Do something huge... VOLUNTEER!
We provide a unique volunteer experience, consider joining us at BERUDA today!
If you are flexible, willing to learn about a new culture and keen to engage in the community where you will be living, then no matter your age, gender, interest or skills, you could be a valuable asset to the BERUDA program. BERUDA enjoys the interaction with volunteers of all nationalities and both parties have a lot to learn from these volunteer exchanges.
We are always looking for self motivated and independent people that can run their own daily schedules. BERUDA gives you the opportunity to grow your own skills and get as much out of the experience as you put in.
BERUDA is a self-funding, small Cameroonian organisation who can't afford to pay the wages of international volunteers but provide help wherever possible with information and support.
Please read the FAQs below, and if you are interested in applying, please email us. BERUDA welcomes your interest in their program and replies to emails promptly.
If you are flexible, willing to learn about a new culture and keen to engage in the community where you will be living, then no matter your age, gender, interest or skills, you could be a valuable asset to the BERUDA program. BERUDA enjoys the interaction with volunteers of all nationalities and both parties have a lot to learn from these volunteer exchanges.
We are always looking for self motivated and independent people that can run their own daily schedules. BERUDA gives you the opportunity to grow your own skills and get as much out of the experience as you put in.
BERUDA is a self-funding, small Cameroonian organisation who can't afford to pay the wages of international volunteers but provide help wherever possible with information and support.
Please read the FAQs below, and if you are interested in applying, please email us. BERUDA welcomes your interest in their program and replies to emails promptly.
FAQS
Who is BERUDA?
BERUDA stands for Belo Rural Development Association. BERUDA is a local, Christian, non-profit, non-governmental organization that began in 1991 by the current director of BERUDA – Ngwainmbi Simon. BERUDA’s motto – “service to man-kind for the glory of God” – fuels our work in the area of development in Cameroon.
Where is BERUDA located?
BERUDA has several offices located in the North West Region of Cameroon. The head office is located in Belo. Other offices are located in Njinikom, Fundong, Tombel, Mayo Darle and Bany (the last two being in Francophone or French speaking Cameroon). The offices in Belo, Njinikom, and Fundong are located in the Boyo Division in the center of the Ring-Road (about 45km away from Bamenda). Additionally, these three offices are located in Kom. Kom is an ethic group with a distinct dialect, culture, and history within the North West province.
What languages do the staff and locals speak?
Cameroon is home to nearly 250 indigenous languages. French and English are official languages, a heritage of Cameroon's colonial past as a colony of both France and the United Kingdom from 1916 to 1960. Eight out of the ten regions of Cameroon are primarily francophone, representing 83% of the country's population, and two are anglophone, representing 17% (as of the last census in 2005). The North West Region of Cameroon where BERUDA is located is one of the two English speaking regions in Cameroon, along with the Southwest. When travelling around the urban areas of these two Anglophone regions English will get you a long way, however in many rural areas only local indigenous dialects are spoken. All BERUDA staff speak English, however many home-stay families in the programme do not speak English. When travelling from airports or to the economic and political capitals it is useful to be able to speak French but not essential.
Where does BERUDA work?
BERUDA is currently working with about 153 local farming groups (common initiative groups) in the North West province and about 17 other farming groups scattered across Cameroon. BERUDA also works with two common initiative NGOs in Nigeria. BERUDA’s social, health, and eco-tourism projects are located in Cameroon’s North West province.
As a Christian organisation, does BERUDA only work with Christian beneficiaries?
No BERUDA does not discriminate between Christian and non-Christian. Past volunteers have been from a wide range of religions or of no religion.
How is BERUDA funded?
BERUDA obtains funds through four sources. Firstly, we are partially self-supporting as we generate income through the sale of medicinal plants and honey and through our training sessions for local farming groups. Secondly, BERUDA obtains funds from larger NGOs. We have a history of having a good relationship with international NGOs such as the UK based Bees Abroad and the Swiss based MIVA. Thirdly, BERUDA obtains funds for specific projects through grants. Finally, BERUDA receives income from donations made by individuals, friends, volunteers, families, and groups.
What is BERUDA’s experience with international volunteers?
BERUDA has had many international volunteers in the past and is committed to working with each volunteer to make their experience beneficial to the people of Cameroon and to the volunteer.
