Peer Health Education Programs

  India

Rural Areas

  Nepal

Nawalparasi

  South Africa

Rural Areas

  Uganda

Jinja

Duration of Program: 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 7-12 months

Description: Students Partnership Worldwide is the global leader in engaging and supporting young people to address the urgent health, education, and environmental issues that affect their lives, their families and the livelihoods of their local, national, and global communities.

SPW programs focus on educating young people and communities of Africa and Asia around issues of sexual and reproductive health such as HIV-AIDS, STIs and teen pregnancy, sanitation, nutrition, hygiene, livelihoods and life skill development. The programs use non-formal education techniques that range from the creation of weekly radio shows, to the production of youth festivals, to the development of Youth Information Centers and Youth Action Groups. These techniques help empower the youth to take their sexual health, and the health of their community and nation, into their own hands.

Specific teaching positions vary from country to country. All SPW volunteers receive 3-6 weeks in-country training that covers language, non-formal education methods, rural-technologies, and safe health practices. Through this training, volunteers develop the skills they need to help the communities they will serve. Their work empowers the youth to lead healthy, productive lives.

As an SPW volunteer, you will:

- Discover and develop skills you never thought you had!
- Experience working with a grassroots non-governmental organization
- Gain valuable insight into the reality facing developing countries in the struggle against AIDS and poverty
- Acquire in-depth knowledge of health and environmental issues
- Improve your resume and find a stepping stone towards a career in international health or development
- Immerse yourself in a new culture
- Learn a new language
- Form lasting friendships

Highlights: What makes volunteering with SPW different?

* Training: Learn grassroots development skills during one month of comprehensive training.
* Support: Benefit from SPWs full support during fundraising, training and placement phases.
* Nonformal education: Use sports, music, drama, arts and debate to open a dialogue with youth and get them actively involved in learning about health and environmental issues.
* Partnership: Live and work in teams with volunteers from the local community and host country.
* Sustainability: Work hand-in-hand with local people to build solid relationships using local resources and maximize their capacity to effectively address issues facing youth, even after SPW leaves the community.
* Volunteers live in the rural communities with which they work. These communities are off the beaten path of most larger volunteer organizations.
* Volunteers are placed with national partners who afford greater insight and connection to the communities.
* On vacation periods, volunteers have the freedom to travel around their host countries and other countries of interest.

Qualifications: * Applicants must be 18-28 years old and possess a high-school diploma.

SPW volunteers do not need:

* Specialist skills or work experience
* Experience of living or traveling overseas

Minimum Education: Diploma/Certification

Cost in US$: Minimum donation of USD 6500

Salary / Pay: Basic Living Stipend

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: SPW Volunteers are usually: *Enthusiastic and willing to learn new skills *Eager to broaden your understanding of different cultures *Open-minded, adventurous, flexible, reliable *Passionate about wanting to make a difference

Age Range: 18-28

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of up to 5

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Students Partnership Worldwide USA's Mission Statement: Placing young people at the forefront of change and development.

Year Founded: 1985