WE-AFRICA 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.
“WOMEN IN SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS'
In all STAESA young ladies/mothers' projects in Africa, we have over the years support both the unemployed young ladies/mothers to be gainfully employed and economically independent. The aim of the project is to alleviate poverty, to create jobs in the communities, to formulate ideas that will help both the young ladies/mothers physically, spiritually and economically to break the cycle of poverty now and for the generations to come. Life is really hard in these communities and young ladies/mothers are the most affected. It’s very difficult for the communities’ members to afford good meals a day. The training is well designed to equip the trainees become trainers in their various villages after the program.
OUR AREAS OF FOCUS THIS YEAR IN BENIN
Women in beads work
Detergent and medicated soap
Batik, Tye and die
Women in Bakery
Goat/crops farmers
Women in ladies flipflop sandals
Students or professionals in the following areas: Social Marketing, photography/web management, marketing, business administration, non-profit management or other related subjects this is the right program for you. WE-Africa is the perfect opportunity to enable you make a valuable contribution to sustainable development in Africa.
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Project location very safe, Communities very welcoming and the people are very lovely to work with. WE-Africa project is run in both rural and urban areas in Benin. Weekends are always free for the volunteers to travel for sightseeing. There are lot of benefits awaits you for joining us. 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. We assure you the program is very safe, very educative and full of fun! You will not like to go back home after the program. You are never alone on the program. From start to finish we are 24/7 with you.
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You will be introduced to existing poverty alleviation projects which is at its very grass root or an opportunity for you alongside with our skilled trainer to create a new poverty alleviation project. The program include job creation, create micro-finance project, assist in organizing and executing training including computer training for the youth and the women in the community, net working program, HIV/AIDS public educational program. Volunteers will be the international standing directors for all the projects – overseeing the day to day operations of the projects - grant writing, young ladies/women development, outreach initiatives and provide on-going counselling
Other Information and locations!
As a volunteer, get ready to give back to the communities and gain more experience while immersing yourself into the unique culture of the people of Benin. Get ready for an amazing busy program where you will be working full time on WE-AFRICA project. The communities are poor in terms of development. There are great need in these communities.
The location of our programs are well picked where you will be placed and work directly with patients under the supervision of the medical officer 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, Helping on the construction 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.
This is a very busy program which also gives you an opportunity to learn more and add to what you already know.
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.
ECONOMIC PROGRAM - Volunteers will work to develop programs targeting queer young ladies/mothers in the communities, grant writing, fund raising activities to support the capital base of the project, managing the funds, conduct regular marketing initiatives throughout your stay to expose and attract the products from the projects to both local and international market, lead workshops on issues related to health, relationships, art and business. Volunteers will also help in teaching how to manage the accounting, booking practice and basic booking.
SOCIAL PROGRAM - social development programs for the young ladies/ mothers in the areas of career development, family planning and health familiar relations. Introducing program that fight against physical and sexual abuse, harassment, suicide preventing, alcohol and drug abuse.
SCHOOL PROGRAM - The program also include teaching program – provide extra support and guidance in a self contained special needs classrooms kindergarten, primary one to six, support the head teacher in daily class lessons as well as curriculum development, provide special one on one support and guidance to an autistic students with extra special needs.
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.