Care Work in Togo with Projects Abroad

  Togo

• Other Cities in Togo: 
Lome

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Year Round / Rolling Starts

Description: Bordering the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, Togo is a country of ancient tribal traditions working hard to modernize and it is hoped that current poverty reduction and growth planning will help to reduce the figure of approximately 30% of the population who still live in poverty. However, due to the onslaught of HIV/AIDS, which has left many children with no family members to care for them, there remains low life expectancy and high infant mortality rates. Many of Togo's children are struggling to survive, which is why our volunteer Care projects are so important.

The number of orphans and street children in Togo is a problem for the country's rudimentary social welfare services. In the orphanages that do exist, staff struggle with limited resources to feed, clothe and educate the children in their care. Staff often don't have the time to provide the individual love and attention that these children need so they can have as normal a childhood as possible.

Voluntary care work in Togo is an ideal way to get involved and help improve conditions for the children. You can contribute towards this vital development work during a gap year, career break, or just a vacation. Volunteers with qualifications and experience are welcome but you do not need to have either to volunteer. Energy, passion and a commitment to working with vulnerable children are equally valuable.

Voluntary Community Development and Orphanage work with Projects Abroad

We have various different care volunteer options for you in Togo, working in orphanages, nurseries and care homes. The projects are all based in and around the capital city of Lomé, where many of the country's most vulnerable children end up.

We also have some placements in day care centers, for mentally and physically disabled children.

Volunteering Abroad on a Care Project in Togo

In whichever volunteer care project in Togo you find yourself, you need to be ready for a challenge. Many of the children are desperate for attention and there will undoubtedly be children present who have health problems and who need special attention due to disabilities.

Projects Abroad volunteers help by spending time with the children, playing with them and putting a smile on their faces. Whether you are taking a group out for an afternoon to the nearby beach, helping older children with school homework or playing a game with the younger ones, you will be an essential part of their development.

Highlights: Togo is also an excellent starting point for travel around neighboring West African countries, whether you are interested in discovering the history of mysterious voodoo in Benin or fancy heading west along the coast to Ghana's sandy beaches and haunting slave forts.

All accommodation is organized, paid for and monitored by Projects Abroad. All project placements are regularly visited and checked. We require high standards of supervision and accommodation, which are verified before you arrive in Togo.

This project offers the opportunity to become fully immersed in the culture in a manner which even the most hardened of backpackers could never hope to do.

Qualifications: none

Cost in US$: From USD 2,995 and Up

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Open-minded with a willingness to travel.

Age Range: 16-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Togo Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 2-5

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement: As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded: 1992