"REACHING OUT TO THOSE WHO NEED A HAND UP"

MISSION STATEMENT

COP aims at creating awareness of the many varied social, economic and cultural problems experienced in the disadvantaged communities of the society through the training and empowerment mainly, but not exclusively, of children and youth, and by working together with both public and private groups and organizations to achieve this end.

OBJECTIVE

To create awareness of the many varied social, economic and cultural problems experienced in the disadvantaged communities of the society and help alleviate these problems through training and empowerment.

Volunteer Services:

What does Volunteer Service entail?

Volunteers are attached to an institution and may, for example:

• Teach in a primary school
• Teach in an informal or non-formal school
• Work in a hospital, clinic or dispensary
• Assist in an orphanage or home for abandoned babies
• Help train street youth in sports
• Assist in a drop-in or reception centre for street children
• Advise on keeping accounts or setting up a simple computer system

All volunteers who are confirmed in an attachment:

• Perform at least 150 hours of service
• Submit a written report
• Will be visited by the Programme staff during their service
• Are awarded a certificate on completion.

Projects

The Community Outreach Programme (COP) office is invited to take part in or assist in various projects, or sees fit to head up projects on its own initiative.  In each case the project is studied by the COP plenary committee, or by 2-3 members of the committee, or other people co-opted, and presented to the plenary committee for approval.  For the implementation of the project, an ad hoc committee of at least 3 people is formed.  The project evaluation is done where possible and notes are taken.  The committee then decides whether it will be beneficial to proceed with the project, and/or if this could lead to further interesting projects.