AEA Service Projects

As a volunteer in one of the AEA locations, you can assist others with your own experience and talents. It's completely up to you and the Lord. You may also choose from one of the AEA provided programs described below:

Program	Description	Cost*	Program Coordinators

Eyeglasses for Service	The Binghams started a basic reading glasses program in Cape Verde, West Africa in 2003. However, new technology now makes it possible for non-medical volunteers to provide prescription equivalent glasses for many more people with more complex vision needs. This program is aimed at school age children that need corrective glasses to function and learn in the classroom. Recipients are asked to "pay back" for glasses by providing service to others in whatever way they can. AEA volunteers will be provided the new technology and training that will allow them to order prescription equivalent glasses. The cost to the volunteers of providing glasses to a needy student will be approximately $20 per child.	Approx. $20/pair	Glenn & Elisabeth Bingham

Creating and Maintaining Healthy Relationships	Positive supportive relationships with spouse, family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers are a main component of personal happiness, emotional health, physical well-being, and even financial success. Yet many people struggle to establish or maintain close relationships because they lack essential understanding and skills. This course provides valuable insights into the basic elements of human relationships and useful ways to improve them. Click here for more information.	None	John & Jean Muir

Self-Reliance Training	There are many facets to self-reliance where you can use your expertise to bless the lives of others including: education, employment, family finances, food storage, gardening and health. Utilize your expertise in one of these areas to train and assist others. You may choose to teach in a classroom setting or to provide one on one training.	Required equipment or materials	Joe & Georgia Lee Merino

Employee Excellence Certification	In areas where the job markets are tight, this certification gives an applicant a tangible distinguishing skill set that will help them land the job over another otherwise equally qualified applicant. This course was co-developed by the Church and the Ashby Foundation and covers the basic principles of what makes an excellent employee. It is designed to be taught in a group classroom setting.	None	Business Background Volunteer Needed

Storm Recovery	The Caribbean basin is a hotbed of damaging tropical storms and hurricanes. For example, during Hurricane Maria in 2017 almost 80% of the homes in Dominica suffered severe damage. Thousands of families were displaced and many have yet to fully rebuild. The most common damage is losing the roof of the home. Experienced builders will be able to work with families to rebuild homes and give them back the ability to live together again.	Substantial	Construction Experience Volunteer Needed

Medical Assistance	Experienced and/or retired medical personnel that have a few weeks available can make a big impact on the lives of those in need. Despite the fact that the medical care is largely government provided, many of the locations lack trained staff to meet the local needs. For example, China has helped Dominica build a new hospital with an up-to- date operating theater for eye surgeries but the lack of trained surgeons has resulted in a waiting list of dozens and dozens of patients waiting for basic procedures that will restore their eyesight.	Medical supplies	Dr. J. Robert & Geri Rhodes

Paid Internship Program	Many individuals are unable to find jobs that will support their families because they lack the requisite experience needed for skilled positions. At the same time, they don't have the time nor means to leave their unskilled jobs to obtain needed training. This program targets these individuals and helps them obtain both the needed training and a job opportunity by sponsoring paid "internships" with employers. The volunteers pay the wages for 3-6 months while they are interning with a potential employer. Over past years of experience this program has seen a nearly 95% success rate in placing individuals in skilled positions.	Substantial	Business Background Volunteer Needed

Educational Tutoring	There are many struggling students in both public and private schools. Help is needed in a variety of subjects from English to math to science. If you have a bachelors or masters degree in a given subject, you may find it fun and challenging to tutor at one of the community colleges.	None	Experienced Educator Volunteer Needed

Location Specific Needs	We have also identified location specific needs where your help would be invaluable:

Roseau	Roseau is the capitol of the country and has most of the major institutions of the country including the principle medical center and the main university locations. There is a need for those that can teach or train in the medical area or teach in the university.	None

Portsmouth	Because of the large numbers of Haitian immigrants in Portsmouth, there is a need to teach English.	None

Castries	There are several schools that desperately need to have a station built where students can drink and wash their hands. Currently, they have a pipe with water dripping out that creates a muddy, unsanitary area. This project would entail building a public drinking fountain with a spring loaded valve.	Some plumbing fixtures

Vieux Fort	The Laborie village girls' elementary and middle school is right below the apartment. It's a convenient opportunity for educators to work with young students.	None

Kalinago Territories	Click here for more details on the Kalinago Territories service project

Click here for more information on the program coordinators.

*This indicates the level of additional expense that you would have as a volunteer to offer this program.

If you would like to offer a program that can be used by AEA volunteers in the AEA location please click here.