Orphanage in Abomey

  Benin

Cotonou

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: Opened in 1963, thousands of children have made this orphanage their home. Currently serving 211 children, the orphanage is in need of many volunteers. The facility includes a clinic, pre-school and primary school making it easy for the little ones to access education.

Volunteers are needed to teach, organize recreational activities and games for the children, sing and dance, arts projects, and assist in the classroom or the clinic. Volunteers are encouraged to be creative and develop own ideas.

The orphanage is located in Abomey, about 65 miles from Cotonou. All volunteers will be taken to a host family upon arrival and participate in a three day orientation to Beninois culture and their project.
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 young Beninois 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. You will be met upon arrival will receive a three day orientation to Beninois culture and the project.

Qualifications: 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.

Cost in US$: Cost for a two week program starts at $1,490

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: CCI's volunteers are flexible, caring travelers who want to make a difference to the places 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

Participants Travel to Benin Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• 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