Social Action Project, Porto-Novo (Ages 18+)

Project Details
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 into 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.

Program Costs

4 weeks: $1,630
6 weeks: $1,760
8 weeks: $1,950

Volunteer Abroad Program Fees

Fees may be paid by personal check, money order or credit card.

Included	Not Included
Lodging/3 meals per day	Airfare
Arrival pick-up at airport	In-country transportation
Medical/accident insurance	Phone cards
24 hour emergency staff	Internet
Predeparture and Arrival Orientation

Volunteer Responsibilities
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 their own ideas to work with the children.

Accommodations and Meals
Volunteers will stay with carefully screened host families for the duration of the program. Two meals during the week and three on weekends with your host family are included in your stay.

Location
The center is located in Porto-Novo, Benin’s capital city. All volunteers will be taken to a host family upon arrival and will participate in a three day orientation to Beninois culture and their project.

Transportation and Travel Arrangements
All travel arrangements must be booked according to Greenheart Travel instructions. Booking travel is your responsibility, but we are more than happy to help you as needed. A volunteer coordinator will meet you at the airport in Cotonou upon your arrival and arrange your transportation to your host family. Upon arrival in Cotonou you will have an orientation for about two days before arriving on the volunteer site.
Depending on the location of your host family you may be within walking distance to your work site or a short bus ride away. Greenheart Travel does not cover any bus fare used in transit to the work site.

Local Support
Greenheart Travel always provides you with a thorough network of support before departure and during your time abroad. You will be provided with pre-departure orientation materials that will walk you through every step of your program. Your local coordinator, host family, and volunteer site supervisor are more than happy to address questions or difficulties that you may have at anytime during your program.

Dates
Projects last from 2 to 12 weeks.

2010 Start Dates:

March 8, March 29, April 12, April 26, May 10, May 23, June 7, June 21, July 5, July 19, August 2, August 16, September 6, September 20, October 4, October 17

In general, applications are due 8 weeks prior to your desired start date. Occasionally we can accommodate late applications; contact us for details.

Requirements
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.