredibly rewarding. Whether you are on a gap year, holiday from university, or coming to volunteer development work as a career break, you will have a role to play and your contribution will be valued.

The number of orphans and street children in Togo is a problem for the country's rudimentary social welfare services. In the orphanages that do exist, staff struggle with limited resources to feed, clothe, and educate the children in their care. Staff often don't have the time to provide the individual love and attention that these children need so they can have as normal a childhood as possible.

Projects Abroad works with several different orphanages in Lome, the capital of Togo. Many of the country's most vulnerable children end up at these homes. The orphanages are privately owned and vary in size. Some are home to mostly young children and others have adolescents and young adults. If you would like to work with a certain age group please request it when you apply.

The most rewarding tasks involve helping the children with their homework, teaching hygiene, and setting up group activities. Volunteers can also help with daily tasks such as preparing meals and cleaning up. Some volunteers choose to set up regular social activities for the children like sports or arts and crafts lessons.

It is also possible to work in a nursery with babies and young children. It is important to teach them basic behavioral tasks, such as treating people kindly, cleaning up after yourself, and having proper manners. The nursery has a playground outside and plenty of space for outdoor activities.

Highlights

In whichever Care placement in Togo you find yourself, you need to be ready for a challenge. Many of the children are desperate for attention and there will undoubtedly be children who have health problems or need special attention due to disabilities. Patience and positive reinforcement are essential!

Projects Abroad volunteers help by spending time with the children, playing with them, and putting a smile on their faces. Whether you are taking a group out for an afternoon to the nearby beach, helping older children with homework, or playing a game with the younger ones, you will be an essential part of their development.

Any extra interests or skills that you have can be put to good use, so please let our local staff know about them when you apply. Though French ability is not required, it is helpful to be able to communicate with the children and staff.

Qualifications

None.

Intern Types

• Social Work

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• Social Services, Social Work
• Street Kids
• Volunteering

Typical Volunteer

Open-minded with a willingness to travel.

Age Range

16-80

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 2-5

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992