Project Profiles > Africa

Numbers listed are Advance numbers.  Learn more.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Paul and Marty Law are serving as long-term Volunteers in the Central Congo Area under the leadership of Bishop David K. Yemba. They are Work Team Coordinators for that area as well as working on reconstruction projects of churches, schools and medical clinics, and carrying on a Children’s Ministry that includes “Through the Bible” with felt graphics and a rural vaccination program. Those interested in their ministry or possible work team opportunities should visit their web site at www.appointmentcongo.org and contact them directly.

GHANA

Rehabilitation of Wesley Church / Saltpond Wesley Church / Saltpond

Renovation and refurbishing of church building (76-year-old building patterned after Westminster Abbey.) 

KENYA

Information about the United Methodist Church in Kenya can be found at www.umckenya.org

Nakuru United Methodist Church, Nakuru, Kenya – is constructing a boarding school for AIDs-affected children who would not otherwise be able to have either an education or a safe and secure place to live.  This boarding school is the first of its kind in the United Methodist Church in Kenya.  Construction assistance is needed for the classroom buildings, dormitories and miscellaneous structures.  Teams will stay in a nearby hotel, take their meals there and commute daily to the work site.  Opportunities abound for engagement in other Nakuru UMC ministries with street children, the goats project, Wesley Mission Health Center, and church construction.  See the Nakuru UMC website at www.umckenya.org website for more information.

Wesley Mission Healthcare -- This is a United Methodist Church of Kenya medical health center project based at a rural village in Nakuru. This is a community project that aims at providing health care facilities at affordable rates. Some of the daily activities include children’s immunization, treatments, prenatal care for pregnant women, prevention of mother-child transmission (PMCT) of HIV/AIDS, laboratory, maternity services, family planning, dental services, HIV/AIDS program, voluntary counseling testing (VCT), anti-retroviral treatment / anti-retroviral (ART/ARV), primary health care, nutrition education, cervical cancer screening and health education. Every day we perform OB/GYN, pediatric, dental, nursing, and laboratory services. UMVIM team members will stay in a nearby (2 miles) hotel for $25 per day per person with full board. We will organize for a free accommodation at the clinic for 1-2 medical volunteer(s) willing to volunteer for more than 4 months.

United Methodist Preschool -- This is a United Methodist Church of Kenya pre-school and nursery school for needy and poor children in Nakuru, Kenya. Many of these children live with their elderly grandmothers after the death of their parents mainly as a result of HIV/AIDS. We provide lunch, uniforms, education and supplies to these vulnerable children. UMVIM team members will help in teaching these children different lessons and skills. All teaching is in English. UMVIM team members will stay in a nearby (2 miles) hotel for $25 per day per person with full board.

Hope Children's Home -- This is a Nakuru United Methodist Church children’s home for orphan girls. Many of their parents died as a result of HI/AIDS. Some of the girls within the home are HIV positive. UMVIM team members will assist at the home in various works.  UMVIM team members will stay at a nearby (2 miles) hotel at $25 per day per person with full board.

UMC Women's Sewing and Dressmaking Training -- This United Methodist Church of Kenya training project is aimed at providing and empowering women in sewing and dressmaking. Single, poor and/or widowed women are offered free training at this United Methodist training center. After training, the women are provided with sewing machines to initiate income generating micro-enterprises.  UMVIM team members will assist in training, encouraging, and enabling a temporary home environment for these women.  UMVIM team members will stay at a nearby (2 miles) hotel at $25 per day per person with full board.

United Methodist Youth Training Center -- This is a computer training project aimed at empowering youth from poor families who cannot afford colleges or universities. After the training the youth are able to secure employment locally. The training center also offers free counseling to all youth. Areas covered include HIV/AIDS, drugs and substance abuse. The Center trains young men to be responsible husbands and respectful of their wives. The center is a youth friendly center where VCT services are offered for free for all youths. The UMVIM team members will work at the center with youth aged 15 – 24 years. Team members will stay at a nearby (2 miles) hotel at $25 per day per person full board.

