African Partners Program
The African Partners Program is the newest CADRA volunteer program. As an offshoot of the Canada-Africa Development Corps, it is geared toward recent college graduates who wish to volunteer in Africa with a non-governmental organization (NGO).
The program is based in Windhoek, Namibia, where participants will volunteer at NGOs. We will send our first group of African Partners to Windhoek. The group will be in the field from early September 2009 until March 2010. The group will consist of six dedicated young men and women.
Aside from their work at individual NGOs, participants will have the opportunity to learn about issues that NGOs are addressing in Windhoek through attending lectures and visiting other participants' NGOs. We will subsidize language classes for interested volunteers. There will be a CADRA staff member in Windhoek to assist volunteers in navigating work and cultural issues.
There will be a two-day retreat in Ottawa before volunteers depart, and there will be an in-country orientation once volunteers arrive in the country.
The Volunteer Placement:
We will place volunteers at NGOs based on their previous work experience and interests. Volunteers will provide a needed direct service, with a focus on ensuring that the work will contribute to the long-term growth of the NGO.
Please note that the volunteer placements are not arranged until an applicant has been accepted into the program. We determine appropriate NGO matches once we have an idea of the volunteer's professional experience and interests.
Finances:
CADRA will subsidize plane tickets, and will provide participants with a modest cost of living stipend. Participants will be asked to assist in fundraising efforts before they leave. Participants can expect to spend $200-$300 per month in addition to the stipends that CADRA will be providing.
Upon return to Canada, participants will attend a retreat which will enable them to process their shared experience as a group and determine their next steps. Alumni will be expected to share experiences in their local communities and remain involved as CADRA alumni.
Applicant Qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree
- Commitment to social justice, and interest in international justice issues
- Some previous international travel
- Commitment to a group-living environment
- Flexibility and ability to deal with ambiguous situations
Please note: We are now accepting applications for the fall 2008 African Partners Program.
Download the African Partners application form.
download the African Partners reference form.
For more information, send e-mail to volunteer@Canada-Africa.org.
