RECEWAPEC VOLUNTEERISM AND INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (RVIP)

1. Introduction

The Regional Centre for the Welfare of Ageing Persons in Cameroon (RECEWAPEC) is a leading non-governmental organization that has worked since 1996 to promote and protect the rights and welfare of older persons. With UN ECOSOC consultative status, affiliations with HelpAge International and GAROP, and partnerships with government institutions, RECEWAPEC serves as a voice for the voiceless elderly population, ensuring their inclusion in national and global development. In line with its mission to build an inclusive society where older persons live with dignity and independence, RECEWAPEC offers this structured Volunteerism and Internship Program as a pathway for civic engagement, capacity building, and real-world impact.

2. Objectives of the Program

• To promote meaningful participation of youth and professionals in ageing and social protection initiatives.
• To build a database of ageing persons in target communities.
• To strengthen community-based care and support mechanisms through volunteer action.
• To support RECEWAPEC’s advocacy, awareness, and intervention programs with human capital.
• To train future professionals in geriatric care, gerontology, social protection, community development, and related fields.

3. Program Domains and Responsibilities

Participants in the Volunteerism and Internship Program will engage across a structured set of domains that follow a logical and chronological flow, from community entry to reporting. Depending on duration and level of engagement, volunteers and interns may focus on selected domains or cover the full spectrum.

3.1 Orientation and Onboarding

Purpose: To equip volunteers and interns with foundational knowledge about RECEWAPEC’s mission, target population, and tools.

Key Activities:

1. Attend a mandatory 1-2 weeks orientation covering:
   • Introduction to RECEWAPEC’s vision, mission, and core programs.
   • Ethics of working with older persons and vulnerable groups.
   • Training on data collection tools, community engagement strategies, and reporting templates.
   • Overview of ageing issues in Cameroon and the global framework (e.g, UN MIPAA, SDGs).
2. Receive program materials:
   • Identification (branded jacket/batch).
   • Standard checklists and forms.
   • Field clearance documents and community instroduction letters.

3.2 Community Entry and Stakeholder Engagement

Purpose: To build trust and partnerships at the grassroots level for seamless program delivery.

Key Activities:

1. Collaborate with RECEWAPEC Community Resource Persons (where available).
2. Conduct introductory  meetings with quarter heads, traditional leaders, and administrative authorities to:
   • Explain RECEWAPEC’s mission and the purpose of the visit.
   • Seek approval and identify venues for meetings or OPA activities.
3. Assist in identifying community volunteers and focal persons to serve as RECEWAPEC contact points and potential OPA coordinators.
4. Participate in the introduction of the Older People’s Association (OPA) concept and framework in new communities.

3.3 Data Collection and Needs Assessment

Purpose: To gather reliable and actionable data on older persons’ conditions, needs, and vulnerabilities.

Key Activities:

1. Identify and map households with older persons.
2. Administer structured checklists and questionnaires to assess:
   • Demographic details (age, gender, caregiver, etc.)
   • Health and social conditions
   • Living standards and protection risks

1. Identify cases of isolated ageing persons whose children are far away from them (in Cameroon and abroad) in view of RECEWAPEC establishing contacts and collaboration with them for the provision of comprehensive care to these isolated persons.

1. Collect and compile video and pictorial evidence of especially vulnerable cases (with consent).
2. Conduct oral history or testimonial interviews to document personal experiences of ageing.
3. Compile all findings into a community ageing register, disaggregated by gender, age, contact, caregiver details and locality.

3.4 Community Mobilization and Engagement

Purpose: To empower older persons and their communities through organization and participation.

Key Activities:

1. Mobilize community members for the creation and strengthening of Older People’s Associations (OPAs).
2. Initiate and support quarterly or monthly OPA meetings, promoting peer support, knowledge-sharing, and intergenerational dialogue.
3. Facilitate the participation of OPAs in local initiatives or RECEWAPEC outreach activities, such as:
   • Health outreach
   • Awareness campaigns
   • Commemorations (e.g., World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, UN International Day of Elderly Persons)

3.5 Resource Mobilization and Community-Based Interventions

Purpose: To develop practical solutions and attract resources to support vulnerable older persons.