Street Children, Orphans, and Slum Visit Project -- This project was started in 2003.  Three days a week we visit the street children of Nakuru town. We minister to these boys and girls at their ‘home’ trash dump areas where they go for ‘food’. Many of these children are orphans from slums and villages surrounding Nakuru town. We offer them food, clothes, and Bible teaching. UMVIM teams and team members who have a heart for children will be very instrumental in this critical and needful ministry. The services include streets visits, feeding, teaching Bible, slum visits, de-worming, playing with the children, etc.  The UMVIM team will stay at a nearby (3 miles) hotel at $25 per day per person with full board.

MCK Chuka Cathedral. Nkubu synod, Chuka town. A big church sanctuary
under construction since 2001 in Chuka, a growing town south of Meru.
The congregation raised some money so the  construction is ongoing.
Teams will stay in a hotel in Chuka with a short walk to the site $20
per person per day.  Great project, excellent supervision and team of
church volunteers.

MCK Kirimene Church . Nkubu synod, Kirimene village. Started in 2003,
walls of church and offices are up, but still needs to be roofed.
Excellent congregational support. VIM team could stay at Bio-Intensive
Center (about a 30-minute drive) for $20 a day.

#14217A - Bio-Intensive Training Centre - Soil fertility treatments, crop production and education.

MCK Miathene Synod Office and Manse.  Two projects in one: renovating
thirty-year-old office building, and finishing brand new manse for
bishop. The Meru Manse needs extensive renovation, but the house is
structurally sound.  VIM teams would stay at the Bio-Intensive Center
for $20 per person per day.  Great hands-on partnership and supervision
by bishop and MCK Kianjai congregation.  Project Fee $4,000.

#14217A - Bio-Intensive Training Centre

MCK Kawangware Church . Rebuild this sanctuary in the Kawangware slum
of Nairobi .  Good supervision and many additional mission opportunities
for the team.  VIM housing could be at Guest House (only 5 km away).
Project Fee $4,000.

Malindi Women's Center - Repair and remodeling of the main house on
site into the reception area with meeting rooms.  Teams are limited to 8
double rooms on site and work directly with the local staff.   Located
at the coast this project is directed by the Women of the MCK churches
in Kenya .   Project Fee $4,000.

#14460N - Women Leadership Training and Conference Centre - Buildings and equipment for a multifaceted center for women.

Marimanti Rural Training Center .  Marimanti is located 6 hours north
of Nairobi .  Teams will refurbishment old dorms, to be rented out to
visitors and travelers for income generation. VIM teams would stay at
new guest house on grounds.  Project Fee $4,000.

#14457N - Marimanti Rural Training Centre, Capital - A multipurpose community hall, a hostel and equipment.  

#14458A - Marimanti Rural Training Centre - Training and seeds for farmers to improve food production.



Bio-Intensive Farm, Meru - Continuous renovations to the original
buildings creating a full training center for Kenyan farmers in the
highlands.  Construction skills vary, painting, gardening and other
projects.  Teams stay at the farm.  Team size limited to 16.  Project
Fee $3,000.

#14217A - Bio-Intensive Training Centre

Maua Methodist Hospital -- Teams work on a variety of projects from
light to heavy construction, sewing projects, VBS, painting and so on.
Doctors and specialists are needed for longer if possible and all must
be cleared through the Hospital offices before arrival.  Teams stay at a
local hotel.   Project Fee $5,000.  

#09610A - Maua Hospital , Operation Outreach - Gifts will help this Methodist hospital, serving an area of more than 250,000 people, provide mobile health care and community health training.

#09613A - Maua Hospital , Service Fund - Medical care for adults and abandoned children.

#140159 - Maternal And Child Health Program, Maua Hospital - Preventive and curative health services.

#140160 - Community Integrated AIDS-Time Initiative, Maua Methodist Hospital - Mother/child project focusing on HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases.

#140161 - AIDS Orphans' Project, Maua Hospital - Provide ongoing services to children.

Eastleigh Vocational Training Center .  Teams will work on this
cooperative project in the slums of Nairobi .  Expansion of the training
center is a priority but VBS, counseling, carpentry and masonry training
would be appreciated.  Teams will stay on site.  Project Fee $4-5,000.

Building teams. Volunteers to help us in building a boarding school for Orphans in
Kenya.  Urgently needed.