For example, one of our first volunteers was an individual from France. Being that he only spoke French, BERUDA arranged for him to work with an NGO in the Francophone portion of Cameroon. More recently, an individual from Germany came with skills to help in coaching sports. Being that BERUDA doesn’t directly have such programs, we arranged such a position with another organization that would allow the volunteer to work with a youth sports team.
We have had short-term volunteers that have become long-term friends and workers. A volunteer from the UK, who originally came to work with us for a short period of time, decided to set up an organization called Bees Abroad that has been a long-term friend and help to BERUDA.
There have been volunteers in the past with a range of different skill levels. For example, we always have opportunities for volunteers to learn various skills relevant to current projects such that a volunteer can then play an important role in completing those projects. We have had volunteers that have come with qualifications to teach in local schools. For example, a volunteer from the UK taught English; a volunteer from Israel taught Math and Computer; and an American teaching Biology, Math, and English Literature.
We have also had volunteers that have come with many skills in development work and have been able to create programs and improve existing programs. For example, a volunteer from New Zealand created our Eco-tourism program and a volunteer from the United States created our women’s program WEPE (Women’s Education for Peace and Equality).
What can you do if you volunteer with BERUDA?
It depends on you. The possibilities are almost endless. As previously mentioned, we have opportunities for individuals with any knowledge or skill level. We have opportunities for individuals to learn skills for a specific program and then put those skills to work. We always need help with office work and administration. We can arrange for you to teach in local schools or help in local hospitals or clinics. BERUDA needs help from individuals who can enhance current programs such that they are more effective or reach a greater population. Additionally, we are always seeking to create new programs that will further our development work in Belo and surrounding areas. Check out BERUDAs current needs in terms of specific positions here.
Is there a minimum time commitment?
In rare cases a few specifically identified roles carry minimum terms which are required to carry out that project. However in general volunteers are able to arrive and decide on their term of stay depending on their experience. On average volunteers stay for about two months, with many staying on up to one year. BERUDA helps volunteers with support for renewing visas for longer stays.
What is the cost to volunteer?
There is no fee to volunteer, your costs will be only what you incur for living expenses for the duration of your stay. As a rough guide we estimate the living costs to be approximately 200 Euro per month, which includes accommodation, food and water and internet.
BERUDA absorbs the costs of the volunteer program to keep these costs as low as possible and help facilitate people to take up this opportunity.
Where can you live if you volunteer?
It depends on you and where you will be working. Provided that you will be working near Belo, there are two options as to where you can live. First you can choose to live in a home-stay. Second, you can choose to live in the Rest House. You also have the opportunity (in both living situations) to hire a cook and/or a housekeeper. If you will be working away from Belo, accommodations will be arranged given the situation.
Facts about the home-stay:
In the home-stay, you will have the opportunity to experience everyday life with a Cameroonian family. You will live with a family in their home in or near Belo. You will have your own room, which will contain a bed and a table/desk. The rest of the house will be shared with the family. You can choose to live with a small or large family. The cost of rent can differ depending on luxury. For example, if you want to live in a house without electricity or running water, rent can be as low as 5,000 CFA per month. In a typical home-stay situation, rent is 50,000 CFA per month, which includes breakfast and supper, electricity and running water.
Facts about the Rest House:
The Rest House is located in the center of Belo (so it is a little noisy). It is quite simple and is much like a youth hostel in Europe – with electricity and running water. It has three rooms. Two rooms are bedrooms containing a bed (with a sheet, blanket, and pillow) and a table/desk. The third room is a shared (with other BERUDA volunteers) kitchen/dining area. There is a shower room for each bedroom and a shared toilet (with a western style toilet). The rent for the Rest House is 25,000 CFA per month (30,000 CFA for you and your spouse).
There is also another house available for volunteers at 30,000 CFA per room per month.
Cooking:
In either living situation, you can choose to cook your own food or hire someone to cook your meals. A cook for three meals costs 25,000CFA per month (30,000CFA for you and your spouse). Additionally, your cook can shop for food for you if you prefer (you will need to provide he or she with money and a shopping list).
Cleaning:
In either living situation, you can choose to do your own cleaning or hire someone to clean house and wash clothes. A housekeeper for twice a week costs 10,000CFA per month (15,000CFA for you and your spouse).
When do you have to pay for the accommodation and cook/housekeeper?
