The VHC Program
Overview
Volunteers help scale up existing services and jumpstart new projects through long-term placements at twinning partnership sites and other organizations that may or may not receive PEPFAR support. They serve as catalysts for sustainable change as they transfer knowledge and skills through joint operations with local counterparts. Volunteers support the provision of healthcare services, spearhead educational campaigns, and offer mentoring and technical assistance.
In addition to building the capacity of local communities, organizations, and institutions who are working to deliver effective and sustainable solutions to HIV/AIDS care and treatment challenges in Africa, the VHC program uniquely provides learning opportunities for the volunteer. The volunteer is able to get a better sense of the culture, as well as the issues that affect Africa’s development, allowing them to return to their country of residence with a greater understanding of HIV/AIDS, international development, and the world.
The VHC relies on the commitment of professional time and energy provided by individual volunteers who are willing to serve for a period of three to twenty-four months.
The VHC is part of USAID's Volunteers for Prosperity initiative, which enlists highly skilled Americans to advance global development goals through service abroad. The VHC also supports President Obama's volunteer initiative under the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009.
Programs
Countries
The VHC currently operates in Ethiopia (Diaspora Initiative), South Africa, Mozambique and Botswana.
Diaspora Initiative
Alongside its traditional volunteer program, the Twinning Center aims to mobilize Diaspora communities to contribute to HIV/AIDS capacity building efforts through its Diaspora Initiative. This unique approach has the benefit of recruiting highly-skilled professionals with a particular motivation to return to their countries of origin, allowing them to quickly engage in both professional and personal activities while confronting less cultural barriers.
With this program, there is a strong potential for repatriation, contributing to the developing world workforce. The Diaspora program also addresses some of the negative effects of “brain drain” as volunteers are able to transfer knowledge and skills back to their country of origin. This program is currently active in Ethiopia.
Benefits
In accordance with our continuous efforts to offer high quality programs, safe projects, and the most rewarding volunteer opportunities, the Twinning Center offers basic benefits to all eligible volunteers including:
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coach airfare
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vaccinations and prophylactic treatments, when recommended
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visa and work permit
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travel, accident and medical evacuation insurance
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housing that is basic, but clean and safe OR a housing allowance
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a modest allowance to cover living expenses
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pre-assignment orientation and in-country support
Volunteers are expected to live modestly, keeping in mind the standards of the people they serve, yet not in a manner that would endanger their health or safety.
Publications
For a two-page overview of the VHC initiative, please click here.
To read stories from VHC volunteers on the front lines of the fight against HIV/AIDS, please click here.
Updated May 17, 2011
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