What is Operation Crossroads Africa?
Operation Crossroads Africa is a U.S.-based, private voluntary organization that sponsors cross-cultural exchanges and small-scale service projects in Africa.
For seven weeks each summer, teams of eight to ten Crossroads volunteers, a Crossroads group leader and local volunteers join with a local community on a project that involves local people and Crossroaders working together.
In 2024, Crossroads will support projects in several African countries. We invite you to become a part of the Crossroads tradition as a volunteer or Crossroads leader.
Why volunteer as a Crossroader?
Top Six Reasons to Volunteer Abroad with Operation Crossroads Africa:
International Experience
Have an authentic immersion experience in Africa. Living and working in a local community; eating local foods and grappling with the same daily concerns of the people in the host community.
History
Become part of a tradition of service that spans more than sixty years, which has a network of thousands of alumni worldwide who are working to make the world a better place. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy called Operation Crossroads Africa the "progenitor of the Peace Corps", at a ceremony at the White House in honor of the 1962 volunteers.
Community Service
Do real work that has a direct impact for people in the host community and yourself.
Leadership / Self Awareness
Be exposed to important leadership skills and concepts from the experiential learning module used by Operation Crossroads Africa which focuses on working within a group. Gain on-the-ground real experience working in a team, a proven desirable skill employers seek when recruiting new employees.
Preparation
Receive careful and expert guidance through every phase of the program.
Safety
Live and work in a safe environment.
The Crossroads Africa Program Overview
The Africa Program focuses on service projects in selected African countries each summer. In 2024, the following countries have been selected as possible project sites:
English-speaking
Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia
French-speaking
Senegal and Togo
June 16 – August 4, 2024
- 3 days of orientation
- 6 weeks of work on a Crossroads Service Project in the host country.
- 1 week of travel in the host country.
Crossroaders engage in five types of projects
- Community Construction Projects
- Community Health/Medical Outreach Projects
- Agriculture/Reforestation Projects
- Education/Training Projects
- Women's Service Projects