Description

We work with Le Cameleon, a centre where disabled children are cared for and receive skills training. It is the only centre of its kind in Cameroon. Many disabled children are literally pushed out of the school system. Furthermore, they may be marginalized due to a cultural phenomenon; people with voodoo beliefs may believe they are cursed and stigmatize them.

At Le Cameleon, children who are deaf and dumb, or are suffering from Down's syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, and other conditions are cared for. They also learn trades and life skills, and gain a basic education. In addition, Le Cameleon staff work with families who are desperate to learn how to care for their suffering children.

In general, volunteers help to care for, teach, and mentor children, or run extra-curricular programs. If a volunteer has a particular relevant skill from soccer coaching to occupational therapy, we will ensure that volunteer's skills can be used to help the children.

Highlights

Your Role
Volunteers who spend time with children, offering their love and care, play an integral role in child development. In this position you will be caring for disabled children. You may also help them to learn life skills, arts and crafts, trades, or regular school subjects.

Examples of Activities:
* Dress and feed children
* Tutor children in various academic subjects
* Mentor children
* Run extra-curricular activities
* Assist local teachers in teaching trades and life skills

Qualifications

Language Requirement: Intermediate French (Note: if you do not have the required level of French, contact us to learn about options for language learning before your placement or other opportunities which may be suited to your goals and skills).

Languages

• French

Cost in US$:

Starts at USD800 for one week

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country staff support
• Registration fees
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* Pre-departure support: You will have a staff member available to support you throughout your time preparing to go abroad. In addition, you will be provided with all the resources you need including your Pre-Departure Manual & Culture Matters Workbook. The pre-departure manual includes all information you need regarding your destination, as well as advice on blogging and fundraising. The Culture Matters Workbook is a self-study course focused on:
- Culture shock
- Issues power and race
- Managing politics, religion, and gender
- Working effectively in a cross-cultural setting
- Preparing to reintegrate as you return home
- Transportation to and from the airport
- Homestay with local family (includes food and single or double occupancy room)
- Organization placement
- Reference letter and/or compliance with your college or university for course credit (Upon request; 90USD fee applies for students obtaining course credit)

What's not Included
* Airfare
* Insurance
* Vaccinations
* Local transportation
* Pocket money

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Academic Reinforcement
• Arts
• Childcare/children
• Education
• Sports
• Teaching

Typical Volunteer

College & university students, recent grads, educators Typically you will work 9am-5pm in this position. You can take mornings or afternoons off if you will be learning French while volunteering. You can take long weekends to travel and explore Cameroon, just let your supervisor know in advance. You and your supervisor may arrange an alternate schedule where you also help out on weekends or take certain weekdays off. While generally volunteers are involved in a typical workday alongside local staff and volunteers, we know that you are volunteering your valuable time. Therefore, if you would like to volunteer for less hours, this is ok. You can arrange this with your supervisor once in Cameroon. In sum, your schedule can be flexible, you just need to ensure you communicate the schedule you would like to have with your supervisor.

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Scholarships are Available

Media Matters Award We offer awards of up to $300 USD to defray the costs of volunteering abroad. Applicants must demonstrate a desire to contribute to our online community in the long term through various forms of media. Types of media include but are not limited to blogging, photography, online articles, and video content. Other forms of media which can be transferred for viewing online, for example painting, drawing, and sketching, are also possible. We welcome innovative ideas. Successful applicants have a clear and well-organized plan regarding what media they will create, and demonstrate a commitment and proven ability to complete their media project. Application Deadlines: March 15th, June 15th, September 15th, December 15th http://thehumanityexchange.org/resources/media-matters-award-application/(

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

3 days

The Humanity Exchange's Mission Statement

To provide exceptional international exchange experiences, that foster globally minded conscientious leaders and contribute to development in cooperation with local communities.

Year Founded

2009