Program Photos

Educator & Care Aid for Disabled Children (French Region)

Location: Cameroon: Douala

Program Duration: 2-4 weeks

Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Dates: Year round

The Humanity Exchange

http://www.thehumanityexchange.org

PO Box 2514 Prince George, BC V2N 2S6 Canada

Call Us

Phone: +1 415 800 3998

Download the Application Form
Description

We work with Le Cameleon, a centre where disabled children are cared for and receive skills training. It is the only centre of its kind in Cameroon. Many disabled children are literally pushed out of the school system. Furthermore, they may be marginalized due to a cultural phenomenon; people with voodoo beliefs may believe they are cursed and stigmatize them.

At Le Cameleon, children who are deaf and dumb, or are suffering from Down's syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, and other conditions are cared for. They also learn trades and life skills, and gain a basic education. In addition, Le Cameleon staff work with families who are desperate to learn how to care for their suffering children.

In general, volunteers help to care for, teach, and mentor children, or run extra-curricular programs. If a volunteer has a particular relevant skill from soccer coaching to occupational therapy, we will ensure that volunteer's skills can be used to help the children.

Highlights

Your Role
Volunteers who spend time with children, offering their love and care, play an integral role in child development. In this position you will be caring for disabled children. You may also help them to learn life skills, arts and crafts, trades, or regular school subjects.

Examples of Activities:
* Dress and feed children
* Tutor children in various academic subjects
* Mentor children
* Run extra-curricular activities
* Assist local teachers in teaching trades and life skills

Qualifications

Language Requirement: Intermediate French (Note: if you do not have the required level of French, contact us to learn about options for language learning before your placement or other opportunities which may be suited to your goals and skills).

Languages
  • French

Cost in US$:

Starts at USD800 for one week

Cost Include Description:

* Pre-departure support: You will have a staff member available to support you throughout your time preparing to go abroad. In addition, you will be provided with all the resources you need including your Pre-Departure Manual & Culture Matters Workbook. The pre-departure manual includes all information you need regarding your destination, as well as advice on blogging and fundraising. The Culture Matters Workbook is a self-study course focused on:
- Culture shock
- Issues power and race
- Managing politics, religion, and gender
- Working effectively in a cross-cultural setting
- Preparing to reintegrate as you return home
- Transportation to and from the airport
- Homestay with local family (includes food and single or double occupancy room)
- Organization placement
- Reference letter and/or compliance with your college or university for course credit (Upon request; 90USD fee applies for students obtaining course credit)

What's not Included
* Airfare
* Insurance
* Vaccinations
* Local transportation
* Pocket money

Credit Available

yes

Volunteer Types
  • academic reinforcement
  • arts
  • childcare/children
  • education
  • sports
  • teaching
Typical Volunteer
College & university students, recent grads, educators Typically you will work 9am-5pm in this position. You can take mornings or afternoons off if you will be learning French while volunteering. You can take long weekends to travel and explore Cameroon, just let your supervisor know in advance. You and your supervisor may arrange an alternate schedule where you also help out on weekends or take certain weekdays off. While generally volunteers are involved in a typical workday alongside local staff and volunteers, we know that you are volunteering your valuable time. Therefore, if you would like to volunteer for less hours, this is ok. You can arrange this with your supervisor once in Cameroon. In sum, your schedule can be flexible, you just need to ensure you communicate the schedule you would like to have with your supervisor.
Age Range
18+
This Program is open to

Worldwide Participant.

Typical Living Arrangements
  • Home-stays

Participants Travel to Cameroon

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves
  • Online Application plus Application Assessment
Typically The Application Process Time is
3 days
The Humanity Exchange's Mission Statement

To provide exceptional international exchange experiences, that foster globally minded conscientious leaders and contribute to development in cooperation with local communities.

Year Founded

2009

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