Descrizione

Educating children to protect the environment and listening to their views on the subject is a guarantee for the future of our earth. The Sustainable Development, Eco-citizenship and Climate Change Education Project is an initiative that aims to educate and involve young Togolese in the fight against climate change and environmental protection. The objective is to raise awareness among young schoolchildren about sustnaible development, the effects of climate change and eco-citizen actions in order to encourage them to take action to protect the environment.

Work

• Activity 1 : Introductory workshop on sustainable development, climate change and eco-citizen actions. This will involve strengthening the capacities of young people in Kpalimé on the notion of Sustainable Development, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), eco-citizen actions and climate change. • Activity 2 : Planting fruit trees in a school in Kpalimé. In these activities, the young people trained will have the opportunity to plant trees within a school establishment. • Activity 3 : Creation of a club called “Green Club”, in charge of raising awareness among other young people in the community and schools and the continuity of activities linked to sustainable development and climate change; • Activity 4 : Manufacture and provision of garbage bins in certain public places in the neighborhood. Young people will participate in the manufacture of bins made from recycled materials. • Activity 5 : Organization of a competition for objects recycled by students.

Partner

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Location

Kpalimé, located about 1h30 from Lomé, is a true natural setting. In southwestern Togo, the region surrounding the city is both lush and fertile, bordered by forested hills, deep valleys and agricultural villages. Kpalimé is also the main craft center of the country, welcoming many artists and artisans: wood carvers, batikers, potters, weavers and gourd makers. “Nature” walks and hikes allow you to discover the daily life of the inhabitants, mainly focused on agriculture.

Accomodation

Housing conditions are simple and adapted to each project site. Volunteers are housed in rooms of three or four, with the mix depending on the organization of the groups. Depending on the location, dry toilets and waterless showers may be used. The association provides plastic or foam mats, and volunteers can bring their own sleeping bags if necessary. Drinking water is available on site, but access to electricity and the Internet may be limited due to power cuts and difficulties accessing the network. During the work, volunteers will prepare their own meals. An internal organization will distribute domestic tasks, including cooking, alternating between the groups. The food products used will be a mixture of local, imported and sometimes organic products. Each volunteer's diet will be considered when preparing meals. Additionally, volunteers will have access to a variety of tropical fruits, such as bananas, oranges, pineapples, mangoes, avocados, papayas, etc.

Requirements

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Meeting point

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Descrizione

Like every summer, ASTOVOT organizes introductory computer courses for the benefit of children in the Zomayi district and surrounding areas, particularly middle and high school students. This summer we decided to combine computer courses with a section on public speaking. This type of initiative aims to help develop practical skills in children while contributing to their personal development through several modules which will be provided.

Work

Site objectives Teach computer basics : This can include understanding computer hardware (computer, mouse, keyboard), using office software (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations), as well as introduction to the internet. Support digital inclusion : Enable students to acquire skills that will be useful for their studies, use online tools for searching for information or communicating. Develop public speaking skills: Teaching students to express themselves and argue persuasively is crucial in many situations. Courses offered : Public speaking techniques (breathing, stress management) ; Structuring a speech ; Improved voice and speech ; Art

Partner

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Location

Kpalimé, located about 1h30 from Lomé, is a truly natural setting. In southwestern Togo, the region surrounding the city is both lush and fertile, bordered by forested hills, deep valleys and agricultural villages. Kpalimé is also the main craft center of the country, welcoming many artists and artisans: wood carvers, batikers, potters, weavers and gourd makers. “Nature” walks and hikes allow you to discover the daily life of the inhabitants, mainly focused on agriculture.

