Our Humanitarian Education Leadership Project (H.E.L.P.) provides service opportunities for those willing to travel to Mozambique. If you feel drawn to help some of the world’s poorest families, and are willing to sacrifice for the opportunity to work with a team to serve these people then a Care for Life H.E.L.P. team experience may be for you.

Care for Life was born of a desire to help those in need. During the first fact-finding trip to Mozambique in 2000, we saw the dire poverty of Mozambique and realized that even small efforts could make a difference. We knew we had resources and knowledge to share and friends who could do the same. Care for Life is an Arizona non-profit corporation and a U.S. 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Our guiding philosophy is,

“ Go to the people, live with them, learn from them, love them, work with them, start with what
they have, build on what they know, and in the end the people will rejoice: ‘We have done it ourselves!’ ”
(Lao Tzu – China 700 B.C.E.)

We want to help the people help themselves.

Living and working with the people of Mozambique has led us to love them. Care for Life has met with and listened carefully to their government leaders, educators, local agents and the people themselves to understand their primary problems. They have helped us understand what solutions they see and how we can help in the most effective and sustainable ways.

Being a H.E.L.P. volunteer provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Mozambique is green and lush with beautiful beaches. However, Mozambique is ranked among the world’s poorest countries. Wars, floods, droughts, and extreme poverty have left the people of this country destitute and in need of help.

Participants have the opportunity to explore and enhance their unique skills and abilities through activities in local communities and orphanages. Volunteers interact extensively with the children in Mozambique, teaching them basic vocational skills and giving service time in local orphanages. Participants will also help with building or repair projects in the community. You will receive training in all the skills you will need to be an effective volunteer in Mozambique.

All participants must be at least 18 years old before departing to Mozambique and will be required to adhere to a strict code of conduct, H.E.L.P. dress code, and safety rules. Each volunteer will also be required to attend a training day held in the spring. Training workshops will be scheduled in Arizona and Utah. If you do not live in either of these states arrangements can be made for online training.

H.E.L.P. TEAMS 2012

In 2012 volunteers will be able to choose whether to join a 1, 2 or 3 week team. The teams will begin May 24 and will run through the end of June. When filling out your application form specify the dates you would NOT be available, and whether you want to join a 1, 2 or 3 week team. Every effort will be made to put you on a team to fit your schedule. You will be notified of your team date in January. If we are unable to accommodate your dates the deposit will be refunded.

H.E.L.P. TEAM FEE

1 week only team, $1,400
2 week team, $1,800
3 week team, $2,200

Team fee includes all living and transportation costs in Mozambique, side trip to Gorongosa Wild Animal Park, and program costs of the H.E.L.P. team while in Mozambique. Not included is your travel to and from Mozambique and your personal expenses such as your visa, passport, immunizations and malaria meds.

TO SECURE YOUR SPOT

1. Fill out and submit a H.E.L.P team volunteer application.
2. Submit your non-refundable deposit of $500 with your application by January 1, 2012. This deposit lets us know you are serious about your commitment and it will also secure your spot on the team. The remaining fee will be due at least 60 days before your departure date. There will be a late fee of $50 charged if your balance is not paid on time. If for some reason you are not accepted to the program or there are not enough volunteers to fill a team, your $500 will be refunded. Team fee includes all living and transportation costs in Mozambique, side trip to Gorongosa Wild Animal Park, and program costs of the H.E.L.P. team while in Mozambique. Not included is your travel to and from Mozambique and your personal expenses such as your visa, passport, immunizations and malaria meds. If you are not placed on a team the deposit will be refunded.
3. Secure your travel arrangements. Our travel agent will make reservations for the team travel. You will be responsible to work with her for payment of your travel. If you wish to do additional travel at the end of your team she can also help you with those arrangements.
4. Once you are accepted and receive the Team Packet, please sign and return the contracts, waiver, and release forms in the Summer Volunteer Program packet.
5. Attend training workshop in either Arizona or Utah in the spring. Or if you live outside these states attend an online training. Dates and places will be sent out in January each year.

If you have questions please contact Julie Peterson at julie.peterson57@gmail.com.

**Remember the earlier you send in your application the more likely there will be a spot for you!
Also, your flight to Africa will likely be cheaper the farther ahead you make travel plans.**

For more details, check out:
1. YOUR VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
2. VOLUNTEER FAQ
3. APPLICATION FORM