I really want to go somewhere in Africa and work with HIV/AIDS affected people or raise awareness of issues/sexuality education not only for their well-being but for my personal experience. In my search for organizations to do this I encountered several problems.
1. Most programs are set in larger cities where the problems probably aren’t the worst. The majority seem to be based in Accra, Ghana and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - both of which are large cities (by African standards). If the literacy rate is say 30%, I feel like these areas are the ones that pull up the numbers. I REALIZE these are safer and more convenient areas for foreigner travel.. but is it really doing the most good?
2. Which programs are legit? Some seem a little too sketch for me to go over as a 20 year old female by myself.. and others are just trying to empty my bank account. What good is spending 2 weeks in a country, while you pay an arm and a leg - for people to train and watch over you - when instead of having those people you could just have a few long-term volunteers?
3. What do the natives think of volunteers like that? I’m sure teaching and providing medical care - particularly in rural areas - for extended periods is looked upon highly, but what about people that come into the city for a few weeks and tell them to use a condom?
Besides these issues, I appreciate any insight anyone has. Thanks!