Social Action Project in Porto Novo

  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: This NGO began in 1999 focusing on the major social issues in the community that were affecting many residents. Currently serving around 200 people at the center, they offer a variety of educational trainings and workshops for the members including programs on radio, malaria prevention, agriculture and environment, peer education, computers, and HIV/AIDS prevention. They reach out to the orphans and children in need of support in the community giving them a place to grow and develop in to productive young men and women. There is also a pharmacy on site to provide medication for those afflicted with HIV/AIDS. A unique microfinance program has been designed to help members gain experience managing money and raising farm animals.

The organization is very dynamic striving to serve all sectors of the population. Volunteers are needed to help in all areas of the project but most specifically on small business development with women's groups, HIV/AIDS education and outreach projects, computer training, teaching English, and child psychology. Volunteers are encouraged to be creative in bringing own ideas to work with the children.

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 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. The center 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.

Highlights:
- Homestay with a carefully screened, welcoming host family
- Two meals daily during the week and three meals daily on weekends
- Support of friendly, experienced staff in the US and in Benin
- Comprehensive accident and medical insurance
- 24 hour emergency support

Qualifications: Experience or education in counseling, teaching and/or childcare is helpful, but not required. Any volunteers with experience or study in psychology or business development are encouraged to apply. An intermediate level of French is required. French lessons are available prior to the volunteer project for an additional fee.

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

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: CCI volunteers are caring, flexible travelers who want to have a positive impact on 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