Do not send any money prior to your arrival. On arrival you will be required to pay for your accommodation/services for your agreed period of stay. For your safety, BERUDA will never require you to pay any money before your arrival in Cameroon.
What is Belo like?
Belo is on the tarred road about 45km away from Bamenda. It is much smaller than Bamenda, but it has a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. The market (which takes place every 8 days) in Belo is the largest market in Kom or the Boyo Division. Between the shops and the market, one can find nearly anything he or she might need.
How do I get to Belo?
You should fly into Douala, Cameroon as it is easiest to travel from Douala to Belo. A BERUDA staff member will meet you at the airport in Douala and travel (about a 6 or 7 hour bus ride) with you to Belo. However, you will need to pay for the transportation, food, and accommodation for the BERUDA staff member to and from Belo. You will be required to pay this money upon arrival. Reminder: you will not be asked to pay any money before you arrive in Cameroon.
How can I access my money?
It is a good idea to bring enough money with you for the first one or two months of your stay. After your arrival, you can exchange your currency (in Douala) into Francs. It is best to bring Euros or US Dollars to exchange. Once you are in Cameroon, you can receive money in Bamenda in two ways. First, money can be transferred to you via Western Union or MoneyCram in Bamenda. Second, one bank in Bamenda has an ATM machine that accepts Visa cards. Check online for current exchange rates.
What is the weather like?
In Cameroon there are two seasons, rainy and dry. The rainy season in Belo lasts from about April until October with the most rain in July. During the rainy season temperatures are cooler during the day and colder at night than in the dry season. The dry season lasts from about November until March. The dry season is hot during the day and cool at night. It is never exceptionally hot or cold around Belo.
Is it safe?
Cameroon has been politically stable for many years. Please check a travel guide (e.g., Lonely Planet) for a history of Cameroon’s political status. While some cities (such as Douala, Yaounde, etc.) in Cameroon can be somewhat dangerous at night due to theft, Belo and surrounding areas are in a rural part of Cameroon and safe.
Should I take Malaria medication or have certain vaccinations?
Currently, the government requires a yellow fever vaccination to enter the country. Check with your doctor and consult travel guides for other vaccinations. While Malaria is a problem in some parts of Cameroon, it is not as much of a problem in the North West province. In other words, mosquitoes are not very common around Belo. Some international volunteers have taken malaria medication while others have not. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor and travel guides for advice regarding malaria medication especially if you plan to travel in other parts of Cameroon.
What should I wear?
Most Cameroonians dress conservatively. For example, women typically wear a dress and men typically wear suit pants with a button-down shirt. As a BERUDA volunteer, you will be expected to dress as you would dress for a professional job at home. For example, you will need to wear business-casual attire while working. You will also need to bring clothes appropriate for the climate and your plans. It is advisable to bring a coat or sweater for nights and mornings.
As you would expect, some of the information above can change regularly and although we attempt to keep these FAQs up to date, please do not hesitate to e-mail BERUDA staff for confirmation or with additional questions. It is important to ask questions so that you know what to expect when you get here.
BERUDA stands for Belo Rural Development Association. BERUDA is a local, Christian, non-profit, non-governmental organization that began in 1991 by the current director of BERUDA – Ngwainmbi Simon. BERUDA’s motto – “service to man-kind for the glory of God” – fuels our work in the area of development in Cameroon.
Where is BERUDA located?
BERUDA has several offices located in the North West Region of Cameroon. The head office is located in Belo. Other offices are located in Njinikom, Fundong, Tombel, Mayo Darle and Bany (the last two being in Francophone or French speaking Cameroon). The offices in Belo, Njinikom, and Fundong are located in the Boyo Division in the center of the Ring-Road (about 45km away from Bamenda). Additionally, these three offices are located in Kom. Kom is an ethic group with a distinct dialect, culture, and history within the North West province.
What languages do the staff and locals speak?
Cameroon is home to nearly 250 indigenous languages. French and English are official languages, a heritage of Cameroon's colonial past as a colony of both France and the United Kingdom from 1916 to 1960. Eight out of the ten regions of Cameroon are primarily francophone, representing 83% of the country's population, and two are anglophone, representing 17% (as of the last census in 2005). The North West Region of Cameroon where BERUDA is located is one of the two English speaking regions in Cameroon, along with the Southwest. When travelling around the urban areas of these two Anglophone regions English will get you a long way, however in many rural areas only local indigenous dialects are spoken. All BERUDA staff speak English, however many home-stay families in the programme do not speak English. When travelling from airports or to the economic and political capitals it is useful to be able to speak French but not essential.
