Experience Liberia

This trip will give participants a unique opportunity to witness a successful global intervention in the primary stages of a nation's redevelopment after civil war. Children Better Way (CBW) has a history in humanitarian programs, primarily education, and is seeking to develop a volunteer program to aid the suffering schools and children of Monrovia's suburbs. CBW will host, introduce and educate participants about all aspects of Liberian history, give firsthand accounts of living and surviving Liberia's civil war, and what it means to live in refuge. The trip offers the opportunity to learn and participate in activities that are contributing to the rebuilding of Liberia, observing the determination involved for both the individual and country to recover. CBW have been operating in the Buduburam refugee Settlement in Ghana for 7 years aiding a suffering community of primarily Liberian refugees, focusing their efforts on children. CBW was conceived in Liberia and has always intended to return home to assist in rebuilding their nation; a process that started in June 2007.

Those who participate will explore Liberia's capital city, Monrovia and neighbouring suburbs. You will visit and assist the development of CBW's partner schools program in and around Monrovia through activities such as gathering information, facilitating workshops and meeting Liberia's next generation of country builders. Meetings with government officials, county heads and organisation representatives (UN Departments) will offer a deeper insight to how the Liberians consider the role of international assistance. Depending on weather and road conditions, there may also be some travel to the interior of the country which will provide insight to yet another layer of Liberia's development needs, particularly in a rural setting.

CBW and the Buduburam community have benefited greatly from the work of GVN volunteers and believe that a Liberia program could have a similar effect. The invitation to join GVN on this trip aims to offer both the individual and GVN the opportunity to observe the needs and potential benefits of developing a new partner program with CBW in Liberia. With the scars of war still fresh in a country with little to no tourist activity, this trip will form the initial stages of encouraging individuals to join a Liberian volunteer program. Your participation is laying the foundations of a path CBW hope many will follow.

Program Location

The program will be based in Liberia's capital city Monrovia, West Africa. Participants will be asked to locate their own flights to Roberts International Airport, Liberia, and should aim to arrive on 4th May 2008. From there the participants will be driven to Monrovia, where the orientation will begin on the morning of May 5th.

If weather and road conditions allow, participants will also be able to embark on a short, but unforgettable journey into the heart of Liberia's interior, visiting the South Eastern Counties of Grand Gedeh and Sinoe, observing a country poor in everything except potential. After their visit, participants will be returned to Roberts International Airport where they may catch their connecting flights home anytime on 14th May.

Program Requirements

Participants must:

• Be 20 years or over
• Have travelled to Africa before
• Be in good health
• Be a patient and adaptable individual
• Have humanitarian ambitions and a teamwork mentality

Program Schedule

The program will start on May 5th for a period of 10 days, finishing on May 14th 2008. Please see our itinerary for more details.

Program Cost

A US$350 application fee will secure your place on the program, with your trip fee due for payment eight weeks before you arrive. You only pay your application fee once and then you can access any of GVN's volunteer programs over the next 5 years.

Your application fee includes the following benefits:

• Personal Staff Support
• Your Liberia Program Guide
• Your Fundraising Guide and Software
• Access to Your Own Online Journal

Once your application fee is paid the remainder of the cost for your time in Liberia is:

• Trip Fee - US $1250

To see the cost in your local currency, we recommend you look here.

The fee for this trip includes:

• All specified road transfers by private vehicle
• All accommodation in Monrovia on a full board basis, including security.
• Materials such as surveys and questionnaires needed for volunteer work
• All accommodation & meals during the (weather dependent) interior visit
• All gate fees while traveling in Liberia

The fee for this trip does not include:

• International flights to/from Monrovia, Roberts International Airport
• Additional transfers, meals & accommodation in Liberia
• Extra accommodation & optional excursions in Liberia
• Travel Insurance
• Gratuities
• Drinks
• Visa for Liberia
• Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, laundry etc.

Your program fee includes the following benefits:

• Your In-Country Fee
• In-Country Support
• 24hr Emergency Line
• Membership To The Change Makers Club
• All Safe Travel Alert Service
• Letter Of Completion

Apply for the Liberia Program

Your application process is free and seamless and if you are successful we will provide you with a choice of application fee payment options that include a secure online service. We also are one of the few organizations that offer a money back guarantee on your application fee up to two calendar months before the month your placement begins.
Click here to apply for the Liberia program.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have put together the following page, which answers the majority of questions people have. Click here to read our Frequently Asked Questions.

Volunteer Journals

If you would like to read about the experiences of some of our volunteers who are currently volunteering, you can do so here. This journal service is provided free to all our volunteers.
Click here

Application Process

All applicants will be notified by email as to whether their application has been successful.

(1) Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form below. Upon receipt of the form we will assess your suitability for the program within two working days.

(2) Contact You: If you are successful we will then email you a letter of acceptance.

(3) Decision Point: Once you have read through the letter of acceptance and we have answered any questions or concerns that you might have, it is time to pay your US $350 application fee to secure your place on the program. Please note that we will refund your application fee if you decide not to go (refer to our Terms of Service for details on the refund policy).

(4) Confirmation: Once the application fee is paid, our volunteer partner will contact you to ensure everything is organized. We will also send you the link to our program guide which covers topics such as country information, travel links, visa application process, fundraising ideas and much more!

(5) Communication & Support: Throughout the application process, we are committed to working with you to answer any of your questions or concerns. During your placement we are also available as a form of support to you as a volunteer and will email you while in country to discuss how the program is going.

To apply for this program, click here