Volunteer in Benin, West Africa

  Benin

Porto Novo

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Flexible, year round

Description: Get to know this fascinating culture while you contribute to social service projects that need your help. This tiny French speaking West African country is packed with more attractions than many countries twice its size: ancient religions, a rich colonial history, pleasant beaches, exotic wildlife, markets selling everything from colorful textiles to voodoo accoutrements, and warm local hospitality.

Volunteers are needed to work side by side with Beninois on community development, education or health care projects. While Benin is a democratic country and better off economically than many of its West African neighbors, poverty and lack of education do affect many areas of the country. International volunteers in Benin provide understaffed NGOs and schools with the resources and support they need to improve the quality of life in Beninois communities.

Health care projects: Assist the staff of medical clinics that provide free health care to poorer residents, work with community campaigns to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases through traditional dances designed to educate the young and illiterate, or provide support and counseling to affected women and teens.

Children's programs: Work in an orphanage providing daily care to orphaned Beninois children and leading recreational and arts and crafts activities.

Social Work: Assist in a welfare center that works to educate and counsel runaway children and those who are victims of abuse or human trafficking.

Education: Teach in local schools a variety of subjects: math, French, computer skills, etc. Volunteers will either teach classes themselves or assist a Beninois teacher, depending on the school.

Programs for the disabled: Assist the staff of a community center in providing vocational training to disabled Beninois to help them become self-sufficient.

Highlights:
* Homestay with a carefully screened, welcoming Beninois family
* Most meals
* Support of experienced and friendly staff both in Benin and In the U.S.
* Comprehensive accident and medical insurance
* 24 hour emergency support

Fun and interesting courses in Beninois dance and drumming are available as well for an additional fee.

Qualifications: Language requirement: Volunteers should have a level of French that enables them to communicate effectively with their host families and other members of the community. French courses are available to participants who need extra language preparation prior to beginning the volunteer project.

Cost in US$: Prices start at $1,490 for a 4 week program

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: CCI volunteers are flexible, caring people who are interested in an authentic cultural exchange experience rather than a tour program.

Age Range: 18 and over

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Benin Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Written Application

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