Why the Capuchin Lay Volunteers? The scheme is promoted by the Capuchin Franciscan Order, and enables people who are in contact with our communities, as well as other lay people, to experience at first hand the life of some of our missions in Africa and Asia. We believe that when the Order and lay people work together, each side complements the other: it is a great help to the Capuchin brothers, a
s well as being a uniquely enriching experience for the volunteers. What does the program consist of? The program is directed by an international team of Capuchin brothers and lay people, and offers to those who wish the possibility of being volunteer - missionaries, without distinction of religious belief. The volunteers share their personal gifts and talents, making them available to the most needy in projects specific to each particular mission. They serve for a fixed period (from one to three months). The main aim is for the Capuchin brothers and the volunteers to form a single task force in:
• Africa: Burkina Faso, Ghana, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
• Asia: India (Assam). What kind of things can you do? Before they arrive, the Capuchins and the coordinating team will prepare a work program for each individual volunteer, taking into account their gifts and the needs of the mission. Activities vary according to each place and may involve: education, health care, building projects, training local leaders, agriculture, water supply and electrification schemes, the development and management of projects, the administration and financial management of social works, etc. It is also possible to take part in evangelization, depending on the characteristics of each place. There is no limit to the creativity involved, and as things progress new needs are discovered, which are implemented and adapted according to the abilities of the available volunteers. Those interested in being part of our program will need to fill in a form. This information helps us to assess their suitability and to assign them to a particular mission. Once their request has been approved, the first step is to organize any preparation or training that each volunteer will need before departure. You give and receive
In the missions, the volunteers live in the houses of the Capuchin brothers, sharing in their life and work in a brotherly and joyful atmosphere in the Capuchin-Franciscan style. No monetary contribution is expected in order to join the program, or for room and board in our fraternities. We do ask volunteers to pay for their own return tickets, plus the costs of visas, medical insurance and vaccinations. Knowledge of French (Burkina Faso) and/or English (other destinations) is essential for communication and in order to benefit from the experience to the full.
