Dubai: Dubai Cares has officially launched the 2016 edition of Volunteer Globally — one of the main pillars of its local outreach activities — with a school-building mission in Senegal.
The organisation’s renowned initiative, which takes UAE residents to disadvantaged areas around the world, will travel to Africa to support the local community in constructing a new school in the Fatik district of Senegal.
Once complete, the school is set to directly benefit 150 children.
Dubai Cares will shortlist 50 candidates on a first-come, first-served basis, followed by a round of one-on-one interviews for the final selection of the 15 volunteers to travel to Senegal between October 30 and November 6. The interviews will be conducted between July 23 and 31. An additional 15 volunteers will be placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations. The volunteer team will also receive a comprehensive briefing ahead of the trip, which will cover the ground situation in Senegal, socioeconomic background as well as an overview of the activities that will be undertaken as part of the school construction.
As well as participating in worksite activities, such as digging, picking, mixing concrete and making bricks, volunteers will be able to immerse themselves into the local culture, meet families, and learn local values.
Although Senegal has a diversified economy by West African standards, it barely escapes being classified by the World Bank as one of the poorest of the world’s nations.
Volunteer Globally was launched in 2009. For this year, Dubai Cares is seeking candidates of 21 years of age and above, with a passion for social work and the ability to undertake physical construction work.
The initiative will be the subject of a documentary which tracks the progress and efforts of those working to change the lives of the local communities.
The basic logistics and expenses of the trip including visa charges, travel, accommodation, food and beverage, travel supplies, vaccinations and safety equipment will be handled by Dubai Cares. Upon completion of the project, all volunteers will receive a Certificate of Appreciation.
Interested residents can register before July 17 by visiting http://goo.gl/forms/d6HnBGYxsb9v5yUS2
