Company: The Sankofa Center
Address: 1230 Bordeaux Dr. , Sunnyvale California
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Application Deadline: Available Year-round
Position: 25 Part-time, Unpaid
Connections
Description
Since 2004, The Sankofa Center, a 501(c)(3) U.S. operated charity has educated village youths and adults about how HIV/AIDS is transmitted and prevented through artistic expression. They educate while changing perceptions using culturally comprehensive methods- African dance-dramas- in Ghana, West Africa. They also conduct free counseling, rapid HIV testing in village outreach tours, and provide links to treatment and life-saving drugs for thousands of women, men, and children in Ghana. Programs consisting of a local crew and cohorts of international interns from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. run throughout the year.
Program Description:
The Sankofa Center fuses tradtional African dance, drama, & contemporary art genres with W.H.O. health information to educate Ghanaian youths & adults about HIV/AIDS. These very necessary performances are both entertaining & educational. Their program utilizes the vibrant energies of interns & a local team to tour various villages & schools to help eradicate HIV/AIDS in Africa through culturally appropriate methods! They also conduct risk assessment/risk reduction counseling & free rapid HIV testing during village outreach to link those needing treatment with medical partners as outlined by Ghana's National AIDS Control Program.
International interns are accomodated with full room & board in The Sankofa Center Compound dormitory with exposure to real world traditional Ghanaian life with trusted host families living in the compound. Cultural exposure is also enhanced through weekend trips to popular tourist & beach destinatons. However, interns have the security of Western trained local staff, health and safety protocols, and American trained coordinators & staff liasions to assist interns throughout the duration of their tenure. On completion interns receive a Certificate of Completion commemorating their service providing a great tool for educational and personal advancement.
To Apply: WWW.THESANKOFACENTER.ORG
volunteers@thesankofacenter.org
Responsibilities
ARTISTIC & TEACHING INTERNS:
The Sankofa Center incorporates dance, drama, theatre, music, and photography performed by interns into the pre-choreographed HIV/AIDS dance-drama vignettes. Interns will also be trained to educate classrooms of youths about HIV/AIDS, risk reduction, and anti-stigmitization during both school and village outreach tours. If desired, appropriate interns will be trained for public health internship duties as well.
PUBLIC HEALTH & MEDICAL INTERNS:
Interns with a background/ or interest in publich health, Social Work, or Medicine will also be incorporated into the the HIV/AIDS dance-drama and educational presentations. However, these interns will have additional tasks such as being trained to assist in pre/post HIV/AIDS counseling, prep for rapid HIV testing, working as a case manager with medical staff of HIV positive clients, record keeping, and data entry. Interns are trained to adhere to set standard procedures mandated by Ghana's National AIDS Control Programme.
To Apply Visit: WWW.THESANKOFACENTER.ORG
Requirements
Program Open to:
-Individuals from the public who are at least 18 years of Age
-University/College Students ( may satisfy field work or internship requirments )
-Artistic Ability not required
-Enhance Resume in Public Health/ Pre-Med/ Social Work