MOZAMBIQUE

CHICUQUE RURAL HOSPITAL  

#09734A - Chicuque Rural Hospital - Operating expenses for an established United Methodist major medical center in Mozambique .

     AIDS Clinic: Teams are needed to assist in building an AIDS clinic in Chicuque, Mozambique. This clinic will provide voluntary testing, a counseling center, and will be the center for home based care.
It is estimated that 4 teams of 15 persons each can get the work done. Each team will need to raise funds for materials. Youth, age 16+, are accepted.
The plan is for a 32 meter x 11 meter block buiding. Materials can be purchased locally.
A medical component to the team is also possible, in conkuction with the existing hospital. There is a need for General Surgeons, OBGYN, ophthalmologist. There is an operating room with anesthesia services.
Bible school opportunities exist with local children.
Housing in a guest house five minutes walk from site.
#15031A - HIV/AIDS Department, Chicuque Hospital - Counseling and voluntary testing.     

Kitchen construction: Construction of hospital kitchen and purchase of kitchen equipment.
The building will be of cement blocks and concrete, with a metal roof (15 x 9 meters). Current is 220v Tools available on site.
Medical personnel are also welcome: General surgeon, OBGYN, Ophthalmologist (credentials submitted in advance).
Opportunities also exist for HIV education classes and Bible School.
Housing in the guesthouse (5 minutes walk)

CENTRO DE COMUNICAÇÃO DE MASSINGA (Massinga Comunication Center) Matingane in Massinga  Sul District: NEEDS:  Roofing, plastering, painting.

CENTRO DE REAVIVAMENTO ESPIRITUAL (Spiritual Revival Center) Inhassoro in Mavecane. NEEDS:  Construction of different houses.

IGREJA DE INHASSORO (Inhassoro Chapel) Inhassoro  NEEDS:  Roofing, plastering, Windows and  door frames, painting.

CAPELA DE MATACALANE (Matacalane Chapel) Matacalane  NEEDS: Roofing, plastering, Windows  and door frames, painting.

IGREJA DE MATINGANE (Matingane Chapel) Matingane in Massinga Sul District  NEEDS:  Roofing,  plastering, Windows and door frames, painting.

RESIDÊNCIA PASTORAL DE FADJINE (Fadjine Pastoral House) Location:  Fadjine Parish- Masssinga North  District NEEDS:  They have bricks; the structure is 2 meters high.

CAPELA DE MALONGUELA (Malonguela Chapel) Homoíne

Needs:  They have bricks; the  construction of the house has not yet commenced.

CAPELA DE GUILUNDO (Guilundo Chapel) Guilundo Inharrime

Description: The construction has not  begun yet.

CAPELA DE XINHAMBANINE (Xinhambanine Chapel)

The chapel is already finished, inaugurated and in use.   NEEDS – Benches only.

IGREJA DE CHAMANCULO Maputo

Description: The foundation has begun with some elevation of walls.

CENTRO EDUCACIONAL DE MATSINHE (Matsinhe Educational Center) Matsinhe, Morrumbene North. Description: They have 4 classrooms, but it needs doors and window frames, plastering, and painting.

RESIDENCIA PASTORAL DE DUNHE (Dunhe Patoral House) Dunhe- Zavala

Description:  It is in the initial construction phase.

TETE DISTRICT RESIDENCIA DO SUPERINTENDENTE (Districtal House) Tete NEEDS: Roofing  material, window and door frames.

MANICA CASA PASTORAL (Pastoral House) Manica  NEEDS: Windows, Doors, Plastering.

NAMPULA  CASA PASTORAL (Pastoral house) Nampula Needs:  It is in its initial construction  phase

#12584K - Pastor's Residence – Nampula , Mozambique - Construction supplies for a parsonage to replace an inadequate structure.

SOFALA RESIDENCIA DO SUPERINTENDENTE (Districtal house) Beira

Description: They have broken the ground for the construction of the DS house.   

