Volunteer in Cameroon
Cameroon Overview
Summer 2013 full. Now booking for October 2013 onwards
Volunteer in Cameroon and submerse yourself in the heart of Africa, amidst the mountain highlands, traditional villages in one of the poorest and forgotten African countries. With few outside visitors to Cameroon, any visit here will still be considered in the adventurous league of travel destinations which starts with the challenge of obtaining a visa itself but we will help with this. Volunteer work in Cameroon offers challenging and varied volunteer experiences in and around the small town of Kumbo in the North of the country. Cameroon will make an ideal challenging Africa placement for anyone with a background or interest in one or more of the following; healthcare, midwifery, pc skills, IT, international development and sustainable projects, fundraising, accountancy/bookeeping and English teaching. However, a word of warning, this is a young project and with small numbers of volunteers coming with different skill sets, interests and confidences from professionals to novice volunteers, there is no one size fits all structure in place. You must come with an open mind and a 'I'll have a go' attitude, add to this that plans change rapidly in Africa, buses don't run, children might not turn up for classes because it 'might rain' and electricity can go off for hours at a time, this makes for an exciting and stimulating placement so longer stays are recommended to have enough time to settle in, get into a routine and have the maximum number of opportunities possible.
Onces settled in, volunteers have got involved with one or more of the following: remote health clinics, small IT lab teaching IT and basic computer skills, administrative and fundraising work in the project's head office, informal English teaching to children and adults and various different community projects in and around the area. Come with an open mind and get ready to get stuck in with whatever is needed at any time during your stay. Depending on your background and personal interests you may be teaching basic PC skills two mornings, building the next, take a day or two to relax followed by a day at a remote health centre assisting midwives. An English speaking project coordinator will assist you during your stay, introducing you to opportunities and local need according to local project demand and volunteer work group preferences at the time of your visit. All volunteers can opt in and out as preferred, although to get the most out of the experience, make new friends and feel at home quicker, it is recommended to arrive in Cameroon with a Can Do attitude as there is little infrastructure, operating with the most minimal funding!.
No experience required to volunteer in Cameroon, just smiles and enthusiasm!
Images from Cameroon
Country: Cameroon
Book your placement with £125. Then stay for free in this incredible and very affordable country in Africa.
Your memories
We have been sent some of the most lovely photos from volunteers at play and at work, they are truly inspirational.
Photo Album by volunteer Hannah Holtby
Photo Album by volunteer Sarah Cartner
What next?
If you would like to book over the phone or simply ask more questions please call us on 01603 627 007
See related video ‘How to book’
If you know where and when you want to go, then you can book online.
You can also change your date of arrival or country at any time.
Trip info for Cameroon
Country: Cameroon
Book your placement with £125. Then stay for free in this incredible and very affordable country in Africa.
Change lives and volunteer in Cameroon 2013 - 2014
Volunteer in Cameroon
Volunteer in Cameroon and submerse yourself in the heart of Africa, amidst the mountain highlands, traditional villages in one of the poorest and forgotten African countries
Skills and Experience, no specific experience is required. For the Cameroon project all you need to do when working with children is bring enthusiasm and plenty of energy. Helping the children in Cameroon can be very rewarding and you will soon find yourself expressing news skills that you didn’t even know you had. This project is so diverse that you have a great chance to learn and take part in many different activities and ways of life.
What's included
Accommodation: Volunteer accommodation in shared rooms in either apartments, a shared volunteer house or volunteers paired up with local families.
Airport Pick-up: from Yaounde or Douala airport is automatically arranged for approximately 110 Euros.
Support: Volunteers also have the support of a local English speaking coordinator to help with placement organisation throughout their stay.
We consider this project ideal if you...
Are looking for a challenging opportunity away from the crowds and off the beaten African tourist trail.
Want to experience the heart of Africa and understand both the daily challenges and strengths of the local people.
Can work independently with little support once introduced to a new task.
What's not included
Flights
Insurance
Return Airport transfer
Local Transport around Cameroon
Meals
Visa
What to take
Once you have applied and registered with Original Volunteers, you will receive an Information Pack via email that will have further details on the project in Cameroon; in this email there will be a list of items to take and items that are best not to take.
How to apply
It is quick an easy to book with Original Volunteers. You can book online or call us on now on 01603 627 007 and book over the phone.
See related video ‘How to book’.
It costs £125 to book. Once book you can go to as many placements as you want within a year without having to pay the booking fee of £125 again.
The booking fee instantly books and reserves your place for any month you choose .We are very flexible. Just let us know if your plans change and spaces permitting we will put you on another list.
On your own?
Although some volunteers travel with friends, the bigger majority travel alone. It is possible to get in contact with other volunteers before your travel, and a lot of people tend to do this. They make friends before they leave and then meet them when arriving or plan to travel together.
Once in Cameroon volunteers generally live and work together unless you are settled in and have decided to work in an area of your preference. If there are other volunteers, you will never be alone as you are put into groups and so always have people to support and help you; along with the support team and co-ordinators who are always nearby. If you would like to be involved but would rather be with other volunteers on this remote project then a summer visit when volunteer numbers are higher is recommended. However, do not let this put you off arriving at quieter times of year, in fact if you are the only volunteer it is most likely you will be more welcomed and invited into the local community and make more friends than if you are part of a larger volunteer group. Many volunteers finding themselves alone on a project tell us it was the best experience and book their second project at a quieter time or request a placement on their own living with local people from the outset knowing what the experience will offer.
Things that you will need to organise yourself
Flights to Cameroon
Travel Insurance
Any resources you wish to bring
Food
Visa
Fast facts - Project information
Volunteer options: Various community options.
Accommodation: Volunteer accommodation provided.
Food: Self-catering. Food can be bought cheaply from street sellers and cafes
Working Hours: Variable depending on area of work.
Language: English spoken.
Getting to the project: On foot or local taxi as the small town is spread over a large area.
Minimum stay: 10 days minimum recommended due to traveling times.
Volunteers usually: stay 2 to 4 weeks, 4 weeks+ recommended to get the most out of the experience
Project operates: All year round
When to apply:Immediately as spaces limited on free projects.
Costs: Once only programme contribution payable before arrival of £50.
Airport Pick-up Service: Available from Yaounde or Douala, full day travel, allow approx 110 Euros
Cameroon at a glance
French and English and 'Cameroon English' are spoken in Cameroon along with many hundreds of tribal languages and dialects. In the town and area where volunteers stay, English and 'Cameroon English' are widely spoken with only a few people who speak French.
Climate: Sub-tropical. The average temperature in Cameroon is 23 Celsius throughout the year, although in the highlands where the project is based it can feel slightly cooler at times and a sweater and trainers are also needed along with hot weather clothes for hot days. Dress is fairly conservative, with cotton trousers and short sleeved shirts the most practical and culturally sensitive clothes to wear although the country is open to all faiths and religions. The hottest time of year is between January and April with average temperatures in the lowlands of 29 Celcius although again cooler in the hills.
Time difference from UK: GMT 0 or +1hrs