Where does BERUDA work?
BERUDA is currently working with about 153 local farming groups (common initiative groups) in the North West province and about 17 other farming groups scattered across Cameroon. BERUDA also works with two common initiative NGOs in Nigeria. BERUDA’s social, health, and eco-tourism projects are located in Cameroon’s North West province.
As a Christian organisation, does BERUDA only work with Christian beneficiaries?
No BERUDA does not discriminate between Christian and non-Christian. Past volunteers have been from a wide range of religions or of no religion.
How is BERUDA funded?
BERUDA obtains funds through four sources. Firstly, we are partially self-supporting as we generate income through the sale of medicinal plants and honey and through our training sessions for local farming groups. Secondly, BERUDA obtains funds from larger NGOs. We have a history of having a good relationship with international NGOs such as the UK based Bees Abroad and the Swiss based MIVA. Thirdly, BERUDA obtains funds for specific projects through grants. Finally, BERUDA receives income from donations made by individuals, friends, volunteers, families, and groups.
What is BERUDA’s experience with international volunteers?
BERUDA has had many international volunteers in the past and is committed to working with each volunteer to make their experience beneficial to the people of Cameroon and to the volunteer.
For example, one of our first volunteers was an individual from France. Being that he only spoke French, BERUDA arranged for him to work with an NGO in the Francophone portion of Cameroon. More recently, an individual from Germany came with skills to help in coaching sports. Being that BERUDA doesn’t directly have such programs, we arranged such a position with another organization that would allow the volunteer to work with a youth sports team.
We have had short-term volunteers that have become long-term friends and workers. A volunteer from the UK, who originally came to work with us for a short period of time, decided to set up an organization called Bees Abroad that has been a long-term friend and help to BERUDA.
There have been volunteers in the past with a range of different skill levels. For example, we always have opportunities for volunteers to learn various skills relevant to current projects such that a volunteer can then play an important role in completing those projects. We have had volunteers that have come with qualifications to teach in local schools. For example, a volunteer from the UK taught English; a volunteer from Israel taught Math and Computer; and an American teaching Biology, Math, and English Literature.
We have also had volunteers that have come with many skills in development work and have been able to create programs and improve existing programs. For example, a volunteer from New Zealand created our Eco-tourism program and a volunteer from the United States created our women’s program WEPE (Women’s Education for Peace and Equality).
What can you do if you volunteer with BERUDA?
It depends on you. The possibilities are almost endless. As previously mentioned, we have opportunities for individuals with any knowledge or skill level. We have opportunities for individuals to learn skills for a specific program and then put those skills to work. We always need help with office work and administration. We can arrange for you to teach in local schools or help in local hospitals or clinics. BERUDA needs help from individuals who can enhance current programs such that they are more effective or reach a greater population. Additionally, we are always seeking to create new programs that will further our development work in Belo and surrounding areas. Check out BERUDAs current needs in terms of specific positions here.
Is there a minimum time commitment?
In rare cases a few specifically identified roles carry minimum terms which are required to carry out that project. However in general volunteers are able to arrive and decide on their term of stay depending on their experience. On average volunteers stay for about two months, with many staying on up to one year. BERUDA helps volunteers with support for renewing visas for longer stays.
What is the cost to volunteer?
There is no fee to volunteer, your costs will be only what you incur for living expenses for the duration of your stay. As a rough guide we estimate the living costs to be approximately 200 Euro per month, which includes accommodation, food and water and internet.
BERUDA absorbs the costs of the volunteer program to keep these costs as low as possible and help facilitate people to take up this opportunity.
Where can you live if you volunteer?
It depends on you and where you will be working. Provided that you will be working near Belo, there are two options as to where you can live. First you can choose to live in a home-stay. Second, you can choose to live in the Rest House. You also have the opportunity (in both living situations) to hire a cook and/or a housekeeper. If you will be working away from Belo, accommodations will be arranged given the situation.
Facts about the home-stay:
In the home-stay, you will have the opportunity to experience everyday life with a Cameroonian family. You will live with a family in their home in or near Belo. You will have your own room, which will contain a bed and a table/desk. The rest of the house will be shared with the family. You can choose to live with a small or large family. The cost of rent can differ depending on luxury. For example, if you want to live in a house without electricity or running water, rent can be as low as 5,000 CFA per month. In a typical home-stay situation, rent is 50,000 CFA per month, which includes breakfast and supper, electricity and running water.
