Construction Benin
All our programs in Benin include free weekend
sightseeing of Cotonou city center and French lessons. You can also join the other subsequent four to five (4-5) days sightseeing which include the Porto Novo and Abomey Calivi.
Like Togo similar project is currently ongoing in Benin. STAESA is constructing school blocks, libraries, providing water in the form of hand dug wells, and building shelters to house street children and orphans in Benin. Volunteers help in construction of these hand-dug wells, libraries, school blocks and shelters in the villages to house the orphans, street kids, abused and neglect children in the communities, and to bring smiles on their faces.
Our focus this year is to provide shelter for the orphans and the street children who are victims of abuse of different forms. Provide school block in one of the villages out side Lekossa to eliminate learning under trees and give portable drinking water. Water is becoming a very big program in these surrounding villages. Most of the people living in these villages have to travel long distances to get water. The waters in these communities are full of dead animals and so dirty that most of us would not even put our feet in them.
The people living in these villages really need clean and portable water. Together with donors and volunteers, we touch lives, transform the communities and make a great impact in the lives of the disadvantaged communities in Lekkosa. Volunteers work, live with the people in the communities and get total immersed in their culture.
The program provides an opportunity for the donors and the volunteers to see the empirical evidence of the reward of their donations. The project location is very safe, the communities are very welcoming and the people are very kind and lovely to work with. The program also includes food - for - all programs, where STAESA give food to the poor in the communities.
There are lot of benefits awaits you for joining us in Lekkosa. Contact us for these benefits.
Please note: you will first been taking through an observation period – kind of showing you how to go about the program for a day or two before you will be allowed to handle the program on your own. The program is very safe, very educative and full of fun! You will not like to go back home after the program. you will never be alone on the program. From start to finish we are with you 24/7.
.png)
Our next construction project is outside the capital of Lekkosa. Dont miss this! Construction sites are cleared ready for the construction of Classroom block including children's play ground, hand dug-well and shelter for orphans. Lets do it again!
Other Information and locations!
As a volunteer, get ready to give back to the communities and gain more experience while immersing yourself in the unique culture of the people of Benin. Get ready for an amazing busy program where you will be working full time on construction site. There is a great need here in Benin.
The location of our programs are well picked where you will be placed and work directly with local contractors under the supervision of well-experience contractor in charge.
You can also choose any of these programs to work with during your free days or hours. Helping in the orphanage, Helping on the farm project, Helping in painting work in the hospital, Helping in the schools, Helping at the pre-schools, Helping in coaching football, basketball, volley ball or long tennis. This is really a life changing experience. Speak to us. We are ready to help you and to make it happen. This is the program you can really give back to the community.
The program provides an opportunity for you to immerse yourself into the very unique culture of Benin
LOCATIONS:
Cotonou - Near Togo ( The French speaking country) and the ocean
Lekossa - Near the ocean and other interesting places to visit
Working hours and reponsibilities!
Generally volunteers work from 08:00.-12:00 a.m. and 13:00-16:00 p.m. However, your exact working hours are adjusted according to the activities at your work place. You´re permitted to take a day off once in a while. Week-ends are completely free time for all our volunteers to travel round the country.
Responsibilities:
Your schedules include the following below and many more that will be discussed with you upon arrival.
(1) Molding block
(2) Mixing concrete
(3) Laying blocks
(4) Plastering
(5) Dug trenches for the building foundation
(6) Assist in the hand dug well and directing other builders
(7) Supervise other employees on site
(8) Assist in buying and transporting building materials to site
(9) Project management
(10) Renovation work on existing buildings fixing
Windows
Doors
Plumbing works
Electrical works
Concreting the floor
Fixing broken furniture in the classrooms
Painting , art works on the wall, landscaping and assisting in beautifying the community.
Other Information and locations!
PROJECT
Program date. All year round.
Placement duration. 2wks to 1y max.
Requirements. No requirements.
Working hours. Mon-Fri. 8am-4pm.
AIRPORT
Cardinal Bernadin Gantin International Airport Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport
ACCOMMODATION
Host family, Independent and Accommodation on site. Located very close to the projects with facilities such as water, light, ventilation, bed, toilet, bathroom and kitchen.
HOW TO GET TO WORK
By public transport it cost less. than one dollar ( return)
LAUNDRY
Self laundry by hands.
FOOD
Yes! Three meals per day. and Lunch mostly at work.
VISA
Yes! Visa is required.
COST OF VISA
Call the embassy for current cost of visa.
TYPE OF VISA
Tourist visa (Multiple visa).
COMMUNICATION
Local sim card is provided.
INTERNET
Internet modem provided and return after the program.
VACCINATIONS
Yellow Fever (Compulsory) Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria are not necessary though. We recommend that you contact a travel clinic near you at least 3 months before traveling.
Safety in Benin
Benin is a small country situated under in West Africa. It is one of the safest countries in Africa. Its neighbor, Nigeria is not safe at all. If you are adventurous enough to experience African life as a volunteer or an intern, this is one of the best countries to do it. As in anyplace, petty crime such as pick pockets could be a problem for you if you do not remain aware of your surroundings.
Take note of unwanted attention that you will receive as a single young, white female or male traveler. A lot of this attention will be preferential, with people being extra kind or extra helpful. But you will also receive countless marriage proposals daily. Never be rude and just accept it as the playful offer that it is intended to be. If you are not married, you can avoid a lot of this by telling unwanted suitors about your " husband" and the "three children" you have with him.
Working hours and reponsibilities!
PLEASE NOTE
Benin people are caring and welcoming. They welcome tourists, volunteers and foreigners to their country as they help them settle well. Kindness and happiness are attributes of Benin's people. But, like Ghana and Togo there is real poverty in Benin and you will soon realize that you are far richer and more fortunate than most local people you meet. You will probably attract your fair share of souvenir hawkers and beggars, but try and take the time to meet ordinary people going about their day to day business too. The experience will be worth it. Don't be afraid to step out of your house, just take some precautions.
Weather in Benin
The climate of Benin is tropical and its all year round and there are two main seasons: the wet and the dry seasons. North of Benin experiences its rainy season from March to November while South Benin experiences its rainy season from April to mid-November. The tropical climate of Benin is relatively mild for its latitude. The harmattan, a dry desert wind, blows in north-east Benin from December to March, lowering the humidity and causing hot days and cool nights in northern part of Benin
When to go
You can join us anytime in the year! Anytime in the month! Anytime in the week
Kind of clothes you should pack for your trip to Benin
Jeans and Trousers: blue jeans, cotton trousers, khaki trousers, Light Shirts and Blouses: T-Shirts, short sleeve shirts and long sleeved shirts to protect you from insects and even sunburn. Shorts also for your free days. Socks and underwear: Once again it is best that they are made from natural fabrics since again it is the heat and this way you have less of a chance for heat rash. Shoes: Good leather shoes, sandals, and a lightweight pair of Hiking boots if you will doing some hiking.
Kind of luggage you should take
It all begins with the right suitcases or suitcase. It also depends where you coming from. If you are coming from North America you get to bring 2 suitcases and 50 pounds each, from Europe it is almost half that. It means one has to be practical and take in mind what your plans are once you arrive in Africa, where you will be going and what you will be doing while here.
Keep all essentials like the pill, malaria pills, essential medicine, debit and credit cards, camera and your toothbrush in your hand luggage. Also put one set of clothing if the unthinkable happens that your luggage is temporarily lost. Money Belt: One that will allow you to carry your passport also. Do not wear your money on the outside of your clothing.