Volunteer accomodation
One of the activities offered by the center includes the accomodation of volunteers coming from Europe to accomplish a humanitarian mission in Benin.
The SHAMMESH “Towards a better world” organization determines the humanitarian needs and sets out missions with local partners : schools, orphanages, health centers, … during their entire stay in Benin, volunteers are taken in charge by the center which assures their lodging, catering and transportation.
Lodging
The center lodges visitors in traditional housing in straw huts. Every straw hut has three individual beds equiped with a mosquito net and a large drawer for storage. The bathroom is doted with a sink, a shower and toilets with flush.
Catering
A traditional kitchen adapted to european taste is offered to visitors for every meal served under a straw hut. Catering and service are assured by local staff. Fruit and vegetables are essentially provided by the culture of local food crops developed within the center.
Animations
The living area is aimed at favoring exchanges between visitors and villagers. Many activities can be organized to achieve this result. It may be evenings with music and african dances. Artistic activities may also create such bonds : discovering african art (sculpture, painting, weaving), learning, purchasing objects. A cooking workshop may also contribute to weaving such bonds between traditions.
Transportation
Volunteers may be affected on sites distant from several miles from the center. Their transportation between the center and their activity site is assured by a 4WD vehicle.
During their stay, volunteers have several days available to visit the region’s touristic sites (Ouidah’s slave trade historical center and voodoo capital, Abomey historical capital of the ancient kingdom of Dahomey, the lacuster city of Ganvié, the Ahémé lake, etc…).
Food crop culture
NGO SHAMMESH “Towards a better world” has a 2 hectare wide land granted by a long-term lease. 3 quarters of this surface is dedicated to organic culture : agroforestry and permaculture. Harvested vegetables and fruit are used for the center’s cooking.
In order to optimize plants’ growth during the dry season, an economic and effective irrigation system (drop by drop) is implemented.
These activities create many local jobs under the impulse of agronomists formed at the Songhaï center, a beninist institution which develops an integrated organic culture system.
The meals served to the Center’s residents are conceived using fruits and vegetables produced locally : pineapples, mangos, bananas, tomatoes, inagmes, chili peppers, …. The surplus is sold on the local market. The choice and quantity of plants should be adapted to needs.