Eritaj offers great opportunities to interns to sharpen their skills and to anyone with some time and willingness to make a difference while learning about a different culture.

• Volunteers need own money for travel and food.
• Housing is provided at no cost to volunteers.
• Knowledge of some French or Haitian Creole useful but not required.

Excerpts of letters from volunteers around the world:

Switzerland:

I am studying law at a University of Switzerland and I am aim to work with international organisations such as the red cross later on, that's why I want to get some experience in volunteering. I could be helpful teaching English. I have the CAE and I have spent a couple of months in Australia to improve it. Furthermore, I have also done a lot constructions and agriculture since my grand-father is a farmer. I am an easy boy, open minded and sociable. I can also work hard and I enjoy a lot discovering new ways of life.

The various projects which your organisation undertakes in Haiti of significant interest to me and my friend. We’re motivated young women following a second year in College. My friend follows culture general’s school in Geneva. Myself I travelled extensively in Asia and USA and Sennait in Africa. We would be most willing to partake in voluntary work overseas on medium term basis.

I would basically like to work in a school, helping out with music (piano) or art. Maybe some English. What arrangements are there for accommodation. I would also like to be stationed in a place that is safe.

I am 20 years old. I am interested in spending some time working abroad and your site was recommended to me. I was very interested in what I saw. Please could you tell me what type of people volunteer, what age mixes are there.

I live in Switzerland, I am 20 years old, and I am studying to be a teacher for children from 5 to 13 years. I write this mail to you because I would like to work with your association as a volunteer one month in August. I have many experiences with children in Switzerland and in Central America, but it would be the first time I go to Haiti. My mother language is French, but I can speak English too.

Ireland:

I am a final year education and philosophy student in Ireland. As I will be graduating at the end of May as a fully qualified primary school teacher I am very interested in working with your organisation voluntarily in Haiti. I am available for a period of six weeks, during which time I would like to work in the area of education, although this is not essential and I am quite adaptable and flexible. I am very interested in hearing more information about your organisation.

United Kingdom:

I am a 23 year old female from Glasgow, Scotland. I would like to work abroad for 5 months Starting from Jan 2003. I would like to do work in the healthcare field or do work with children. As I am on a budget I would be hoping that while working away I could have my living expenses paid for me, accommodation, board, visa etc although I am prepared to pay my own flight if required. Let me tell you a bit about myself;
I started work at 17, in a rural area of Argyll, Scotland, in a local hospital as a care assistant. Here I gained SVQ's in care at levels 2 and 3. I then moved to Glasgow and worked with a nursing agency. I worked with this agency for 1 year and gained lots of experience working in different care settings. It also allowed me to work with children. Now at present I work in Intensive / Coronary Care Units and have done for eighteen months. I am hoping to go to university next year to qualify as a registered nurse.

I am writing to enquire about volunteering in a project with your organisation in Haiti and hoped that you might be able to give me some further information. I am currently studying politics at Edinburgh University in the UK and am looking for some kind of placement during July/August/September. I have some experience of this sort of work, working on an HIV/AIDS education project in Uganda last summer and would certainly be keen to find out more about the work you do.

I am 21 and am a final year student at Sussex University UK, studying International Relations with Development Studies. I would like to apply for a volunteer position in Haiti. I am interested in all aspects of community development, and have studied the theoretical issues extensively throughout my course. In addition I have practical experience as a voluntary teacher in Uganda. I volunteered for 8 months as a mathematics and physics teacher in a rural community in Mbale district. In addition to formal teaching I was actively involved in the local community raising health awareness through event days and speeches in local churches concerning issues such as HIV/AIDs and sanitation.

I would like to enquire about volunteering opportunities within your organisation this year. I have been working in the energy industry In the United Kingdom for five years. I have been involved in the implementation of various projects related to the liberalisation of the electricity market in the European Union, in the development of new systems and the training of key staff. I took the decision to change career path and decided to start with volunteering. I am especially interested in literacy and gender issues. I have been involved in volunteering on several occasions in the past. I have given help and support for a few years to an old lady whose husband was suffering from Alzeimer, I have also worked in a school as a language assistant (French and Spanish). I am a French national but I am fluent in English. I have decided to volunteer for at least a period of six months for various reasons. I see this opportunity as a chance to live, work and interact with people from a very different culture, I also see it as a way to gain professional benefits to widen my experience and develop new skills in a demanding environment. Finally, it would give me the opportunity to help make a difference in people's life. After reading the goals of Eritaj Foundation, I was all the more eager to bring some valuable contribution to this noble initiative. Should you have any opportunities arising, would you be so kind as to let me know.

