Q: WHAT COUNTRIES CAN I VOLUNTEER IN?
A: Right now Care for Life only works in Mozambique. If you are interested in volunteering in the USA, please visit the
Volunteer in the USA tab.
Q: WHO CAN VOLUNTEER?
A: Anyone who is at least 18 years old before the departure of his/her team date, is in good health, and is willing to
work and live in a team situation.
Q: WHAT TYPE OF VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU OFFER?
A: Our H.E.L.P. teams are 1-3 weeks long each summer. The dates are determined by the Care for Life staff. We send teams each year that consist of 10-12 men and women. We stay at the Care for Life center in Mozambique where there are separate bedroom areas for men and women. Our living quarters are simple, but we have running water, electricity and internet. We shop and cook our own meals. We become a family!
Q: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PARTICIPATE IN A H.E.L.P. TEAM?
A: The team fee is $1400 for 1 week, and $400 for each additional week. This covers your living expenses and program costs while in Mozambique. It also covers an overnight trip to Goronogosa Wild Animal Park. Your travel to Mozambique is your responsibility. Those travel costs can vary, but are usually $2400 – $2800.
Q: WHAT IS INCLUDED IN MY TEAM FEE?
A: Your team fee covers housing, food, transportation within Mozambique, costs for projects, work supplies, some donations to orphanages and a trip to Goronogosa Wild Animal Park.
Q: WHAT OTHER EXPENSES WILL I INCUR THAT ARE NOT COVERED IN THE TEAM FEE?
A: All travel expenses to Mozambique are not covered in the team fee, and costs prior to travel, such as passport, visa, immunization shots, and travel medications. Personal items such as souvenirs and snacks are not covered in the fee. In addition, if your travel plans require you to overnight in Johannesburg, South Africa before we fly into Mozambique, or on the way home, this will NOT be covered in your team fee.
Q: WILL I BE TRAVELING TO MOZAMBIQUE WITH THE TEAM?
A: Volunteers will usually travel from the US to Africa with other volunteers.
Depending on where their travel originates they may travel by themselves to a collector city such as New York or Washington DC, and then travel to Africa with the rest of the group. Once you have been accepted to the program you will receive instructions on how to make travel arrangements.
Q: HOW DO I MAKE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS TO GO TO MOZAMBIQUE?
A: Our Care for Life travel agent can help you with your travel plans, or you may choose your own.
You must be on the same flight with the team from Johannesburg, South Africa to Mozambique.
Q: IS THERE A DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS?
A: We must receive your application a minimum of 90 days prior to your team departure. It is recommended that you apply by January 1 in order to have a good chance of being placed on a team. Applications will not be accepted after March 1.
Q: WHAT TYPES OF THINGS WILL I BE DOING ON A TEAM?
A: Some of the activities our volunteers participate in include:
• Teaching vocational skills like sewing, weaving, woodworking to children
(we will teach you these skills in training)
• Construction of native structures for the village
• Assisting in English classes
• Assisting in the care of small children in orphanages
• Painting, building or other repair projects in orphanages and the village
Q: HOW WILL I COMMUNICATE WITH THE PEOPLE IN MOZAMBIQUE?
A: Most of the people in Mozambique speak Portuguese. The skills and activities we teach can easily be visually demonstrated. The children pick up very quickly whatever we are teaching. We will learn some important phrases
in our training, and any Portuguese you can learn before you arrive in Mozambique will help you.
Q: HOW DO I RAISE MONEY FOR MY TRIP?
A: We can provide a sample donation request letter which you can give to friends, family and businesses. Care for Life
is a 501(c) 3, non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible. If you have questions please contact Julie Peterson
at julie.peterson57@gmail.com.
Q: WHO WILL BE WITH THE TEAM IN MOZAMBIQUE?
A: Our teams are accompanied by an adult supervisor who has had previous experience in Mozambique. The teams will also have a team leader who has lived and worked in Mozambique, and knows the people and culture well. There is also a full-time Care for Life staff member in Mozambique.
