Providing support and organizing activities for elderly people
       Paris          June to August 30, 2009

French speaking project
Volunteer project: Les petits frères des Pauvres (Little Brothers of the Poor) was founded in France in 1946. The goal is to promote and support any action for the lonely, elderly and/or handicapped people needing some help but wishing to stay at home.

There are two types of missions possible for the volunteers in different projects:
- Support at home (helping elderly people with preparation of meals, house cleaning, walks, transports, visits, activities, shopping…)
- Administrative and coordination work at the headquarters (good level of French required): the main task consists in organizing activities for elderly people and recruiting volunteers to participate in the activities with them (especially during summer holidays). The main task of the volunteer will be to supervise and accompany these people in their activities when needed. Besides, the volunteer is expected to have the ability to listen and be understanding toward their situation. Moreover, the volunteer is expected to come up with ideas for organising activities that will give the chance to the community to learn about his/her country and culture. The volunteer will be working 39 hours a week with two days off per week, which are not necessarily consecutive and not necessarily on the weekend. Overwork may occur.

Special requirements: The volunteer should have a driving licence. Resume and motivation letter in French are required with application. The volunteer has to speak fluent French and be able to write it well as there is a lot of administrative work to be done. The volunteer should be adaptable, dynamic, autonomous, responsible, having a good human ability and psychological balance. Being sociable and having a good sense of initiative are also essential. He/She should also do his/her best to find his/her place among the staff members and to ensure good integration in the team.

Language: French

Number of participants: 1

Accommodation: The volunteer will get a room of his/her own in an apartment that might be shared with another volunteer from another organization. He/she will get small allowance to buy his/her own food and will have to cook for himself/herself.

Location: Les “Petits frères des pauvres” is located in the south of Paris (15th district) close to the Montparnasse train station, in a very nice and commercial area. The Montparnasse Tower is one of the attractions of Paris.

Participation fee: $590 CAD (about $470 US)

Age range: 21 - 27 years old