Home for Troubled Youth 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: Experience this fascinating West African culture while making a contribution to a worthwhile service project. Established in 1991, this center currently serves around 60 teenage boys and girls that come from troubled homes, the streets, are victims of trafficking or are runaways. The primary function of the center is to teach the boys a technical trade such as carpentry, electrical or metal work, assisting them to reintegrate into society and in to their families where possible. There is a separate house for girls teaching many necessary skills for working and their future.

Help is needed in many different areas including tutoring, organizing recreational activities, leading skills workshops, helping with technical education classes, mentoring, and counseling. Volunteers must be patient and open-minded to work with children that come from such difficult situations. The primary focus of the volunteer is to share themselves with the children through encouragement, support and lots of care!

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 youth 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 experise 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$: A two week program costs $1,490

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: CCI volunteers are caring and flexible travellers who want to make a difference to the places 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