TEN DAYS is a very hands-on, grassroots opportunity for our volunteers to spend 10 days on the ground in Africa, working directly with our Strongheart team. Trips are ongoing to Liberia, West Africa where we'll continue renovation work on Strongheart House.
It's an adventure of a lifetime and will stretch and challenge you in new ways - you'll never be the same once you've worked so hard for something so precious. I was terrified the first time I embarked on my own "service adventure" to Africa - but I was driven by my mission to do whatever it took to help, by the people I knew were counting on my commitment. It was scary, thrilling, moving, and ultimately life-changing.
I ultimately learned that though the need is great in Africa for certain things I can definitely help with, I needed Africa more than Africa needed me. It changed and touched me - creating a new me - new dimensions, strengths, and compassion for others - and for myself.
First - we'll fundraise. Each volunteer will be responsible for raising $1,000 and recruiting 10 people for a one year commitment to Circle of Mothers, our monthly support program. Additionally, your other expenses will be your airfare, visa and vaccinations if needed. We'll help you every step of the way get the information you need to fundraise. We've never had a volunteer not be able to raise all of their funds. Once people hear that you're going to be personally overseeing where their donations are going - and doing hands-on work yourself - they open their hearts and contribute to your dream.
To make a tax-deductible donation in any amount to Ten Days click here:
SHOTS: You will need some shots and medicine to travel. We'll provide you with all the information you need and you can make the appointments yourself. Medical costs are not covered by us - you'll need to provide this yourself.
PASSPORT & VISA: We will help you through this process.
AIRFARE: We have a travel agent who will coordinate all our airfares and flight schedules.
TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE: There are hospitals in Liberia and we also require everyone who travels with us to sign a waiver and buy a travel medical policy. The policies are available online, can be purchased in minutes, and are very reasonable. (Usually less than $100 for a ten day trip.) However, this is a fairly strenuous trip and we ask that you be in good health to join us. You don't need to be able to do pull-ups but please be in good enough shape to scurry around and brandish a paint brush.
CREATURE COMFORTS: There will be some creatures. And not a lot of comforts. You will however have the comfort of knowing you're suffering through a little dirt, grunge, and some bugs to save the world. In other words, if you're strictly a Ritz Carlton kinda person maybe you should just wish us well and skip this trip.
If you just google Liberia, you're going to see a lot of articles about the war and the post-conflict situation. We've just undertaken two advance volunteer trips and both have been amazing. (One of our volunteers wants to petition the State Department to put up an announcement on the Embassy web page about how incredibly welcoming and friendly the people of Liberia are !)
If you’d like to read a few recent articles about the conditions in Liberia, click on these links:
If you feel moved to join us in this incredible project or have further questions, please e-mail Strongheart Fellowship founder Cori Stern at coristern@strongheartfellowship.org.
If you'd like to help us but can't go on the trip, we still have LOTS to do! The next phase of work will involve decorating. Maybe you'd consider "adopting a room" with your friends and family - basically helping us plan a room and raise the supplies for that room. We'd LOVE to have you!
Additionally if you have a friend whom you’d like to recommend as a possible participant, please pass the word on.
View of Robertsport Beach
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
~ Margaret Mead
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