Center for Women and Children in Porto Novo, Benin

  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: Experience the fascinating culture and easy lifestyle of West Africa while contributing to a worthwhile service project. This NGO was created in 1993 to help women and children in the surrounding community. Equipped with a nursery, orphanage, primary, and secondary school, the center is able to serve many families. Through organizing youth groups, educating young mothers, and a variety of community campaigns and outreach programs including malaria prevention, sexual education, importance of clean water, and HIV/AIDS support, this NGO is working hard to better the situation of its members.

Help is needed in many different areas including tutoring, organizing recreational activities, leading skills workshops, mentoring, counseling, and assisting with community outreach campaigns. Many volunteers are needed during the months of August and September when the students are on vacation and there are daily activities to plan.

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 women and young children 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. The home is located in Porto-Novo, Benin's capital 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.

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$: Costs start at $1,490 for a two week program

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Greenheart Travel volunteers are caring and flexible travelers who want to make a difference to 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

Greenheart Travel's Mission Statement: Greenheart Travel is a division of the Center for Cultural Interchange. 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. Greenheart is CCI's way of promoting the health and welfare of the earth and its people through cultural exchange, ethical travel, responsible consumerism, and community service.

Year Founded: 1985