Orphanage, Abomey (Ages 18+)

Project Details
Opened in 1963, thousands of children have made this orphanage their home. Currently serving 211 children, the orphanage is in need of many volunteers. The facility includes a clinic, pre-school and primary school making it easy for the little ones to access education.

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
Volunteers are needed to teach, organize recreational activities and games for the children, sing and dance, arts projects, and assist in the classroom or the clinic. Volunteers are encouraged to be creative and develop own ideas.

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 orphanage is located in Abomey, about 65 miles from Cotonou. All volunteers will be taken to a host family upon arrival and 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, Duration and Application Deadlines
Projects run for 2-12 weeks in length. Start dates in 2010 are;

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

Applications are due at least 8 weeks prior to your intended start date.

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.