Volunteer in Nigeria!

  Nigeria

Lagos

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: year round

Description: This program provides you with hands-on experience and helps you to see, experience and understand life in Nigeria. International volunteers are provided with work placements in community projects, small-scale industries, public institutions and non-governmental organisations (NGO).

There are opportunities for placements in both urban and rural areas. Opportunities are available in a wide range of fields and can be tailored to fit a participant's needs.

Possible placement sites in Nigeria:
- Pre-school, Primary and Secondary School
- Aids projects
- Aids Education
- Community Development
- Orphanage
- Social work
- Human Rights
- Rehabilitation centres for the Handicapped
- School for the Deaf
- Agriculture
- Family health, family planning
- Environment
- Small-scale enterprise development
- Data Collection and Statistics
- Relief Centres
- Maternal care / Child care
- Legal Aid
- Office / Computer Training
- Gender Issues
- Rural Development
- Construction

Accommodation

SYTO will make arrangements for housing in conjunction with the receiving organisation with which you will be placed. Accommodation is usually an approved homestay with Nigerian families.

Occasionally, an organisation may make accommodation available for participants on work site or within the work site area. The accommodation usually has basic furnishings and in some instances, there could be no running water or electricity or it may be sporadic. The cost of living in the rural areas is cheaper than in the cities and those placed in an urban area will be required to contribute more than those living in a rural area.

Highlights: Nigeria is the heart of West Africa and the most populous country on the continent. Partly due to an incredible diversity of cultures - there are over 450 ethnic dialects - Nigeria has never succeeded in becoming a truly unified and stable state. Though currently run by a democratically elected government, underlying ethnic and religious tensions remain. Widespread poverty is at the root of many of Nigerias current problems.

Volunteering in Nigeria is a challenging but rewarding opportunity for those who want a genuine experience of modern Africa. Safety is a key factor - only projects in a safe location have been chosen. Participants work alongside their local counterparts on a range of vital projects, gaining hands-on experience and an understanding of life in Nigeria.

Qualifications: There are no special skills required by Volunteers for International Partnership in Nigeria. Selection will be based on your completed application, resume, transcript and reference. 

At your host project, your success will depend on teamwork, creative problem solving, patience and openness to other points of view. Your co-workers will expect you to be a dependable, resourceful, motivated contributor who works well with others.

A few requirements must be meet:
- The minimum age is 18
- You must be healthy and fit enough to adapt to living and working where host project conditions may be strenuous
- If you are applying to work with minors or others with special needs, professional certifications and/or background record checks may also be required i.e. minimum level of language proficiency

Cost in US$: Depends on the specific program

Salary / Pay: There is no stipend for this program and therefore you will need to bring enough pocket money to cover personal expenses and basic needs. There is also a small program fee which includes:- Program Administration by SYTO- Work Placement- Accommodation placement (does not include the cost of accommodation)- Visa processing and extension services up to a maximum of 3 months (this does not include your entry visa)- Airport meet and greet at Muritala Mohammed International Airport- Airport Accommodation transfer- Bed and Breakfast for (4 nights 5 days in Ibadan)- Orientation at work place prior to beginning of work- Transfer to permanent accommodation/work placement after arrival orientation- Support Services by SYTO on an on-going basis.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers are placed on project in their area of interest if and when available. We try to ensure that placements are made in areas of the country we consider safe for our participants.

Age Range: 18-36 years, except US citizens 21-36

This Program is open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Nigeria Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Volunteers for International Partnership's Mission Statement: Volunteers for International Partnership offers each international volunteer an opportunity to learn a culture from the inside while doing valuable community service, peer to peer, in a stimulating new environment. VIP is committed to: *Careful selection and preparation of the volunteer, host family and Host Organization. *Emphasis on the education and self-awareness gained through international community service and volunteering. *Planning the volunteer's intercultural experience to highlight enrichment from cultural differences. *Full immersion in the host culture through orientation, language training, worksite and housing selection. *Individualization of volunteer placement design to take full advantage of volunteer differences in skill, age, experience and diversity. *Effective evaluation of the experience and the Host Organization. *Strong efforts to enhance the volunteer's social adjustment to regional habits and customs. *Choosing volunteer service projects that are worthwhile, safe, meet the needs of the local community and are conducted responsibly with regard to environmental, social and local issues.