Accomodation

Housing conditions are simple and adapted to each project site. Volunteers are housed in rooms of three or four, with the mix depending on the organization of the groups. Depending on the location, dry toilets and waterless showers may be used. The association provides plastic or foam mats, and volunteers can bring their own sleeping bags if necessary. Drinking water is available on site, but access to electricity and the Internet may be limited due to power cuts and difficulties accessing the network. During the work, volunteers will prepare their own meals. An internal organization will distribute domestic tasks, including cooking, alternating between the groups. The food products used will be a mixture of local, imported and sometimes organic products. Each volunteer's diet will be considered when preparing meals. Additionally, volunteers will have access to a variety of tropical fruits, such as bananas, oranges, pineapples, mangoes, avocados, papayas, etc.

Requirements

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Meeting point

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Descrizione

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Work

The major aspect of this project will be focusing on community lifestyles. Volunteers and community members will have an opportunity to experience and exchange both work and leisure behavior patterns in various activities, attitudes, interests, opinions, and values. This provides an opportunity to reflect on each involved person’s self-image or self-concept, the way they see themselves and believe they are seen by others. This is expected to be a composite of motivation, needs, and wants influenced by factors such as culture, family, reference groups, and social classes. In realization of the above objective, volunteers will join a series of activities that will include: Community economic life (I do what they do): Participation in the daily activities of community members. This will include working in small businesses, farming, handicrafts, arts, taking care of animals, and other daily economic activities of community members. Social-cultural life: Participation in various social aspects of community life, including traditional medicine and healthcare (learning and experience). Rituals: Visiting ritual sites, learning and understanding. Ceremonies: Participating in weddings, initiation, and other traditional and religious ceremonies available during that time. Language exchange: This will include Kiswahili language (1-2 hours every day) and an optional foreign language teaching class (1 hour per day, preferably English or French). Knowledge exchange: This will include intergenerational exchange—age groups' knowledge and experience-sharing events. Images of my (self, culture, country, etc.) vs. others. Community exhibitions: Sharing various arts, music, food, etc.

Partner

It is believed that the world’s population recently passed more than 7 billion people, an incredible number to measure. In Tanzania, Africa, as well as around the world, many people still barely meet anyone outside of a small circle of family, friends, and community, while even more never venture beyond the culture in which they were raised. The Intercultural Exposure Project aims to serve as an important means of introducing people around the world to realities they might not normally be exposed to. Many barriers have begun to fall between people around the world, with near-instantaneous communication allowing people on opposite sides of the world to meaningfully interact. The Intercultural Exposure Project encourages people from all walks of life to appreciate and understand distinct cultures and play a key role in creating productive dialogue across the world. The project will be hosted at Lolarash Lutheran Church.

Location

Nakilongos is an area of Longido District, Arusha, Tanzania, located about 112 km from Moshi town. The community is accessible via public transport starting from Moshi Main Bus Terminal to Tarakea and then changing to Kamwanga via Lolarash. Indigenous inhabitants are the Maasai tribe; however, due to the economic activities happening in the North Kilimanjaro Forest, there is a good mixture of people from various parts of the country. The community shares a border with Kenya as well as the Kilimanjaro Forest. If arriving from Kilimanjaro Airport (about 43 km), volunteers will need to take a shuttle to Moshi town. Possibilities and options for leisure activities include wildlife safari trips to Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Tarangire National Parks. Various packages are available depending on the available time and budget. Other options include mountain climbing (Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and others) and eco and cultural tourism.

Accomodation

Accommodation will be at a community residential house. It is basic accommodation where volunteers should expect to use water, toilet, and have a bath. Mattresses will be provided in shared rooms. Volunteers are expected to help in meal preparation and cleaning. Vegetarian meals will be available for the entire period of the project.

Requirements

Potential volunteers for this project need to have sufficient language proficiency to understand instructions given in English. They should be flexible, open-minded, eager to learn, independent, and committed to treating others with respect. Volunteers should also have a non-judgmental approach that values different cultures, as well as an interest in people, cultures, and their stories.

Meeting point

The nearest bus/Ferry terminal is Moshi town Central Bus station located in the capital of Kilimanjaro region.

Descrizione

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Work

Volunteers and community members will give support and guide community work and building such as mixing cement and plastering. This is an exciting project as we hope to bring some change especially for the centre itself. Volunteers have opportunity to work with different people in the community and interact with children after school.

