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My name is Jackie originally from Kenya, I have lived and worked in Germany, Zimbabwe and now Nigeria. My family of 2 girls and my husband and I, recently relocated to Abuja, Nigeria where I got involved volunteering with an International Christian Church located in Abuja, it's 100% a volunteer-driven church with local Nigerian and Expat members and we welcome international expats seeking a medium term engagement of 3-12 months, but 1 month would be okay as well. The Ark started off as a volunteer church meeting in the members homes and has not grown to 100+ members to be hosted at a venue. We can't keep up with the need for volunteers for the different ministry areas. We would love support for children's ministry, camping and clubs activities planning. Knowledge of music will be welcome as well as teaching or preaching ability in English.
The Ark and its members also supports several local orphans and internally displaced people (IDP's) camps that we invite your input on.
Main areas for volunteering, reach out if you think you can fit in any of these areas, preference is given to practicing Christians for these roles but we are also open to those skilled and not necessarily sharing the faith for all roles who can be able to teach others, other than the Sunday school and club teachers, and music
1. Media and Video production - Help set-up, record and edit various multi-media and graphic productions for the church to help with our marketing.
2. Donate to, educate, and train the women and children of the New Kuchingoro IDP Camp where 250 hungry children need food, clothes, Medicare and education. In addition, men, women and youths need skills and tools for economic empowerment.
3. Plan, set-up where not yet set-up and/or teach Kids Sunday School classes, Vacation clubs, Weekend socials - age ranges of the kids are 5 years to 14yrs
4. Participate in the worship team, singing or playing an instrument.
I have gone on multiple missions trips in Africa as a young person just out of college and loved the experience, excited to have you join our family and experience the same.Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity WorkArt ProjectsTeachingBabysitting and creative playHelp with Computers/ InternetUN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Abuja is a well-built city of Nigeria, the seat of government, and full of highways and byways. You will love the serene nature of the city and the myriad sites and sounds, from the dam lakes, to the malls, from the delicious cuisine to the night scene. We will introduce you to the international community, you can attend lots of fun events on your down time or visit surrounding cities (mostly by flight, due to safety).
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We would love support for children's ministry, camping and clubs activities planning. Knowledge of music will be welcome as well as teaching or preaching ability in English. The work will mostly be online for maximum 4-5 hrs a day for the weekdays, and for 3-4 hours on Sundays it will be on site with the kids, involving supporting our church admin and Sunday school leaders and teachers to craft and teach lessons for the children out of our curriculum as well as support clubs on the weekends.
You will get 2 days off every week, Saturday + 1 day during the week, or if there is an event on Saturday that needs you, you can choose a different day off that week.
You can also help with our work at the New Kuchingoro IDP Camp. 250 hungry children needed food, clothes, Medicare and education. In addition, men, women and youths needed skills and tools for economic empowerment.
With the help of volunteers and in partnership with the Navigators we provided monthly medical supplies along with a doctor’s volunteer program. During the year, cholera struck our city. But the camp lost only one
child whereas a nearby community without intervention lost 10 people.
With he help of volunteers, 10 IDP women were trained to make shaggy rugs from tailoring waste. This project provided both economic and environmental benefits through its “waste to wealth” approach. Our partner, Nkwo who did the training, also set up a marketing outlet to enable the women to earn income from the sale of the shaggy rugs. Meanwhile because of the generosity of volunteers we supported the women with a monthly upkeep allowance. The “waste to wealth” approach was so impactful that it attracted television coverage on major stations.
Please feel free to reach out if this may be of interest you and review our profile for more information on the type of accommodation and other activities that you can get involved in should you so desire.Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Swahili (Kiswahili): Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
French: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
Swahili speakers are also welcome as we are seeking to create a cultural immersion for our kids We also welcome French or Spanish speakers as my kids are learning the languageAccommodation
Our home is a beautiful town house located in a cosmopolitan estate with a backyard and pool and sitting area.
We'd love a non-smoker, preferably who has been involved with children's ministry or general ministry or in coaching and mentoring children and adults for skills, social integration and the like. Preferably 25 yrs old or more who speaks fluent English.
We will host work-awayers in our 5-bedroom family home in Abuja and with the community on a rotation basis should that be agreeable to them so that they get to experience the full culture of the City. You will get an ensuite room for yourself (or to share with other work-awayers), with hot running water, washing machine for your laundry, high speed internet for any work you'd like to do. We will provide you breakfast, lunch and dinner and you are free to purchase and prepare anything specific that you would like to eat for yourself , the shops in Nigeria have most of international brands.What else ...
You will be exposed to the amazing Nigerian culture, visit Lagos which is a 70USD return flight away.
Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria, in the middle of the country. The skyline of the city, which was built largely in the 1980s, is dominated by Aso Rock, an enormous monolith. Until it replaced Lagos as Nigeria’s capital in 1991, Abuja was a rural, farming area occupied mainly by Koro, Gangana, Bassa Gade, and the Gbagyi tribes. The location transformed into a city in the 1980s, and today, it’s one of the most developed metropolises in the country. Unlike Lagos and other major cities, it’s easy to navigate by car. Its natural influences, including lakes and rocks, combined with modern civilization, arguably makes it the most beautiful location in the nation. The tranquil and clean city also boasts lots of attractions to keep you busy. From parks to local markets, enjoy a superb getaway by checking out these top things to do in Abuja, Nigeria.
