Healthcare 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.
STAESA healthcare program provides volunteers a great opportunity to work in hospitals and clinics in Benin. This program benefits the volunteers, the patients, the families and hospital workers. Our volunteers often benefits from meeting new people, learning new skills, gaining experience and improving self-worth. Meeting these amazing people in our communities helps our volunteers improve their social skills and increases their individual`s social network.
Volunteer have the opportunity to work with medical officers in charge in both rural and urban health centers. Most often volunteers are placed with host family who live very close to the hospitals and clinics. Together with the most senior medical officer in charge, the volunteers work very closely with the patients.
The program also include HIV/AIDS project. The aim of the project is to help eradicate illiteracy, stigma and discrimination surrounding the epidemic, hence making the work of the health workers easier when dealing with patience with HIV/AIDS. The volunteers/interns will also be expected to help in the testing and counseling, HIV/AIDS awareness program, and general duties at the hospital, including outreach programs. STAESA's Medical program runs in both rural and urban communities in Benin. More details of your placement will be emailed to you as soon as we get your application form.
Project location very safe, the staffs in the hospital are very kind and lovely, the community very welcoming. There are lot of benefits awaits you for joining us. Contact us for these benefits.
Other Information and locations!
As a volunteer you will be working full time at STAESA's healthcare program. The communities are amazing ready always to receive visitors. There is really great need at both the hospitals and the clinics.
The locations of our programs are well picked for safety and security purposes. You will directly work with the patients under the supervision of the medical officer in charge. The program provides you an opportunity to work and have an amazing fun with the and the staff in the school. You can never have enough of these program resulting into a great bonding between you and the hospital. Speak to us. We are ready to help you make it happen. This is the program you can really give back to the community.
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. On week-ends you are free to travel and meet friends.
Responsibilities:
Your schedules in the orphanage include the following below and many more that will be discussed with you upon arrival.
(1)Working side by side with professionals in charge at the hospital
(2)Working in a wide scope of settings and duties ranging from taking vitals - temperature, BP, HR, Sp02, labelling and packaging out-house lab samples for analysis)
(3)Helping in other general work in the Laboratory and pharmacy
(4)Observing and helping in the maternity ward
(5) HIV/AIDS public education program and HIV/AIDS program in the hospital – counselling and testing
Other activities you can join during your free hours include: Construction of classrooms block, construction of toilet, construction library and renovation work on the existing classrooms block (fixing windows, fixing doors, floor concreting, painting, art works, electrical works and plumbing works)Helping in the kitchen to prepare breakfast and lunch, helping in the school farm, HIV/AIDS club program, Environmental club and fund raising activities( for school feeding activities, free school uniform and free school books)
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.