EntryFull TimeEN
Cameroon
Competitive candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:
• Master of Public Health degree or Master of Arts/Master of Science degree in Public Health
OR
• Certified Physician Assistant or Public Health Nurse with expressed interest in public/community health
OR
• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition, Health, or Nursing
• The most competitive candidates will have the following relevant qualifications and qualities:
• Knowledge of or experience in health promotion/education, disease prevention and/or behavior change communication;
• Knowledge of or experience in project planning, implementation and/or monitoring and evaluation;
• Desire to work in a rural setting to meet the community’s health needs
• Demonstrated leadership experience or experience in community organizing;
• Flexibility and adaptability,
• Strong willingness to learn French and other local languages in Cameroon.
All volunteer assignments are in the French-speaking regions of Cameroon. Host communities range from approximately 500 to 40,000 people. Cameroon has a tropical climate with two main seasons: a wet season and a dry season. The climate varies by region, with the south being humid and equatorial and the north being semi-arid and dry.
Volunteer housing is modest and varies from community to community and region to region. Houses are usually built with cement blocks and a tin roof. Houses may have inside toilets and shower areas, but some have nearby or attached access to a private pit latrine and bathing area. Many houses do not have electricity or running water. Volunteers may need to use solar lamps for lighting. Water may have to be collected from nearby water sources. All water must be filtered before drinking and filters will be provided. While many Volunteers may have limited or no access to the internet, all Volunteer sites should have cell phone coverage within the community. A Peace Corps-subsidized local cell phone can be purchased by Volunteers shortly after arrival. Volunteers are encouraged to bring (if possible) an unlocked smart phone and a tablet or laptop to access internet at their sites (where available) or in a larger town or city. A “settling-in” allowance also allows Volunteers to buy furniture and set up their houses. Volunteers must be flexible, resilient, and prepared to adapt to the above-mentioned living conditions.
Your diet will include foods such as rice or (fufu) made of cassava, cornmeal, or plantains. These are often served with a sauce made of tomato or greens and meat or fish. In most communities, there are markets and small stores where you can buy basic household items, food staples, and fresh vegetables and fruits. Some Volunteers may need to travel to another town to buy supplies. Vegetarians will face some challenges but should be able to maintain their diet.
Transportation to and from your site may be challenging at times, especially during the rainy season. Depending on the location of your site, you’ll likely travel by foot, motorbikes (as a passenger only), “bush taxis”, buses, or train. You may request a bicycle and helmet from Peace Corps. Volunteers quickly observe that personal appearance is important to people in Cameroon.
During Pre-Service Training (PST), the standard dress code is business casual, except when working in the garden or field. Following PST, when you are placed in the community, you will need to dress appropriately for work and socializing in the community. Respecting Cameroonian culture and tradition by dressing appropriately helps you gain respect and credibility in your host community and facilitates integration.
Religion plays a central role in the lives of most Cameroonians. You may be assigned to a majority Christian or majority Muslim community. You may be asked to participate in religious or other traditional ceremonies. During PST, you’ll have the opportunity to explore how you might respond to such situations as part of your training in intercultural competence.
Though people in Cameroon are generally tolerant, values concerning gay, lesbian, and bisexual people are conservative and there are restrictive laws that target certain sexual behaviors. Volunteers will need to be mindful of cultural norms and country-specific laws and use their best judgment to determine how to approach topics related to gay, lesbian, and bisexual people. Staff and currently serving Volunteers will address this topic during PST and identify some potential support mechanisms for Trainees and Volunteers.
None
Health
Yes
Cameroon
12
Yes
PCV
No
Shorter term service
