Description

Our partner, Action Plus, operates a centre for trafficked and vulnerable children. The centre is a safe place where children are cared for, gain a basic education, and learn a trade so that they can become self-sufficient. Volunteers assist in teaching, caring for, and running programs for children.

Your Role
The centre serves children between the ages of six and seventeen. Children fourteen and under learn a basic education. Children between the ages of fourteen and seventeen learn a skill such as soap making, baking, cooking or sewing. For trafficked children, it is often a transit point where they can feel safe before returning home to their families. In this position you will volunteer alongside local staff. The focus of this role is twofold. You will help to care for and educate children, as well as work with local staff to develop new programming strategies.

Examples of Activities
* Teach children
* Develop new programs in consultation with local staff
* Coordinate extra-curricular activities for children
* Care for, mentor, and act as a positive role model for children

Highlights

Language
You can compliment your volunteer experience with French classes. On days when you have class, you will spend half the day volunteering and the other half learning French.

Class setting: You will learn French in a small group setting (1-6 students). All teachers are university-trained French teachers. You will learn through reading & writing, the use of media, and field trips where you are guided in actively practicing your French

Standard French: Two Hours, Three times per Week
Intensive French: Two Hours, Five times per Week

You can add as many weeks of language learning as you like to your placement. View costs to determine how much your program will cost depending on how much French you would like to learn.

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).

Asset Skills: Experience and comfort working with children. Experience in program development and strategic planning is considered an asset.

Languages

• French

Cost in US$:

Starts at USD700 for one week

Cost Includes:

• 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
* Accommodation (single or double occupancy in self catering apartment).
* Laundry, cleaning, and one African meal provided weekly
* 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
* Food
* Airfare
* Insurance
* Vaccinations
* Local transportation
* Pocket money

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Typical volunteer: University & college students or early career professionals. Many volunteers have interest in working in Africa in future with MSF, UN, or Red Cross. Typical Volunteer Hours: Volunteers are generally at the centre from 8am to 5:30pm with a two hour break at noon. Volunteers also help out for a half day on Saturdays.

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Guest House

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

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