Buea, situated in the South West Region of Cameroon has an estimated population of 100,000. It hosts the only University in this region and is situated at the foot of Mt. Cameroon. The organization REACH OUT (REO) is located here. REO supports underprivileged and marginalized groups on health issues and income creation and provides capacity building and information through the use of participatory approaches and advocacy. REO creates opportunities for young people from the university to acquire skills and on-the-job experience through internships. It also offers regular training programs on HIV/AIDS sensitization, business and gender awareness.

Interns would create awareness on HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) amongst youth in three communities and four secondary schools within the Buea and Muyuka council areas. They will provide educational resources about the consequences of HIV/AIDS and STIs and information on how to avoid contracting them. The aim of the internship is to empower children and young people to make informed choices regarding their sexual health. The methods that can be used for the campaign vary from sports activities over mobile video shows and theatre to the production of posters or leaflets and holding drawing competitions.

Interns will also do routine office work and get involved in other REO thematics like Gender, Capacity Building and Wealth Creation.  Time permitting, fundraising in the interns’ home country before the internship starts would be greatly appreciated.

Interns require computer and report writing skills, public speaking experience, arts/drawing skills, thematical knowledge of HIV/AIDS, good English skills (spoken and written) and experience in social work and education. Knowledge on surveys to evaluate the activities, especially concerning HIV/AIDS information campaigns, would be an asset.

The scheduled time for the internship is August to October 2012.Training and preparation seminars prior to the internship will be held in English. The tandem will be formed by a Slovakian participant and a German/Swiss participant.