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Our humanitarian missions
What is a humanitarian mission ?
A humanitarian mission is three weeks of community life during which the volunteers of all nationalities take part and invest themselves in a humanitarian project, benefiting the local population. A mission also serves as a meeting place for exchanging culture, experiences, and abilities. The participation fee given by the volunteer finances the humanitarian mission. These fees are essential for the mission’s execution.
About AS-OISOU humanitarian missions
Who ?
The volunteers group on a site is composed of 8 to 25 people, who are at least 18 years old. A site brings together an equal number of local and foreign volunteers.
Where ?
The humanitarian sites generally take place in remote villages or in middle size cities. See “Program 2009”. The scope of the association is mainly centralized in the Plateaux Region, near the mountains, where the air is sweeter and fresher.
The activities on a site?
Each mission has its own theme: renovation, construction, tutoring... During the week, the activities are concentrated on the chosen theme. But a site also gives way to other activities, such as excursions, Art, music, dance…
Organization of a site ?
To carry out the collective daily tasks, the volunteers are divided into work groups (water supply, cleaning, dishes, cooking). On each site, a coordinator guarantees good progress; he manages the difficulties, and fortifies relations between volunteers and villagers. The volunteers are not allowed to leave the site before its completion (except for cases of absolute necessity).
Accomodation ?
During the mission, all the volunteers live together in a simple cozy house. Each of these buildings are generously lent to us by villagers. A sleeping bag will be required but we will provide you with a sleeping mat.
Meals ?
The meals will be provided. On the menu: local and fresh ingredients from the market for authentic western African dishes. Every day, the whole group will prepare the meals together. To please you as well as we can, we will try to offer varied and balanced meals (if you have food allergies, please let us know on the Registration Form).
Before and after the mission ?
The association welcomes and accompanies each volunteer from the moment they land in Togo. A driver will be waiting for you at the airport and will drive you straight to AS-OISOU headquarters in Lome. You will then be driven to your respective consulate where you will have to register. You will have to arrive at least one day before the starting date of your chosen site. At the end of the site you are free to travel and continue your stay in Western Africa.
The steps to take part in a site
1- Chose a site in our list. Check the dates that are offered in our 2008/2009 program.
2- Download and print the Application Form here.
3- Send the application form to the French headquarters with:
- a medical certificate,
- proof of insurance,
- a photo,
- the annual fee for the association = 35€ (= $45).
4- We will process your demand and confirm when ready.
5- Gather all the documents that you will need for your trip (passport, visa, flight tickets) and have the necessary vaccinations.
6- Plan at least one preparation meeting, before you leave, with one of our Directors or a local coordinator (it can be done by phone).
Documents to download
Application Form
Terms of Participation
How much does it cost ?
Cost linked to the needs and practices of the association :
Annual fee = 35€
Participation fee (to be paid upon arrival): 165€ for accommodation, meals, local travels and organization of each site.
Cost linked to preparing your stay :
Plane tickets = 450€ to 950€ round way (may vary from one company to another)
Mandatory vaccine: yellow fever = 25€, active 10 years
Visa: rate for French citizens = 30€ for one month and 50€ for 3 months
Cost of living in Togo :
To give you an idea :
a coke (70cl) costs 350 CFA, less than 0.50€,
a night in a hotel costs 3500 CFA, less than 5€,
a water bottle costs 400 CFA = 0.60 €,
a pack of cigarettes = 450 CFA = 0.60 €.
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