HABITAT and The Methodist Church in MOZAMBQUE

Join Missouri and Mozambique Methodist churches to house 75 families in Mozambique, many of whom are households headed by children or impacted by AIDS/HIV.  Volunteers can dig holes, lay and cut concrete blocks, put on roofs, level floors, shovel and mix mortar, transport sand and dirt, carry materials, and do anything they can to help with the building of houses.  No experience needed.

#982404 – Habitat for Humanity

NAMIBIA


Children of Zion Village

A Christian children's home for AIDS orphans.  We have ongoing projects.  Currently we are building missionary housing.  The next project will be a school addition.  Other opportunities are Bible school, teachers, music, recreation programs, track skill trainers, childcare, equestrian programs, cooks to mentor nationals and teach children, and maintenance.  Housing is provided on site.  For more information, contact nick_elliott@umvim.org.

NIGERIA


HIV Vaccine Clinics - Owerri, Imo State

This project involves an initial double-blind study to prove the effectiveness of a new HIV treatment vaccine. After this, many will need to be vaccinated and retested as necessary. This will involve many new clinics being built and set up. Also planned is simultaneous HIV/AIDS education. Prayer and evangelism will also be a big part of this outreach. This is an excellent opportunity for two-track medical/construction teams. Also interaction with the community children is encouraged through Bible school. Housing available.

 

RWANDA

ZOE Ministry

Working with AIDS and Genocide orphans, ZOE Ministry is a

GBGM Advance Project (#982023). In Rwanda our "Giving Hope" project involves home building and repair for orphans who are being trained in our empowerment ministry. A work team project will include significant interaction with the orphans as the team is exposed to the unique life-skills training they receive to enable them to live self-sufficiently within two to three years. Website:

www.zoeministry.org.

Koinonia Project Trip 2008--Solar installation, micro-grants, libraries. Possibilities for AIDS education, general education classes at high school level, Business classes (sales accounting). Medical services needed.  One team, 15 members, youth accepted.

SIERRA LEONE

Operation Classroom www.operationclassroom.org assists the church in Sierra Leone in the following areas:

#12922A - Operation Classroom: General - Special grants for Operation Classroom.

The Child Rescue Center, Bo - http://www.childrescuecentre.org/index.html:

  • On July 4, 2000, the Child Rescue Center (CRC) was opened in Bo, Sierra Leone under the direction of Rev. John Yambasu and in cooperation with the Sierra Leone Conference of the United Methodist Church. Joseph Humper, Bishop of the Sierra Leone UMC took the CRC into the structure of the United Methodist Church and has provided guidance and advocacy for the children. Bishop Humper brought people together in Africa and in the United States with a common goal to help the war-traumatized children of his country. The product of this is a well-respected children's facility that provides a life-saving and life-changing environment for these children.
  • The CRC consists of a residential home that houses, feeds, clothes and educates forty children in a loving and safe environment. In addition to these forty residential children, the Child Rescue Center also supports 100 additional children living in family settings, by paying their school tuition, providing school uniforms, purchasing school supplies and providing health care. These children receive assistance from the CRC while continuing to live at home with their families or caretakers.

  • Teams are needed for construction of the Vocational Training Center. Medical teams are needed to provide clinical services. Additonal needs include renovation of existing buildings.

SOUTH AFRICA

Southern Africa Methodist Volunteers In Mission (SAMVIM),  

#14363A - Southern Africa Methodist Volunteers In Mission - Work teams throughout southern Africa to assist with church projects

St. James Methodist Church - Capetown -  construction of new church building, VBS for children.

Lotus River - The Lotus River Methodist Society has been meeting in a classroom for over 20 years.  After much hard work  and planning, the society is ready to begin construction on their church building.  Some funds have been raised, but  assistance is needed.

Khayalitsha Site B - a township of over a million people that did not exist 20 years ago.  People flock to this area looking  for work and have created this new community.  The Site B Methodist Society has already started construction of a multi- purpose building.

Namaqualand Leliefontein - an area famous for it's annual transformation of the desert into a carpet of flowers, it is home  to a number of poor rural communities.  It is also the historical home of Methodist work in Southern Africa.  The church  owns a hostel for the boarding school  in Leliefontein, which serves the surrounding area.  The hostel is in dire need of  renovation.  Much work remains.