Partner

Volunteers will be helping in a building project for a SAVWA community center which will cater for the community an volunteers themselves. The building project includes brick making, wall construction at project site and other local activities. We hope to finish the wall for the surrounding center with assistance from community members and well-wishers to the project.

Location

The Weekend is meant to be for free tours that the group can organize by themselves. All our work camps are reserved for cultural nights when each volunteer can present her/his country and culture.

Accomodation

Accommodation will be in a house in Soshanguve. Participants will be required to bring their own sleeping bags. The accommodation has a simple bathroom with shower and there is water. The accommodation place has flushing toilets and do have electricity but should expect normal power cuts lasting to 2 hours on various time slots in the week. (Not every day)

Requirements

Sleeping bag, sun cream, mosquito spray/lotion, sandals, shoes are advisable. Raincoat, light working clothes during working hours and gloves for manual work as well as clothes at night, as it may turn out to be chilly; Torch or flash light and books and stationery for the children even sporting equipment such as soccer balls etc and board games. Qualification of participants: Open minded, ready to interact with other people of different cultural background - Positive attitude - Willing to share his/her experiences - Flexible to live/stay in simple living conditions - Flexible to eat local food - Ready to do academic work on the project and No experience needed at all. Willingness to guide students especially in cultural and arts activities. Some weekends may have excursions with students to different areas of Pretoria.

Meeting point

The work camp participation fee is strictly Euro 260, and this covers simple accommodation, food and project expenses office running/administrative expenses, certificate of participation during the camp, communication prior to, during and after the camp. Please note that this does not include travel expenses to and from the camp, pick up from airport so participants are asked to reserve a small amount of money for transport to the camp and vice-verse. We advise all volunteers to ask for advice from us when they are planning to book their ticket to Pretoria.

Descrizione

The « Mother Teresa of Calcutta » reception center in Kpalimé, is one of the local partners with which ASTOVOT carries out social projects. The patients welcomed by the sisters of this center are mostly in poverty or abandoned, therefore without family to care for them. This volunteering project aims to offer moral support and allows volunteers to bring their compassion and love to sick and vulnerable people by participating in different activities which contribute to improving their physical and mental health. The objective is to promote the well-being of residents and provide them with company, entertainment and activities well suited to their situation.

Work

Companionship and active listening: Volunteers would spend time with residents by offering them moments of exchange, discussion or board games to combat loneliness and offer personal attention. Help with daily tasks: Help residents with their daily tasks, such as going to the dining room, organizing their personal spaces, or assisting them with specific needs such as shopping. Creative and recreational workshops : Organize painting, music, gardening or craft workshops to stimulate the senses and creativity of residents. This would also encourage them to break out of their routine. Cleaning and maintenance of the center: Volunteers will help keep the center clean and pleasant by participating in light maintenance tasks and beautifying common areas.

Partner

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Location

Kpalimé, located about 1h30 from Lomé, is a true natural setting. In southwestern Togo, the region surrounding the city is both lush and fertile, bordered by forested hills, deep valleys and agricultural villages. Kpalimé is also the main craft center of the country, welcoming many artists and artisans: wood carvers, batikers, potters, weavers and gourd makers. “Nature” walks and hikes allow you to discover the daily life of the inhabitants, mainly focused on agriculture.

Accomodation

Housing conditions are simple and adapted to each project site. Volunteers are housed in rooms of three or four, with the mix depending on the organization of the groups. Depending on the location, dry toilets and waterless showers may be used. The association provides plastic or foam mats, and volunteers can bring their own sleeping bags if necessary. Drinking water is available on site, but access to electricity and the Internet may be limited due to power cuts and difficulties accessing the network. During the work, volunteers will prepare their own meals. An internal organization will distribute domestic tasks, including cooking, alternating between the groups. The food products used will be a mixture of local, imported and sometimes organic products. Each volunteer's diet will be considered when preparing meals. Additionally, volunteers will have access to a variety of tropical fruits, such as bananas, oranges, pineapples, mangoes, avocados, papayas, etc.