10 Best Things To Do In Abuja, Nigeria from
1. Unwind at Central Park
Enjoy a grand time alone or with your family in this 500-acre (202.3-hectare) park, situated in the heart of Abuja. Hit the 1640.4-foot (500-meter) go-kart race track, play paintball, or watch your kids play at the engaging playground. Next, you can check out the water park or take some nice pictures in the dedicated spaces, featuring a heart-shaped plant, the yellow bridge, and more. This place is also a popular spot for concerts, festivals, birthdays, and more. And of course, there are food joints and restaurants serving pizza, barbecued chicken, drinks, local delicacies, and more.
2. Hike the rolling hills at Usuma Lower Dam
From picnics at the green spots to hiking, the outdoor fans will love it at Usuma Lower Dam, located in Ushafa Bwari Area, some minutes’ drive from the capital. It is the fifth-largest human-made lake globally, and it boasts the biggest hydropower plant in West Africa, which serves the metropolis with electricity and water. The rolling hills at the venue are easy to hike, and you can enjoy canoeing on the water. The food joints in this location aren’t always open, so it’s best to come with your own snacks and drinking water.
3. Buy souvenirs at Jabi African Art And Craft Market
A journey to the capital of the culturally endowed Nigeria without getting a souvenir is not complete. Peruse and choose from the many handicrafts, including bronze sculptures, leather bags, bracelets, and more on offer at the Jabi African Art and Craft Market. It’s located at the Abuja Arts & Crafts Village in the city’s central business district. On entering, you’ll be welcomed by a sight of an authentic African market scene made up of thatched-roof huts as shops. With local products on display from different parts of the country, this market is one of the best places to understand this nation’s diversity.
4. Take your inner child to Magicland Amusement Park
Magical Park is Nigeria’s Disneyland and the first and largest amusement park in the country. It’s located close to the city gate in the capital’s heart, making it easy to spot. The park features many ways to have fun with modern facilities such as carousels, roller coasters, bumper cars, flying tower, and even arcade games spaces. There are also green spaces to picnic with your loved ones. The entrance fee is very affordable, and there are restaurants and food joints on-site.
5. Hike the Wonderland Twin Peaks
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
How about enjoying a clear panorama of the Abuja skyline? Wonderland Twin Peaks, located close to Wuye District in the center of the town, offers you an easy 20-minute hike to the top with a 360-degree view of the capital. Although one of the hills is easier to climb than the other, both their paths are well paved. While on the peak, you can picnic or take lovely pictures. The sunrise and sunsets from the top are also spectacular.
6. Visit the Abuja National Mosque
Whether you’re a Muslim faithful or not, seeing the elegant Nigerian National Mosque, situated in Independence Avenue, is a must. The place of worship was constructed in 1984, at the request of some Islamic leaders, after the capital was moved from Lagos to Abuja. The building comprises four domes, each measuring a height of 393.7 feet (120 meters) and a central dome with a height of 196.9 feet (60 meters). The mosque also features an administrative office, a 500-capacity conference center, and a library.
7. Go birdwatching at Jabi Lake
The natural scene combined with urbanization makes the Jabi Lake area, close to the city’s center, a beauty to behold. Jabi Park, situated on the waterfront, is graced with green vegetation, making it an ideal spot for picnicking and birdwatching. You can book a boat ride and enjoy cruising on the calm waters. On-site, there is a shopping complex housing Shoprite and other stores that you can check out after a relaxing day at the lake.
8. Have fun at the National Children's Park And Zoo Abuja
If you’re vacationing with the kids, let them have fun at the National Children’s Park and Zoo, located close to Aso Rock. On-site, you can admire many wild animals, including zebras, giraffes, elephants, and camels. That’s not all: there’s a children’s area called the Toddler’s Lane, with numerous fun activities such as ziplining, baby slides, and slings. You can enjoy paid horse rides, play table tennis, or set up your picnic spot on the well-maintained grounds. There are no restaurants on-site, but you will find some food spots outside the gate.
National Children's Park And Zoo Abuja
9. Check out African art at Thought Pyramid Art Centre
If you have a sweet spot for African art, Thought Pyramid Art Center is a must-visit. It has a mission to collect, conserve, and study contemporary and modern art made by African artists. From the main entrance to the interior, you’ll be greeted by old and new paintings, metallic pieces, and sculptures made with exceptional talent. The venue is small, but the hour or less you’ll spend here is unforgettable. Admission is free, although pictures are not allowed within the building. You can also have some delicious bites at the eatery next door.
10. Admire the variety of flowers at Sarius Palmetum
The wife of the former head of state - Mrs. Ajoke Murtala Muhammed - is fascinated by flowers. During her travels, she collects varieties from different countries worldwide, which gave birth to Sarius Palmetum. It is situated on a 52-acre (21-hectare) picturesque property with stunning rock formations, green hilly areas, and a river traversing the region. Currently, the location boasts over 1,000 plant species, out of which 450 are palm varieties. You will find a range of plants of Mauritius, Singapore, and Hawaii origins. If you love nature, this place should be at the top of your Abuja itinerary.
Have a wonderful time in Abuja
A visit to Nigeria’s capital is bound to be fascinating. The place’s strategic location and business opportunities make it a converging point for people from all over the country. Meet local cultures, unwind in the parks, enjoy the gifts of nature, and have a wonderful time experiencing the top things to do in Abuja, Nigeria.A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
Can possibly accept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 4 hours a day, 5 days a week