How can I volunteer to build a school in Africa?

Question

I really want to go on a relief mission to Africa and contribute to building a school or a community center or anything of the sort, I'm just not sure how to go about it. I live in the Vancouver, British Columbia region in Canada and I was hoping somone who's done it, or knows someone who's done it could help me out.

thanks.

Answer 1

There is a listing of the more-than-30 member organizations of the International Volunteers Program Association (IVPA) that is a good place to find reputable volunteer-for-a-fee programs -- programs where you don't need to have much experience in order to participate, and the placements are just for a few weeks or months:

http://www.volunteerinternational.org/

The goal of organizations working in poor countries is to give the local people paid jobs and to keep money local, not to give Westerners a feel-good vacation/experience -- hence why short-term placement agencies (in contrast to the aforementioned) charge unskilled volunteers a fee, or require these volunteers to pay their own way (flights, in-country transportation, health insurance, accommodation, food, security, translators, training, staff to create the service opportunities and then to supervise and support the volunteers in their service, liaisons with the police and local officials, etc.). So be prepared to pay for your experience.

Answer 2

get a real job

Answer 3

Hey, I also live in Vancouver.  :)  Anyway, check out Global Volunteer Network. They're based in NZ but do take Canadians. They're really cheap compared to all the other organizations I've looked at, and they have some really cool programs (refugee camp in Ghana, etc). Hope that helps!

Answer 4

I do mission work in South Africa with Build the Future USA.  We take groups of volunteers to South Africa to work in the squatter camps areas outside Johannesburg.  We have been involved with building 2 preschools and 1 community center.

If you would like more information you can check out www.buildthefutureusa.com.