If
you want to make an impact and help the needy there’s nothing like working as a
volunteer in Africa. Countries like
Ghana, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Uganda and Zambia are some countries that
seek volunteers to help with child care, health, rural development,
agriculture, forestry and other important developmental sectors. There are
several children outreach programs that afford you an opportunity to contribute
towards growth and development of the under-privileged.
Most
African countries have professionally run Day care centers. Interestingly these
homes house children as young as newborns to 18 year olds. Most aim at creating
a structured framework for educating the kids. The idea is to equip them with
life skills and vocational training so they can go out into the world ready to
earn a living. Children are encouraged to play sports, learn how to do their
daily chores and study among other things. They are exposed to free health care
workshops that educate them on general and preventive health; and adolescent
sexual health among other things.
Special
livelihood and training programs are organized by institutions to empower women
and children in rural and forest areas. Most volunteer organizations aim to
work towards sustainable development.
Gap Year Programs
If
you are a student or taking a break from work and studies, you can easily enrol
for Gap year volunteer programs. You can go to an African destination under the
aegis of an NGO and work on a short term goal. That will give you an experience
and the satisfaction of having done something worthwhile. It is also a great
learning experience. Over a period of time you may actually want to take up volunteer in Africa programs on a long
term basis, or even make a career out of it.