Facts about the Rest House:
The Rest House is located in the center of Belo (so it is a little noisy). It is quite simple and is much like a youth hostel in Europe – with electricity and running water. It has three rooms. Two rooms are bedrooms containing a bed (with a sheet, blanket, and pillow) and a table/desk. The third room is a shared (with other BERUDA volunteers) kitchen/dining area. There is a shower room for each bedroom and a shared toilet (with a western style toilet). The rent for the Rest House is 25,000 CFA per month (30,000 CFA for you and your spouse).
There is also another house available for volunteers at 30,000 CFA per room per month.
Cooking:
In either living situation, you can choose to cook your own food or hire someone to cook your meals. A cook for three meals costs 25,000CFA per month (30,000CFA for you and your spouse). Additionally, your cook can shop for food for you if you prefer (you will need to provide he or she with money and a shopping list).
Cleaning:
In either living situation, you can choose to do your own cleaning or hire someone to clean house and wash clothes. A housekeeper for twice a week costs 10,000CFA per month (15,000CFA for you and your spouse).
When do you have to pay for the accommodation and cook/housekeeper?
Do not send any money prior to your arrival. On arrival you will be required to pay for your accommodation/services for your agreed period of stay. For your safety, BERUDA will never require you to pay any money before your arrival in Cameroon.
What is Belo like?
Belo is on the tarred road about 45km away from Bamenda. It is much smaller than Bamenda, but it has a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. The market (which takes place every 8 days) in Belo is the largest market in Kom or the Boyo Division. Between the shops and the market, one can find nearly anything he or she might need.
How do I get to Belo?
You should fly into Douala, Cameroon as it is easiest to travel from Douala to Belo. A BERUDA staff member will meet you at the airport in Douala and travel (about a 6 or 7 hour bus ride) with you to Belo. However, you will need to pay for the transportation, food, and accommodation for the BERUDA staff member to and from Belo. You will be required to pay this money upon arrival. Reminder: you will not be asked to pay any money before you arrive in Cameroon.
How can I access my money?
It is a good idea to bring enough money with you for the first one or two months of your stay. After your arrival, you can exchange your currency (in Douala) into Francs. It is best to bring Euros or US Dollars to exchange. Once you are in Cameroon, you can receive money in Bamenda in two ways. First, money can be transferred to you via Western Union or MoneyCram in Bamenda. Second, one bank in Bamenda has an ATM machine that accepts Visa cards. Check online for current exchange rates.
What is the weather like?
In Cameroon there are two seasons, rainy and dry. The rainy season in Belo lasts from about April until October with the most rain in July. During the rainy season temperatures are cooler during the day and colder at night than in the dry season. The dry season lasts from about November until March. The dry season is hot during the day and cool at night. It is never exceptionally hot or cold around Belo.
Is it safe?
Cameroon has been politically stable for many years. Please check a travel guide (e.g., Lonely Planet) for a history of Cameroon’s political status. While some cities (such as Douala, Yaounde, etc.) in Cameroon can be somewhat dangerous at night due to theft, Belo and surrounding areas are in a rural part of Cameroon and safe.
Should I take Malaria medication or have certain vaccinations?
Currently, the government requires a yellow fever vaccination to enter the country. Check with your doctor and consult travel guides for other vaccinations. While Malaria is a problem in some parts of Cameroon, it is not as much of a problem in the North West province. In other words, mosquitoes are not very common around Belo. Some international volunteers have taken malaria medication while others have not. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor and travel guides for advice regarding malaria medication especially if you plan to travel in other parts of Cameroon.
What should I wear?
Most Cameroonians dress conservatively. For example, women typically wear a dress and men typically wear suit pants with a button-down shirt. As a BERUDA volunteer, you will be expected to dress as you would dress for a professional job at home. For example, you will need to wear business-casual attire while working. You will also need to bring clothes appropriate for the climate and your plans. It is advisable to bring a coat or sweater for nights and mornings.
As you would expect, some of the information above can change regularly and although we attempt to keep these FAQs up to date, please do not hesitate to e-mail BERUDA staff for confirmation or with additional questions. It is important to ask questions so that you know what to expect when you get here.