Key Activities:

1. Identify older persons with urgent support needs (e.g. food, shelter, medical care) and recommend immediate or short-term assistance.
2. Suggest project ideas grounded in community realities and observed gaps, such as:
   • Nutrition and food security programs
   • Shelter improvement projects
   • Income-generating activities for older persons
3. Assist in identifying funding opportunities (local grants, donors, CSR initiatives).
4. Support RECEWAPEC staff in drafting project proposals, case summaries, and impact reports.

3.6 Advocacy and Awareness Creation

Purpose: To promote the rights of older persons and increase community understanding and engagement.

Key Activities:

1. Identify public gatherings (e.g. church meetings, cultural events, market days) to conduct short sensitization sessions on salient issues such as;

• Elderly care;
• Stigmatization and stereotypes/misconceptions surrounding ageing persons (accusations of witchcraft, etc);
• Responsibility of youths towards ageing persons;
• The importance of self-care, self spending and healthy living among elderly persons, etc.

1. Share information about:
   • Rights of older persons
   • Available support mechanisms
   • Role and work of RECEWAPEC
2. Participate in RECEWAPEC-led campaigns, such as:
   • International Days of Commemoration (e.g., IDOP, WEAAD)
   • Social media awareness drives
3. Actively share, repost, and engage with RECEWAPEC social media content to broaden digital visibility and advocacy reach.

3.7 Monitoring, Documentation, and Reporting

Purpose: To track progress, measure impact, and ensure accountability.

Key Activities:

1. Submit detailed monthly activity reports using templates provided.
2. Each report must:
   • Reflect at least 24 hours of work per week
   • Include qualitative and quantitative data (e.g., number of homes visited, testimonials collected)
   • Be supported by photos, videos, or signed community sheets where applicable
3. Participate in quarterly evaluations by the Coordinator of the Volunteerism and Internship Program.
4. Receive feedback and mentorship for performance improvement.

3.8. Other Roles

1. Volunteers may assist in other areas based on their competencies.
2. Interns and volunteers can be assigned to specific departments based on:
   • Academic background
   • Expressed interest
   • Professional background/expertise

4. Duration Options

Duration	Scope	Description
6 months	Minimum of 2 domains	Data Collection, Community Engagement, or Advocacy
1 year	All domains	Comprehensive engagement with performance tracking
2 years	All domains with advanced tasks	Eligible for leadership roles or international exposure

5. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

1. Quarterly evaluations will be conducted by the Coordinator of Volunteerism and Internship Program (CVIP).
2. Evaluations will assess:
   • Field involvement
   • Report quality
   • Innovation and initiative
   • Impact on RECEWAPEC goals

6. Support Provided

Volunteers and interns will receive the following:

• Full documentation on RECEWAPEC and its areas of work
• Standard tools: checklists, questionnaires, templates
• Field attestation for administrative clearance
• Branded jacket and identification batch
• Attestation and recommendation letters upon completion
• Free participation in RECEWAPEC trainings and programs

7. Fees (For Professional Interns Only)

Duration	Fee (Non-refundable caution)
6 months	30,000 XAF
1 year	50,000 XAF
2 years	100,000 XAF

Note: Volunteers are exempt from any fees.

8. Nature of Work

• Hybrid: Combination of fieldwork (offline) and remote engagements (online).
• Interns may be required to travel or attend field visits depending on department or project needs.

10. Application and Admission Process

1. Submit an application via the RECEWAPEC official email.
2. Attach updated CV and letter of motivation.
3. Indicate preferred duration and area of interest.
4. Undergo selection and interview if required.
5. Receive orientation schedule and onboarding package.
6. Contact and Coordination

Program Coordinator:

Coordinator, Volunteerism and Internship Program (CVIP)
Regional Centre for the Welfare of Ageing Persons in Cameroon (RECEWAPEC)
Email: recewapecorg@gmail.com

Phone: +237 679164298