Re: looking for short term work/ paid volunteer work in Africa

Hi, I am a 26 year old female looking for a short term job in Africa. I would love the opportunity to do some kind of paid volunteer work if possible for about 3 months. I have done other voluntary work abroad and really enjoyed it, however for financial reasons I am unable to continue to pay to volunteer. I have worked as a counselor for 8 years with mentally ill/behavioral children. I have helped to run a residential program for over 4 years for this population. I also taught at an english camp in Thailand in the past, and worked construction. Again, I would love the opportunity to work short term in Africa and also get to experience the culture to see if it is something that I would like to do for a longer period of time. I would appreciate any advice, links or emails that may be helpful. THANKS!

Hi Nicole,

Let me tell you some thing about volunteering in Africa, especially Kenya and its sorrounds.

Getting a volunteer organization that pays you to be to volunteer is a bit tricky, because most non profit making organizations in Africa are run on donations from instituions or other private well wishers/individuals so they cannot afford to cater for flight fares, food, accomodation and a monthly payment/stipend; BUT, we have some that can do this, but has to be under some specific role required which is often advertised through goverment agencies, therefore if you would like to proceed to this stage, you have to go through, maybe, the consulate of your country located in the African country, or goverment sponsored programs found at the same.

If you would like to participate with a local small organization, you need to understand that they cannot send you any airline ticket or guarantee your monthly earnings - and that you have to contribute to your well being, meaning food/accomodation/transportation matters have to be your key importance.

Also, most Goverments have problems with foreigners travelling over to earn salaries while most of its civilians are jobless, so chances of you working anywhere within the continent would mean you would have to apply for work permits and all the requirements met by the organizing company - these are slim chances.

Best option, run fund raisers within your area, atleast contact a cheap organization in Africa to be able to still participate while not putting pressure on these non profits.

Anyway, I hope this info helps you get the right program.

Cheers!

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/18/2009 07:21AM by Phil.

Hi Nicole,

I'm a Nigerian and I operate a non-profit charity website. I will need a volunteer by next year. If you keep in touch, I may be able to employ you then, depending on how much you'll charge for the job.

Dear Nicole,

We offer programs, please contact me at lodgemanager@@#$%&.com

Regards