Description:
Experience the fascinating culture and easy lifestyle of West Africa while contributing to a worthwhile service project. This NGO was created in 1993 to help women and children in the surrounding community. Equipped with a nursery, orphanage, primary, and secondary school, the center is able to serve many families. Through organizing youth groups, educating young mothers, and a variety of community campaigns and outreach programs including malaria prevention, sexual education, importance of clean water, and HIV/AIDS support, this NGO is working hard to better the situation of its members.
Help is needed in many different areas including tutoring, organizing recreational activities, leading skills workshops, mentoring, counseling, and assisting with community outreach campaigns. Many volunteers are needed during the months of August and September when the students are on vacation and there are daily activities to plan.
This volunteer project an unmatched opportunity to get to know the country and its people on a personal level, and contribute to programs that are making a real difference in the lives of the women and young children it serves. You will work side by side with Beninois on this locally designed and run project. You will stay with a carefully screened and welcoming host family, giving you insight into daily life in Benin.
Our staff in the US are experienced volunteers themselves who are happy to share their experiences and expertise with prospective volunteers. Our partner staff in Benin are friendly, caring and dedicated to ensuring that all volunteers have a rewarding experience. The home is located in Porto-Novo, Benin's capital city. All volunteers will be taken to a host family upon arrival and participate in a three day orientation to Beninois culture and their project.
Qualifications / Skills Needed:
Experience or education in counseling, teaching and/or childcare is helpful, but not required. An intermediate level of French is required. French lessons are available prior to the volunteer project for an additional fee.
Language:
French
Cost in US$: Costs start at $1,490 for a two week program
Cost Includes:
Food,
Housing,
In-country orientation/Training,
In-country staff support,
Medical insurance,
Medical services,
Pre-departure orientation/Training,
Registration fees,
Written materials abroad
and Written materials pre-departure
Experience Required: no
Typical Volunteer Projects:
childcare/children,
counseling,
women
and youth
Typical Volunteer: CCI volunteers are caring and flexible travelers who want to make a difference to the communities and people they visit.
Age Range: 18 and over
This Program is open to
American
and Canadian
Participants.
This Program is also open to
Families, Couples and Individuals.
Typical Living Arrangement:
Home-stays
Participants Travel to Benin
Independently
Typically Participants Work
Independently
Or
in Groups
Application Process Involves:
Center for Cultural Interchange's Mission Statement: Founded in 1985, the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding, academic development and world peace. Based in Chicago, Illinois, CCI organizes cultural exchange programs for participants of all ages, including high school abroad, independent homestay, internship, language study, eco-tours and volunteer programs in over thirty countries around the world.
Year Founded: 1985