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DonateDonations are vital for VAAFD to run all of its programs. Unlike other organizations, 100% of the money that is donated goes directly into the people VAAFD helps - the refugees. There are NO administration costs.When you donate, you have the option to send your money to any of the initiatives/institutions outlined below or to the area of most need where VAAFD will decide which area donations are best suited.
 All donations are processed by The Global Giving Foundation. Global Giving is a registered 501(c)3 organization, and is the major portal internationally for the sponsorship of volunteer projects. Thank you for your amazing support! Volunteer Opportunities with VAAFDCarolyn A. Miller Elementary SchoolThe following are the volunteer opportunities at the Carolyn A. Miller Elementary School. If you have any questions about the positions, please e-mail volunteer@vaafd.orgElementary School Teacher (VCE01) - Teachers are needed in grades K-6 in a wide variety of subjects such as English, Math, History, Science, and Religious Morals and Education. Previous teaching experience is a must. Teacher's Assistant (VCE02) - Classes are large at CAMES, and to prevent the most vulnerable students from being left behind, class room assistants are deeply needed. This may involve working with one student in the classroom setting or privately in the library as a tutor. Playtime Coordinator (VCE03) - CAMES students love to jump rope and play football. Join these active kids in what they love to do, or organize some fun of your own. Please note that resources in the camp are minimal but can be purchased in Accra or brought from home. After School Activities Assistant (VCE04) - School recesses at 1:00 and that is when the after school activities begin. Students have pen pals in the US and often this time is spent replying to their friends abroad. There are also several sports teams in need of supportive coaching, while after school clubs need mentoring and guidance. Feeding Program Assistant (VCE05) - This is a new program for CAMES, which started in September 2007. Feeding 500 hungry students is a large undertaking, and extra hands are always needed to help the cooks and instructors keep meal time orderly. Carolyn A. Miller High SchoolThe following are the volunteer opportunities at the Carolyn A. Miller High School. If you have any questions about the positions, please e-mail volunteer@vaafd.orgHigh School Teacher (VCH01) - Teachers are needed in grades 7-12 in a wide variety of subjects such as English, Math, History, Science, and Religious Morals and Education. Previous teaching experience is a must. Teachers of English are especially needed to help students prepare for the West African Exam. Class Room Assistant (VCH02) - Assistants are needed to prevent the most vulnerable students from being left behind. This may involve working with one or a small group of students in the classroom setting or privately as a tutor. West African Exam Tutors (VCH03) - Each year, Grade 9 and Grade 12 students write the West-African Exam (national test given to all students in West African countries). These tests are of great importance in terms of not only being an indicator of the education level nationally, but also for students who want to pursue post-secondary education or work in any field. Teachers of English are especially needed to help students prepare for this exam as a large portion is reading comprehension and writing. Because many of these students have been out of school for several years, special attention is needed to prepare for this exam. Tutors will meet with one to several students after school to detect deficiencies and help prepare them for this major exam. Big Brother/Big Sister (VOA01) - You will be matched up with a same sex child from either the elementary school or high school (your choice) in order to provide moral support and companionship to a child in need. This project can be combined with any of the other volunteer opportunities. Extra sensitivity to refugee issues, Liberian culture and compassion is a must. It is recommended that volunteers meet with their Little Brother or Little Sister two-three times a week for an hour. Volunteer commitments of 3 weeks more would be beneficial to help develop rapport. It is possible for Big Brothers and Big Sisters to maintain contact once the volunteer returns home through letters and email. Healthcare Coordinator (VHC01) - Innovative instructional seminars and workshops are needed to create and maintain awareness of these growing heath threats. Interested applicants should have academic knowledge of developing countries health care needs and be able to transfer that information to the public in creative ways. Carolyn A. Miller Community CollegeThe following are the volunteer opportunities at the Carolyn A. Miller Community College. If you have any questions about the positions, please e-mail volunteer@vaafd.orgComputer Instructor (VCC01) - Volunteers should be able to provide instruction in one of the following: Hardware, Networking & Software (AutoCAD, Corel Draw, Office Package, Adobe Photoshop or Computer Programming). Theology Instructor (VCC02) - Theology Instructor (VCC02) - a degree or formal education/experience in this field is required for this position. Business Administration Instructor (VCC03) - a degree or formal education/experience in this field is required for this position. Architecture Instructor (VCC04) - a degree or formal education/experience in this field is required for this position. Adult Literacy Instructor (VAL01) - Many Liberian adults have completed little or no formal education due to the War or simply not having the financial means. VAAFD provides a free opportunity for adults on the Buduburam Refugee Camp to learn and practice English. Teachers work on basic understanding of English and written and oral communication skills. Fluency in speaking, reading and writing English is required for this placement. Applying to Volunteer with VAAFDPreliminary:
Interim Requirements:
4 weeks prior to placement:
Costs
Included in the VAAFD Placement
Volunteer FAQ'sWho volunteers?Individuals who want to enrich their lives as well as other’s.
VAAFD is not an intermediary organization. We are a not-for-profit organization based within the Buduburam refugee camp. 100% of our fee goes directly to the cause… to care for our volunteers and to fund projects inherent to our mission statement. I do not have much money and would like to volunteer long term. Is there a discount for long term stays? Yes, all volunteer commitments over 6 weeks are offered dispensation. Please let us know at the time of booking, and we can discuss your needs in more detail. What are the medical requirements for traveling to Ghana? All volunteers should have a physical with their primary physician and/or a tropical disease specialist at least two months prior to traveling to Ghana. Please consult with the Center for Disease control for more travel information.
How will I get to Buduburam Refugee Camp? All volunteers should book airfare to Accra Kotoka Airport in Accra, Ghana. There are several airlines booking travel from the US and Europe to the capital city: British Airways, Delta, Alitalia KLM, Lufthansa, Egypt Air and Ghana International Airlines. Discount websites for airfare: a) Travelocity / Travelocity UK b) Cheap Flights c) Fly Cheap Abroad d) Airfare Planet Upon arrival at Accra International airport, please follow the signs through Immigration and Customs. Then exit the building, and look for a sign with your name on it. A representative of VAAFD will be there to meet you and transport you to your accommodations on the camp. What kind of accommodations should I expect at the camp? You can be certain that living conditions will be different than you are used to. Volunteers will share safe, clean, but spartan housing within walking distance of their placement. Water and electricity are unreliable so it is vital that all volunteers be flexible. What will the food be like? Western foods are available in the capital of Accra, but are quite expensive. Most volunteers are completely satisfied at the hot-food kiosk establishments on the settlement. You will readily find chicken, rice, pasta, eggs and bread in an assortment of dishes. Please keep in mind that many Liberian and Ghanaian meals while excellent are a lot spicier than most western dishes. How much money should I bring? During the week, you will need very little money. Expect to spend no more than $5 USD per day on food, including a few servings of some good ice cream. On the weekends, you may want to travel and should allot funds for excursions. Most funds can be changed on the camp. How can I communicate with my loved ones at home? There are two internet cafés adjacent to the camp and CAMES also has internet access for volunteers at for a very low fee. Access to landlines will be limited. For volunteers from the UK, we strongly suggest you bring your mobile phone from home. You can insert a Ghanaian (pay-as-you-go) sim card. Please check with your mobile provider to find out whether your phone has a sim card block on it as this will need to be lifted if you wish to put a Ghanaian sim card in your phone. (Vodafone mobiles can be used with a Ghanaian sim card.) Another alternative is to rent sim cards and mobile phones from VAAFD for a small fee. (subject to availability) |