Volunteer in Morocco

  Morocco

Rabat

Durations of Program: 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Start dates for 2007: January 29, March 19, May 7, October 1, November 21

Description: Our volunteer placements are made in collaboration with local partners.   There are a number of NGOs (Associations) open to receiving volunteers in Morocco.   We have selected some of the most active and trusted ones. Volunteer projects are available in such areas as:

Social Welfare
You are needed in a wide range of very worthwhile projects, including caring for disabled and homeless people, orphans, abused women and street children. When you volunteer in Morocco, your skills will be needed in various aspects ranging from working in the field to administration.

Environment
In some areas of Morocco, periods of drought and lack of equipment for irrigation have made it extremely difficult for country people to make a decent living. Water management, pollution management, desertification management and tree-planting are projects aimed at protecting the environment, sustaining the agriculture and developing the community. Illiteracy, poverty, and lack of infrastructure, information and equipment are some reasons behind the environmental crisis in Morocco. Help and support is needed to the NGOs who are motivated to improve their region.

Education and Teaching
While public schools in Morocco are free of charge and mandatory (but not enforced), it is still the case that many children do not receive an education. Volunteers are required to help with the informal education. You can also assist in organizing language training sessions for instructors, teaching English, French, teaching computer from basic needs to issuing CDROMs or website, or helping in non-formal education.

Highlights:
* One week orientation upon arrival in Rabat, to learn about the country, its culture, the issue of multilingualism, to learn how to travel safely, to have an overview on medical issues and be oriented on how to prepare for living and volunteering in Morocco.
* Four-week Intensive Arabic course at the Center for Cross Cultural Learning
* Roundtrip transportation to airport and workplace
* On-site health orientation
* On site coordination and advising
* A certificate of participation at the end of the program
* New community acquaintances
* Organized cultural excursions
* Improved intercultural skills and competence
* A sense of service and personal accomplishment

Qualifications: Volunteers must be 21 years of age. VIP in Morocco welcomes everybody who has a teamwork attitude, skilled or unskilled. You must have at least completed high school, and commited to volunteer work. You must also be healthy enough to adjust yourself to living and working in different conditions

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Morocco Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

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.