Requirements

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Meeting point

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Work

Volunteers will contribute to various activities, including weaving, artwork, and training women on entrepreneurship skills and financial management. They will also empower men, women, and community leaders in leadership and build the capacity of women in life skills and self-confidence. Volunteers will participate in meetings and media campaigns on women's empowerment in leadership. The work will involve energizers, group discussions, group presentations, audio-visual materials, site visits, and testimonies.

Partner

Nyamira Missionaries Cultural Development (NMCD) was founded and registered with social development in 2002 in Kenya. It consists of 137 members, including men, women, and youth, ranging from 18 to 80 years old. The organization is based in Nyaramba, Nyamira County, approximately 10 km from Nyamira town on the way to Ikonge Township. NMCD is managed by an executive committee consisting of a chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary, vice secretary, treasurer, and five members. The vision of NMCD is to become the best cultural performers and handicraft makers in Kenya. Its mission is to create an environment where personal and cultural change support each other in the context of community. The organization aims to establish a successful supplier of soapstone carvings, clay, and wooden artifacts locally and internationally, gain a substantial market share in cultural performance and tourism, run an orphanage home for shelter, food, and education, empower women and youth to be self-reliant, and engage in voluntary services at both local and international levels.

Location

The project is located in Nyamira County, Kenya, an area rich in traditional Gusii cultural performances and handicrafts. The Nyamira Missionaries Center attracts local and international travelers, offering cultural dances, handmade artifacts, and self-contained accommodations for volunteers and tourists. The organization has hosted exchange programs with Burundi and Malawi and seeks new partnerships. KVDA also offers educational tours to sites such as the Maasai Mara Game Reserve at an additional cost.

Accomodation

The host community will provide a house to accommodate volunteers with basic living conditions. Volunteers are expected to adjust to local standards to gain exposure to the development challenges of the community. KVDA will provide foodstuffs, and volunteers will take turns preparing their own meals. Drinking water will be sourced from springs, and it is recommended that it be boiled or medicated before drinking. Mineral water is also available at supermarkets. The project site has electricity connection, allowing volunteers to use electric appliances.

Requirements

Confirmation of participation must be done via email at least one month before the project starts.

Meeting point

The port of entry to Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.

Descrizione

Every summer, the daughters and sons of the village of Kuma-Apoti in Togo and the diaspora come together to cheerfully celebrate their Dunenyo-Za festival or development festival. These are solemn moments when the natives of the village of Kuma-Apoti, (one of the cleanest and ecological villages in Togo) meet to reflect on the future and the development of their village. For them, it is about giving new impetus to youth, promoting them in terms of education and learning and making resolutions for the local development of the village. During this period several cultural, traditional and community actions are carried out by local populations. ASTOVOT, as a partner of this small village, is launching an international cultural immersion project with solidarity during these moments of euphoria.

Work

Participation in community work with the local population and national volunteers : (public health, reforestation, maintenance of rural roads and socio-collective infrastructures, inauguration, etc); Organization of socio-educational activities with village children (games, sports, songs and dances, etc.); Immersion in families and folk groups of the village Organization and participation in walks, hikes and waterfalls in the villages and mountains surrounding the village of Kuma-Apoti; Development of venues for concerts and cultural events ; Participate in sporting events (football tournament) as part of this edition. Participate in the apotheosis festival (musical concert, traditional songs and dances, songs, sketches, etc) to highlight the stories collected and encourage oral transmission.

Partner

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Location

The village of Kuma-Apoti, one of the ten villages in the canton of Kuma (Kloto prefecture), is located northwest of the town of Kpalimé. Its relief, made up of a vast plateau and green mountains, gives the village a unique natural setting. Kuma-Apoti benefits from a particular climate, cooler and "temperate" than that of Lomé, due to its location in a humid zone. The village's economy is mainly based on agriculture, around which various economic activities revolve.

