Orphanage 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.
We can't wait to welcome you too to this amazing country for a great program. STAESA works with lots of children programs including orphanage program in Benin. Upon arrival you have lots of children programs to choose from in addition to the orphanage program. Our very busy orphanage program in Benin requires lots of helping hands. Volunteers gets very busy from morning till evening. You really feel very useful and happy at the end of the day. Volunteers get direct contact with the kids and in some of the orphanages fully get involve with the day to day running of the orphanage.
The orphanages are attached to schools in other to develop the kids academically. Resources are really in short supply here, but it’s amazing to see the children always happy and getting involved in anything fun! Volunteers are allowed to bring children books, toys, old shoes, t-shirts, soccer balls and old computers for the orphanage.
The program also includes renovation work in both the school and in the orphanage (fixing the floors, fixing the windows, fixing the doors, land scaping, painting the class rooms). Project location very safe, Communities are very welcoming and the children are very lovely to work with. There are lot of benefits awaits you for joining us. Contact us for these benefits.
You don't need qualification or previous experience to join us. You will have the opportunity to meet and work with other foreign volunteers. Everyone from the age of 15 can join us. Students, families, corporates, groups, individuals and aged are welcome to join us and touch lives.
Are you looking for a program where you get direct contact with the children? STAESA program provides you that. From the day of your arrival till you leave back home you can never have enough of these amazing.
Other Information and locations!
As volunteer you will be working full time at STAESA's orphanage program. The kids include orphans, street kids, needy children, poor kids. There is really great need at the orphanage.
The locations of our programs are well picked for safety and security purposes. You will directly work with the kids from the age of 0 to 17 years. The total population of the kids in the orphanage is 50 and above. The program provides an opportunity for you to work and have an amazing fun with kids and the staff at the orphanage.
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. The orphanage is open during weekends also. you can choose to go and help if you want.
Responsibilities:
Your schedules in the orphanage include the following below and many more that will be discussed with you upon arrival.
1 Teach Basic conversational French/English, Alphabets, Numbers, Face painting, Coloring in the books, clay work, and art work on the wall.
2 Any indoors and outdoors games, football, volley ball, basketball, music and dancing, helping in the kitchen to prepare food for the kids, renovation work, fixing the doors, windows, doors. health education, Entertainment. You can also help on the farm.
This is what makes the program full of fun in the schools. Handling lots of kids. Join us for more fun!
Life-changing experience program in the schools. We have smaller classes as well.
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.