I am interested in doing some voluntary work and heard about your organisation. I would be grateful if you could give me a bit more detail about your work, the volunteering opportunities you currently have available and what the work would entail.
I am hoping to experience a different way of life first hand, whilst actively participating in your programme. I am keen, flexible and enthusiastic!

I am twenty one years old and I qualified as a physiotherapist in July 2002. I am very interested in finding out more about the work that you do and I feel that I have skills and experience that could be beneficial to your organisation and the people that you help.
I am an enthusiastic, energetic and mature individual. I feel that I am at a stage in my life where I am ready for a challenge and I am passionate about using my knowledge and skills in a positive and constructive way in order to make a difference to others.

I am interested in working for your project in Haiti. II am planning on leaving England in January and am available for between three months and a year. I have a TEFL qualification and experience of teaching in Africa and Asia, and have worked for other community based projects. I am looking to gain some more experience before setting up a children's conservation camp in Dorset, England. I have an abundance of enthusiasm, energy and time to offer to any project. I would be most grateful if you would let me know if you need any assistance early in the New Year and what I should do to progress my application further.

I researched and recieved information regarding your organisation. I and would like to volunteer for a period of 3 to 6 months, and am available to start immediately. I have been working for over three years in the consultancy and recruitment field in Singapore and Hong Kong where I am currently employed. In September of this year I intend to pursue a masters degree in the area of International relations in the United States, in the meantime I would greatly appreciate any work or volunteering exposure with your organisation that will give me an insight into working with an NGO.
I have a bachelors degree in Law and Business from England and three years work experience. I can speak fluent English and am currently learning Spanish. I am particularly interested in working in the area of human rights or womens advocacy, but am open to exploring other areas too.

I have 5 years of teaching experience. I have taught children of varying abilities including those who have physical, behavioural, emotional and specific learning difficulties. I have taught/worked with children ranging from 18 months to 21 years.
Although I am specifically trained as a drama and history teacher I have taught several other subjects including English and basic maths. I am looking to work abroad for a period of between one and two years in order to fully contribute to the projects and help develop programmes that can be continued when I leave. It would also give me time to learn the culture of the country and community that will enhance my work on return to teaching in England.
I am dedicated to the work that I do and believe that I have the skills and personality that you may be looking for. As a teacher I want to put my training to good use and help others.

United States:

I am presently volunteering in a mentoring program through my church and I am also a member of a community service club at my school where we go out into different places in the community and volunteer. I work well with children and I am open to new learning experiences and responsibilities.

I have many computer skills and I would love to share them with those who are excited to learn. I know both Mac and PC, I have the means to travel, and would love to learn more about this opportunity. I also have experience as a nanny, caring for children.

I am a 55 year old banker. At this point in my life, I am looking to give back to society some of what I have been fortunate enough to have received. I have a son in college and other grown children whom I do not wish to be separated from for a long period of time. In addition, I cannot afford to be without a paying job more than two months. However, I do not want to wait until I am available full time to immerse myself in a volunteer program. I am looking at programs that would involve a one-two month volunteer effort overseas.

I am writing to enquire into volunteering opportunities within Haiti. I have recently returned from Haiti after completing the Peace Corp training program. I am looking to return and continue working with communities there and continue improving my Kreyol. I am interested in the organization of focus groups, computer training and art instruction however feel I have experience that would be of assistance for a broad range of projects.

I speak Portuguese and English fluently and can communicate (read, write, speak a little) in French and Spanish. I'd like to work with kids.

I'm a single mom with children in school, so I may not be able to go to Haiti now, but am interested in the possibility for the future. Former community development program manager with 2 NGO's; currently CAD operator for an engineer, and art teacher/trainer of trainers.

I would like to follow up my request concerning prospective internship opportunities. I have recently returned from Haiti where I was training and working with Peace Corps. I speak Haitian Kreyol and French and am knowledgable about the current political and socio-economic situtation, as well as the culture of Haiti.
In fulfillment of my Masters Degree I am looking for an exciting and enriching internship opportunity abroad, and particularly in Haiti.

Canada:

I am a student in Victoria, Canada, with experience with children. I have an English degree and experience with different art mediums including the piano, flute, drawing, painting and pottery. I am interested in knowing more about your programs and how I can volunteer.