Accomodation

Housing conditions are simple and adapted to each project site. Volunteers are housed in rooms of three or four, with the mix depending on the organization of the groups. Depending on the location, dry toilets and waterless showers may be used. The association provides plastic or foam mats, and volunteers can bring their own sleeping bags if necessary. Drinking water is available on site, but access to electricity and the Internet may be limited due to power cuts and difficulties accessing the network. During the work, volunteers will prepare their own meals. An internal organization will distribute domestic tasks, including cooking, alternating between the groups. The food products used will be a mixture of local, imported and sometimes organic products. Each volunteer's diet will be considered when preparing meals. Additionally, volunteers will have access to a variety of tropical fruits, such as bananas, oranges, pineapples, mangoes, avocados, papayas, etc.

Requirements

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Meeting point

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Descrizione

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Work

The project is organized along four themes: ▪ Holistic worldview: The big picture: why do we need to be developing sustainable communities? Listening to nature, celebrating life, discerning your role and creating your dream. ▪ Ecological: Bioregionalism, defining a watershed, introduction to local food issues and permaculture techniques. ▪ Social: Building and embracing diversity, introductory communication skills. ▪ Economic: Shifting the global economy to sustainability, understanding the global versus local argument, analyzing your ecological foot print careers in sustainability. ▪ Hands-on activities may include: Maintenance of organic vegetable gardens that will include composting activities, weeding, watering plants. Others are maintenance of bio gas plant, bio gas cooking and other alternative technologies.

Partner

Sustainable future is an experiential program focusing on the big questions: “Can we design sustainable communities for future?” It is aiming to bring participants to live and work together on the beautiful village along the sloops of the Mount Kilimanjaro and have the opportunity to explore the social, economic, spiritual and ecological issues and skills needed for developing sustainable life practices.

Location

The word "Marangu" means a place with too many water streams. It is one of the most popular places in Tanzania. Located at the foot of Africa's tallest mountain, the quaint village of Marangu offers fascinating insight into both modern Tanzanian life and into the lives of the Chagga people who once withstood vicious Maasai raids through the ingenious use of tunnels. Majority of residents are farmers growing bananas, vegetables and coffee. Tourism is also part of activity that contribute to the economy of Marangu. The Marangu route is the most popular hiking route in Africa. Marangu is a center of tourism in the region. It host the gate to climb the highest mountain in Africa, Some options for leisure actities are: - ▪ Cultural & Eco-tourism around Chagga communities in Kilimanjaro, Maasai in Arusha and the neighboring regions. ▪ Hiking – there is a possibility of hiking in Kilimanjaro Mountain’s nature forest. ▪ Wild-life safari – Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National parks. ▪ Mountain Climbing – Mount Kilimanjaro, Meru and others. ▪ Water side relaxation – Lake Chala, waterfalls etc.

Accomodation

Accommodation will be at the community residential house. Basic accommodation facilities like water, electricity and toilets will be available. Rooms will be shared. Food will be provided at the project designated site.

Requirements

The project is looking for a volunteer who is interested or want to experience issues around environmental conservation and nature, a person who loves manual and outdoor work, open minded, flexible and interested in other cultures.

Meeting point

Nearest Bus/Railways stations: Moshi central Bus terminal ▪ Directions to the meeting Point: Volunteers will be picked up at Umoja Lutheran Hostel, located along Liwali Street in Moshi town on the starting day at 13:00 hrs. You may wish to reserve your accommodation in this place if arriving before the date/time indicated. ▪ Information sheet: This document will be available to the individual accepted volunteer minimum four weeks before the project start.