Leondale Methodist Church Highveld/Swaziland District - The Methodist Church at Leondale has purchased property and erected a tent for their 220 member congregation.  Church  members are fundraising for a new church building.  Need teams to help construct the new building.

Nseleni Town Methodist Church - A larger new building is needed for a church and the existing building  can be utilized for Sunday School Classes. A work team and funding is need to build a block clad, steel framed church building  on the existing site.

High School Project - Plans to build two story schools, hence the name "High School", in Mozambique  villages in the flood plain are underway.  Plan is to construct low cost lightweight buildings on stilts for school  classrooms which   in emergencies become a community refuge.  Work team from South Africa are needed to help with the construction. 

Phomolong Methodist Church In Ivory Park - has R80,000 to build a church  here.  A small metal building has been erected, used as a preschool during the week and for church services on Sunday.   Additional funds needed as well as local work teams to help with the construction of the Church.

Orange Farms Methodist Church - Two new Methodist Churches needed in Orange Farms in the Highveld and Swaziland  District.  Local involvement from Gauteng area needed with both funding and development of work teams, and work teams from  the USA  needed.

Amsterdam Church Project Highveld And Swaziland District - Church building is currently condemned.  We are also trying to  get the local Heritage Society (if one exists) to  see if ichurch can be salvaged.  Need teams locally to help with the renovation or a new structure. Need funding for this project.

Wattville Church Project In Benoni Hightveld & Swaziland District - The Wattville Church needs a new, larger building for its  ministries.  The local society has started a building program.  Need U.S. and local teams to help with construction of this steel  and brick structure. 

TANZANIA

Methodist Leadership and Training Institute - Musama/Bunda - Construction of church offices and missionary dorms. Volunteers sought who will put people first and share the love of Christ with the Tanzanian people. Tools will be provided locally. A contribution for materials is needed. Local church members will assist by working on the site, purchasing materials and cooking. A tour day to the Serengeti is possible.

Changombe UMC- Dar es Salaam --Enlarge classrooms, finish sanctuary floor, new bathrooms, fence around property.  Also church school needed, preschool aids to help with classes, Bible study for youth, and women's programs.

ZAMBIA  

ZOE Ministry 

Working with AIDS orphans and vulnerable children, ZOE

Ministry is a GBGM Advance Project (#982023). Our teams to Zambia are mobile medical clinics. Working in slums, churches, community centers, and schools, these medical teams offer primary care to orphans and vulnerable children. Offering Christian children's activities, participating in ZOE's feeding program, and home visits are part of such teams. Website: www.zoeministry.org.

ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwe Annual Conference - Various projects in consultation with the leadership of the annual conference.

#10115A - Zimbabwe Annual Conference - To facilitate the occasional contributions by persons who give to scholarships, vehicles, or gender work which does not fit in an existing category.


Africa University

All teams going to Africa University are coordinated by the UMVIM, SEJ office, 315 West Ponce de Leon Ave. #750, Decatur,  GA 30030; 404-377-7424; 404-377-8182 (fax); sejinfo@umvim.org.  14-15 teams per year (up to 24 persons per team needed to assist with building staff housing: painting, bricklaying, plastering,  assisting in library, carpentry, possibly teaching. Medical volunteers welcome, especially dental & eye specialists.

#12931A - Emergency Fund For Students' Families At Africa University - Financial assistance for famlies of students attending Africa University .

ZOE Ministry

• ZOE Ministry - Working with AIDS orphans, Zoe Ministry is an advance special of the North Carolina Conference of the UMC, and works through the UMC in Zimbabwe . A major component of the work is supporting a feeding program for the orphans, many of whom have little or no resources, and have the oldest children in a family acting as heads of household. Teams are sought to help in building a worship and feeding center as the program seeks to reach more children. Additional information is available at www.zoeministry.org.

#982023 - ZOE Ministry - Mission is to connect churches and individuals in a meaningful way to suffering orphans left in the wake of the AIDS pandemic in Africa . To extend the love of Jesus to these orphans through relief, empowerment, and evangelism. The gifts allow children to be fed, clothed, educated, and empowered with lifeskills in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Works in Kenya , Zimbabwe , Zambia , and Rwanda .