Effective Jan. 30, 2012, this opportunity is suspended due to security issues in Nigeria.
Opportunity Title: Special Education Volunteer
Location: Jos, Nigeria
CRCNA Ministry Involved: Christian Reformed World Missions
Number of Positions: Various
Expected length of service:: At least one month - the length of your time in Nigeria could vary greatly depending on your interests, the time of year you are in Nigeria, and your availability.
Dates Opportunity is Available: Anytime, subject to staff availability.
Purpose: To work with Open Doors School to provide assistance in the development and growth of people with physical and mental disabilities.
Specific Responsibilities:
Background on ministry partner: In Nigeria today, little is done to assist in the development and growth of people with physical and mental disabilities. Open Doors is seeking to change that! One of only a handful of schools dedicated to working with children with special needs, Open Doors seeks to:
a) provide quality educational and vocational training opportunities for Nigerian children and youth with learning handicaps
b) provide opportunities to develop literacy skills for Nigerian children and youth
c) expand and upgrade the quality of education for children with special educational needs
d) provide adequate American curriculum education for the children of missionaries
This volunteer position is flexible. Below are some possible ministry opportunities for you to become involved in:
1. Special Needs Classroom Assistant:
Provide assistance to one of the Open Doors teachers as they train and instruct children with special needs. Assist in the developing, planning, and teaching of daily classroom learning activities.
2. Special Learning Opportunities:
To assist in the various extra-curricular programs for children with special needs:
a) assist in the teaching and training of vocational skills (such as tailoring, candle making, etc.)
b) assist in the teaching of children and youth in the special reading clinic
c) train and coach children and youth with special needs to prepare them for Special Olympics
d) assist in the physical strengthening and development of special needs student through physiotherapy exercises
e) assist with speech and language therapy
NORTH AMERICAN RESPONSIBILITIES
• Educate the CRCNA and others about the nature of the global church and its mission.
• Encourage CRC churches to develop a deeper passion and involvement in international missions.
• Communicate the nature and value of CRWM's ministries to the CRCNA and beyond and participate in support-raising for those ministries by developing and maintaining a network of supporting churches and individuals which will provide prayer, care and financial support for the ministry.
Qualifications:
- Mature Christian committed to Christ, who is a Canadian or US resident
- Flexible and adaptable
- Compassionate and respectful of other cultures
The qualifications and interests necessary for this volunteer opportunity will vary greatly. It is recommended that the interested individual have some of the below qualifications and/or interests:
- special education – studies and/or experience in special education, working with children with special needs, etc.
- physiotherapy – studies and/or experience in physiotherapy, nursing, basic healthcare, etc.
- literacy – interest in teaching literacy, reading stories, challenging students in their learning process
- sports –interest in playing, coaching, and guiding children in their motor skills through activities, team sports, athletics, etc.
- speech/language therapy – a background in language/speech development
Benefits:
- Growth in your faith and relationship with God;
- opportunity to foster new attitudes, perceptions and relationships;
- A chance to learn from, serve and be served by a different culture;
- The opportunity to share your Christian faith with others who may not know the Gospel;
- Serve as an encouragement to Christians in Nigeria;
- Apply your current gifts and talents and discover some new ones;
- Develop a personal perspective on poverty, missions and/or development work;
- Grow in your understanding of the basic principles for international missions;
- Gain personal satisfaction by seeing first-hand how your prayers and contributions to CRWM have impacted communities in Nigeria
- Assist in educating and raising awareness within North America about the social/political situation in Nigeria.
- Expenses directly related to this volunteer opportunity are tax-deductible.
Support Services Provided: ServiceLink and CRWM agree to provide:
- orientation materials as well as ongoing logistics and support to meet the needs of the volunteers and local community;
- pre-trip orientation (required)
- consultation and/or visits by missionary staff when available;
- opportunity to help volunteers link their individual/church’s mission and vision to work being done;
Requirements of the volunteer:
- Complete and submit a CRWM volunteer application form;
- Ability to pass a background check;
- Raise prayer and financial support by inviting individuals, businesses and /or churches to give to this opportunity;
- Attend an orientation session in the Home Office;
- Adhere to CRCNA Standards of Conduct.
Financial obligations of the Volunteer: : please note that costs are estimated and listed in US funds based on 3 mo.stay
- Transportation to and from the field: $1800 - 2500
- Transportation on the field: $120
- Housing and utilities: $1260
- Ministry expenses: $300
- Other expenses: $600
Total cost: $4080 - 4780
Additional Costs - depending on each individual
- Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond date of return flight)
- Communication (i.e. cell phone, internet)
- Tourist trip - if so desired
How to Apply:
If you are interested in applying for this volunteer opportunity, please complete a World Missions Volunteer Application Form and submit it to Lisa Sochacki (lsochacki@crcna.org).
For more information on this or any other opportunity, please email us at volunteer@crcna.org.
Click here to read one volunteer's story of her experience serving with 'Open Doors'.
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