Volunteer

Description

VMM are committed to supporting local community organisations in Africa, sending short term volunteers to support long-term, sustainable development projects.

Building volunteers live in the heart of an African village and play a vital role in the charity’s life changing development work. Volunteers have helped to build schools, health centres, rain water harvesting taps and toilet blocks to improve sanitation. Depending on what stage the building work is when you join your volunteer role may involve:

  digging foundations
  laying cement
  building walls
  plastering
  painting

Experienced local masons, carpenters and builders will teach you the required skills and will supervise your work so no previous building experience is required. However volunteers with building experience are greatly appreciated since they can share their skills with the local team.

Working days and hours
Volunteers normally work 5 days a week with 2 days off. Generally volunteers start at 8am and finish at 4pm however this can vary.  Placements are between 2 weeks and 3 months, with departures throughout the year.

Local buildings in Ghana are traditionally made from a mud and stick structure, when there is wet weather the school buildings often become unstable meaning that during the rainy season it is often unsafe to go to school. The new school buildings and resources has led to the children having an increased pride and enthusiasm to attend and learn throughout the year which has resulted in to better results and futures for the children.

The new water harvesting hand washing facilities and health education projects are aiming to reduce preventable diseases to improve the health of the community. Increasing health education and the understanding of hygiene means that less children fall ill from preventable diseases and thus less time is taken off school unwell.

This programme can be for individuals or groups - just let us know which you would prefer.

For a 2 week placement we would  ask each volunteer to raise €1'100 and for a 4 week placement €1'200. This will cover accommodation, meals, insurance, in-country transport, training & debriefing and 24hour support and a contibution to VMM projects.Flights, visas and vaccinations are an additional cost.

Apply through studentvolunteer.ie and we will then send you an application form. Once your application is approved we will hold an interview with you. Upon approval you can then begin your fundraising efforts.

Is training provided?: Yes

Please note that Garda Vetting is required for this position.

Minimum time commitment per week:
1 hour p/week