How to Volunteer in Cameroon! Cameroon has a population of around 20 million people and approximately 40% of people live in poverty or inadequate conditions. Life expectancy is very low – the average person only lives to 52 years of age. Go Volunteer Africa and her local partners have been working on the ground for many years with long-term aims of improving facilities and helping local people out of poverty.
In Cameroon you can volunteer alongside dedicated locals at community based projects that serve some of the most vulnerable populations in the region. From supporting Human Rights to helping staff at one of our child-care placements, discover a range of projects that are suitable for many volunteer profiles.
Local grass-roots organizations recognize the potential for sustainable, inclusive development in this culturally rich and increasingly fast paced country, and they need your support. You can apply help children, communities and exotic wildlife.
HOW TO VOLUNTEER IN CAMEROON
Educational & Teaching Programs in Cameroon
Significant assistance is needed throughout the country especially for communities in rural areas. Go Volunteer Africa work to empower people especially children helping them achieve a brighter future with better education and training which helps improve job prospects. There are various literacy programs operational in grassroots communities which provide children and adults the chance to attend for free and enhance their learning. There are educational projects in schools where you can work direct with children leading lessons and training local teachers.
You can sign up to teach in schools, volunteers are needed to help lead and assist lots of subjects like English, sports, arts, music and crafts. Schools in Cameroon are often underfunded and staff not fully qualified which can hinder development. You will need to be very patient and creative, classrooms in this country are basic and conditions challenging.
Medical & Healthcare Work in Cameroon
There are lots of projects where you can work in outreach teams helping improve living conditions, working to prevent the spread of HIV & AIDS and looking after poor people. There are lots of educational and awareness campaigns which aim to prevent more people contracting the disease and also medical and healthcare programs working to help people.
All experience levels are welcomed to apply, so whether you are training and looking for experience, or a qualified professional or just wanting to give service there will be a placement for you. Tasks can involve observing and assisting local doctors and nurses. If you have any skills like midwifery, dentistry, physiotherapy all are in big demand.
Wildlife & Conservation Projects in Cameroon
Working to improve conservation in Cameroon is a complex social, economic and political issue. In addition to providing a habitat for wildlife, forests are important ecosystems and provide many resources for people. Due to destruction and deforestation local people are forced to move elsewhere for food, shelter, and jobs, leading to greater poverty, social instability and issues with wildlife not having anywhere to go.
Spending time working to improve the lives of exotic wildlife and primates will provide you with an amazing experience, these creatures face problems like being orphaned due to poaching, or they become the victim of the illegal bush meat and pet trades.
Some tasks can include working as a general assistant at a wildlife centre or behind the scenes creating conservation awareness material with the aim of getting local people involved in efforts to save exotic wildlife in the country.
Community Development Projects
Some programs include field research where you will go to villages and urban towns that have been identified in need of assistance.
Working Week
The hours spent volunteering are flexible. Volunteers may be requested during evenings and weekends. You can take long weekends to travel and explore in Cameroon, just let your supervisor know in advance. Projects generally run year round, but volunteer hours may be reduced during major holidays.
Requirements
We will require you to be aged 18 years+ and be in good health. There are advanced placements for skilled professionals but most opportunities are open to everyone even if you lack previous experience.
You can apply in advance and join most weeks of the year. We require you to stay for at least 2 weeks and our packages includes pre-departure information, placements, 24hr emergency support, food, accommodation and transfers.
HOW TO APPLY
To start the process fill Volunteer application form and submit it for consideration and book your placement. For more information on how to get enrolled for the volunteering experience of a lifetime contact us. Or Give us a call | WhatsApp | Telegram | Viber | Imo at +254-796-786292 to talk to a Program Specialist.
