Save the Children Global Service Trip, Africa, November 3 – 9, 2013

Save the Children invites you to participate in one of our signature Global Service Trips to Africa. Volunteer to help African children in need while learning about the challenges they face. Let’s make a difference together!

Why Volunteer in Africa? 
Africa is full of vibrant life and natural beauty, from the Masai Mari to the Sahara desert, it’s a region of exhilaration and awe, but also extreme hardship. Frequent food shortages and periodic famine-like conditions continue to put children at risk. An estimated 200 million people are malnourished, many of them children. With inadequate health care services, many boys and girls die before reaching the age of five. Of those who do survive, less than 40 percent attend primary or secondary school. In addition, the HIV/AIDS crisis is devastating families, leaving many children orphaned and at risk for exploitation. These conditions are some of the harshest faced by children anywhere in the world. Save the Children has worked in Africa for fifty years. We focus on giving kids access to school and keeping them healthy. We work with families to help them secure income and food. We protect children at risk of exploitation and fight for their rights. We’ve had plenty of success, but there is still much more to do – and we need you. Help boys and girls in Africa become healthy and strong. Work with them to improve their lives and understand the challenges they face. Become an ambassador for those without a voice and whose needs are not met. Play with them and bring smiles to their faces. Encourage them to learn and grow. Soon you’ll learn how little it takes to make a difference in the life of a child.

What Does A Volunteer Do In Africa?
During a seven day visit, you’ll work directly with boys and girls in need to make a difference in their lives.
You’ll upgrade schools to provide cleaner, friendlier learning environments by painting classrooms and murals, building latrines and installing hand washing bays.

You’ll teach children about health and hygiene to prevent them from getting sick. Together, using songs, skits and drama, you’ll develop and produce a school health fair highlighting the importance of hand washing, teeth brushing and ways to protect against malaria. You might also plant vegetable gardens to teach students about healthy eating and nutrition.

Through meetings with parents, community members and staff, you’ll understand the impact of these programs and how to help long-term. You’ll also enjoy cultural and recreational activities.

What Is The Itinerary? (Country to be announced)
Nov 3, Sun Arrival. Welcome dinner and orientation
Nov 4, Mon Travel to project area, community tour. Afternoon activity with children.
Nov 5, Tues School beautification, paint walls and murals.
Nov 6, Wed Plan school health fair with students. Afternoon soccer game with children and staff.
Nov 7, Thurs Finish school beautification project. Visit local museum and market. Evening cultural activity.
Nov 8, Fri, Present school health fair to classmates and community guests. Farewell event with village. Travel back to departure city.
Nov 9, Sun Depart for home

How Much Does It Cost?
Trip Fee per person: $1,950
Fundraising Goal: $1,500

Save the Children asks you to raise funds to help support the kids and programs you visit. Your efforts will help deliver bright and healthy futures to children in the community and throughout the region. Fundraising goals should be met prior to departure and are tax-deductible.

The trip fee includes six nights shared accommodation, meals, ground transportation, project supplies and materials, staff support and background checks*. The fee does not include airfare, travel insurance, visa or passport services.

How Do I Sign-Up?
To register, contact Lynn Spreadbury at 203-221-4014 or lspreadbury@savechildren.org.

*Save the Children’s Child Protection Policy requires all participants to pass a criminal records check upon registration.

Save the Children reserves the right to change the date, location and itinerary of any trip, without notice, due to civil, administrative or weather related conditions.