Description

We always have a high demand for volunteers who are able to help us out in orphanages and alternative childcare centres in Cameroon. We work with several orphanages who care for orphaned and abandoned children. In addition, children whose families are simply too poor to care for them are looked after.

The children range in age from 0-20. Many have spent time living on the streets and have been abused or prostituted. Still others are handicapped or living with HIV/AIDS. In addition to childcare, education, and extra-curricular activities, there is a focus on teaching life-skills and trades so that all children can be self-sufficient and able to attain their basic human rights with dignity as adults.

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 handicapped, orphaned, and abandoned children, as well as those children living with HIV or AIDS.

Examples of Activities:
* Dress and feed children
* Tutor children in various academic subjects
* Assist staff in the nursery school
* Mentor children
* Run extra-curricular activities
* Assist in follow-ups with previously established Press relationships, in establishing new relationships and in the overall progress of our press networking.

Qualifications

Language Requirement: Basic 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

• Community Organizing
• Education
• Media Work
• Orphans
• Teaching

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. 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 at the orphanage 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

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

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