Descrizione

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Work

It is of paramount importance to us to render services and programs that is in the best interest of every individual child. Just as soon as you think you've seen the worst of cases, you come across yet another one. Abusers don't discriminate against colour, creed or age. Child Abuse is rife in South Africa and unfortunately not nearly enough is being done to protect the future of our country, the children. Government is shirking their responsibility when it comes to providing for destitute families therefore making it increasingly difficult for the poorest of the poor to survive. Abuse & Poverty are the main contributing factors to street children and abandoned baby statistics in our country. Volunteers will get first hand activities such as baby minding and cleaning the house. Other activities will be mentioned with consultation with volunteers as well as matron consultation what exactly needs to be carried out during the work camp.

Partner

Providing support and care to orphans and improving their emotional situations and their level of acceptance with daily routines one of the orphan care home called Kingdom Life (Atteridgeville). Kingdom Life Children’s Centre . A good-hearted woman resident in Atteridgeville realizing the urgent need for caring for the children in the area with no other place to go has established this home. Initially time and effort was invested in establishing, registering and organizing the affairs of the Home. The focus currently is to create better opportunities for the children to develop in a stable and caring environment, and to improve their life skills.

Location

Weekends are meant to be for free tours that the group can organize by themselves. All our work camps are reserved for cultural nights when each volunteer can present her/his country and culture.

Accomodation

Accommodation will be in rooms at the project centre. Participants will be required to bring their own sleeping bags. The accommodation has a simple bathroom with shower and there is running water. The accommodation and workplace have flushing toilets and does have electricity.

Requirements

Warm clothes, Sleeping bag (if possible), sun cream, mosquito spray/lotion, sandals, Raincoat, light working clothes during working hours and warm clothes at night, as it may turn out to be chilly; Torch or flash light. Do not bring jewellery or items of personal value please.

Meeting point

The work camp participation fee is strictly Euro 260 and this covers simple accommodation, food and project expenses office running/administrative expenses, certificate of participation during the camp, communication prior to, during and after the camp. Please note that this does not include travel expenses to and from the camp, pick up from airport so participants are asked to reserve a small amount of money for transport to the camp and vice-verse. We advise all volunteers to ask for advice from us when they are planning to book their ticket to Pretoria. 1. To be open-minded and “doer” type 2. Ready to stand out in front of the others and coordinate the children 3. Any knowledge of musical instrument, singing or dancing is highly welcome 4. Please bring some typical food & cookies & recipes & pictures & flags and if possible musical pieces, songs, instruments 5. Please also bring for the children (if it’s possible) clothes& toys that you don’t need and personal care products 6. Meals should be prepared by the volunteers for themselves (breakfast, lunch and sometimes dinner as well) – based on available ingredients for the day.

Descrizione

The project is part of a broader initiative by Happy Me Happy You, a community-based organization focused on breaking the cycle of poverty in Western Kenya. The CBO prioritizes children, especially orphans living in extreme poverty, and works to improve their educational opportunities. The project also aims to support the community by providing basic necessities such as food, clean water, and seedlings for food security.

Work

Volunteers will support the education of children by teaching and playing games, as well as supporting manual tasks such as fetching water and cooking. They will also engage in team-building activities, conduct home visits to experience local development challenges, and participate in intercultural education to foster global cooperation. Volunteers will also assist with food distribution and other tasks related to improving food security in the community.

Partner

The partner for this project is the Kenya Voluntary Development Association (KVDA), which facilitates volunteer participation and ensures smooth coordination of the project. KVDA works with local organizations and communities to improve development initiatives and provide volunteers with meaningful opportunities to contribute.

Location

The project will offer an opportunity for intercultural exchange, and KVDA offers educational tours to notable sites, including the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, for an additional fee. Volunteers will have a chance to explore local development challenges and engage with the community.

Accomodation

olunteers will be accommodated in a house provided by the local community with basic living conditions. They will cook their own meals in turns, with foodstuffs provided by KVDA. Water is available from springs, and it is recommended that drinking water be boiled or medicated. In case of power outages, there is solar energy available, and volunteers can charge electric appliances at the project.

Requirements

Confirmation of participation is required via email at least one month before the start of the project.

Meeting point

The port of entry to Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Volunteers will be picked up from the airport based on full flight details provided.