Volunteer in Africa or the sub-continent

You could try WWOOF see WWOOF website for more information.

Aside from WWOOF, you will probably find that volunteer organisations fall into two categories. Those charging lots of money for a "volunteer holiday" and those that don't, but are looking for trained people in specific areas. Eg, civil engineers, doctors, epidemiologists.
Hopefully someone else on here may be able to give more information.

Hey there,

I know exactly what you went through. I had the same experience.

I volunteered in Ghana for 5 weeks because that's all the time off from work that I could take. I went through a grassroots organization that provides low cost volunteer opportunities in a few countries. They are not a registered non profit at this time but are very well organized.

The cost for up to 3 weeks is $250, one month $350 and every month thereafter an additional $100 per month. It's great because you are essentially only paying for your room and board. Of course any additional contributions you can bring would be great but not necessary. You pay a $30 fee to hold your spot only because many people would make the commitment and then back out. AFter that, you pay nothing until you actually arrive.

http://www.kidsworldwide.org

I volunteered at Golden Era International School. Mr. Aboagye is the principal and you also stay in a second home on their land. Their family was AMAZING and very much like my own. He started the school and operates it. The children are wonderful and the family is flexible with your needs if you'd like to travel from time to time.

I have TONS of information on these guys and plenty of photos to share if you're interested. My email is actionmakeschange@gmail.com. I'm working on a project hopefully to install self composting, environmentally friendly toilet facilities. If you do go through kidsworldwide...and are interested, please try to contact me for more information on these. If the school you go to is in need of toilet facilities or upgrades, each toilet installed costs approximately $250-$300 US dollars and would make a FANTASTIC contribution. Kidworldwide isn't agriculturally based but you could be helping the area if you decide on a self composting toilet as a donation as the remains provide a nutrient rich fertile soil that can be recycled to fertilize crops. Doesn't sound very great and healthy but it is completely safe!

Let me know if you have any questions and best of luck!

Cassie

I'm currently in the process of obtaining my Canadian teaching certification and have managed to put a very international/diverse spin on my experiences in the program. I have been contacted by several NGOs who have asked me to consider taking a year or two off between university and starting employment to work in educational development abroad (weird considering I have no experience, just profs who seem to think that I don't belong in Canada I guess!). The thing that the NGOs have CONSISTENTLY mentioned is that they invest A LOT of money in training and getting volunteers settled in, and without a committment of at least a year they are essentially taking a financial loss. So while I understand your feelings towards voluntourism companies that operate for profit, do keep in mind that legitimate, charitable (which is different than non-profit) NGOs NEED to ask for that long-term committment to recuperate the costs involved in making sure that you are as comfortable as the situation allows AND able to perform your job properly.

I know a gentleman in the north of Uganda, Gulu specifically, who could use a volunteer at a children's/youth centre. PM me if you are interested.
MH

Try searcing this site for "AIESEC". I've posted a few times about it (including the FAQ for this forum) and others have posted as well. It's an international student work exchange programme that also takes people who have just graduated recently from college/university. I spent almost 2 years in India (Hyderabad) and the local company paid a cost of living salary and the Canadian government gave me a grant to cover return airfare and heath insurance. I think that the grants vary from country to country (ie where you live). AIESEC has top level support for the people participating in the programme and I found that , at least in India, they were even a little over protective. (would be nice for someone who is living overseas for the firsttime). the exchanges are either techinnical (engineering, business) in nature or more soft skills like maybe assisting with local environmental, social, health, or educational groups. The really greath thing about AIESEC is that there are local groups in the cities of about 80 countries that find jobs using their local connections (a valuable job market that's hard to connect with if you're not already in the country already). The local groups in your home country are also looking for jobs in the same manner to bring people from outher countries for jobs.

How are we to know that these companies are legitimate.

I have recently been accepted to take part in a program in Ghana and will pay on arrival. not sure how I can do the research to make sure that this company is ok. I have asked them to send me references of past attendees.

That was the thing that attracted me to the large expensive companies, i felt a little safer?

Please help!

Look at www.independentvolunteer.org
or
www.idealist.org

They both post opportunities at small and cheap/no fee projects around the world. I can recommend them both.

Good luck
Sarah

Hi Katwmb.

I attempted to answer your Private Message, but your thorn tree account does not accept PMs. Please adjust the account setting or send me an email address if you want my reply.

Peace,

BB

Hi Katwmb.

I attempted to answer your Private Message, but your thorn tree account does not accept PMs. Please adjust the account setting or send me an email address if you want my reply.

Peace,

BB