Community Center in Cotonou, Benin

  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: Get to know the fascinating culture of this West African country while contributing your talents and skills to a worhtwhile project. This community program consists of an orphanage, nursery school, primary school, and high school that provide the youth of the neighborhood with a sound education. Established in 1987, the project works hard to engage children at many levels. With a high school focused on arts and music, the teenagers are able to develop their creative talents in a unique way.

Volunteers are needed to help teach, organize recreational activities and games for the students, art projects, and assist in the classroom. The high school is in special need of teachers for the art and music program (guitar, piano, graphic and textile design). Volunteers are encouraged to be creative and develop their own ideas.

The community center is located in Cotonou, Benin's largest 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.

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 children and young people 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 and 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$: A two week program starts at $1,490

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: CCI volunteers are flexible and adventurous travelers who care about their impact on 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

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