Answers to common questions

Along with wanting to do good, comes the responsibility and commitment to the process, from the volunteer. The application process is done through the organization’s social media and website.
Initially, it is necessary to fill out the registration form, and approximately two weeks later, you will receive an email invitation to an interview. In the interview, you will commit to a 4-month journey including gatherings & volunteer days in Israel, fundraising days and activities for the mission, including initiatives and meetups related to the mission’s preparation for Africa and bonding. Sometimes, a rejection can be a result of full capacity, and we would suggest re-applying in the future.

Yes, after being accepted to the mission, a mental & professional preparation process begins in Israel. The process takes about 4 months that include gatherings in Israel. Those are intended to prepare the volunteers for the volunteer experience and include practical training related to the work done in Africa, and exposure to the unique culture and local lifestyle. At the same time, the delegation participates in part of the different volunteer opportunities in Israel, initiates events and social projects with the purpose of raising funds & donations and creating partnerships for the needs & success of the mission.

When the registration process opens, we also post a date that the registration ends. After that time, our average response time is 14 days.
If two weeks have passed since the end of registration date and you did not yet receive a response, please contact us via social media.

14 days.

Of course, many volunteers continue traveling across the continent to enjoy what Africa has to offer, and there is plenty! However, traveling beyond the volunteer mission is unrelated to HelpUp and should be planned and funded by you individually.

The cost includes airfare, accommodation, transportation, 3 meals a day, mineral water, one special day trip, local guides throughout the volunteering period, 2 Israeli mission leaders from the preparation time in Israel, a global satellite phone for each mission, shirt and hat.
It does not include insurance, vaccinations & a visa to enter the destination country (50USD to Tanzania & Uganda and 80USD to Ethiopia).
Payment can be made in 3 installments by credit card.

Two weeks of joint volunteer work along with the local community at the school. These two weeks include physical work (renovations, painting, construction) together with providing educational content, enrichment and learning with students and the local community.
Examples of renovations: Constructing water systems, installing drinking water & washing hands taps, building toilet stalls, building libraries/classrooms/school kitchen, purchasing school furniture, painting, planting a vegetable garden, building an outdoor playground and school benches. Heavy renovations will be done by local contractors; Electricity/building walls/work at heights etc.
Examples of classes: A workshop for girls to learn how to sew reusable hygiene sanitary products, CPR/first-aid workshops, sport days for students and teachers and classes in different areas (science, geography, mathematics, music etc.).
Volunteering includes a significant connection to children and villagers through workshops, joint dialogue, enrichment and providing tools. This unique and significant way of giving to others is engraved in the volunteer’s memory forever and strengthens their feelings of personal abilities and doing for others.
In addition, there is time to travel, enjoy the vibe and connection we share together, celebrate the holidays together, have Shabbat together with a festive, joyous and exciting dinner.

There are 4 missions to Africa – during the Jewish holidays, Sukkot Hannukah & Passover and during the summer (July-August). There are 2-4 delegations simultaneously, each one having approximately 40 volunteers, men and women.

Registration opens 4 times each year, approximately 4 months before the mission leaves for Africa.

Participation is from the age of 18 and over.

On Fridays, the activities end around lunchtime in order to prepare for Shabbat. On Shabbat it’s possible to stay at the hostel, or if possible, the volunteer can walk (being accompanied) to where the activity is taking place and assist.

The provided menu during the volunteer period is vegetarian by nature and is based on carbohydrates and vegetables. The food is cooked at the hostel with non-kosher utensils. It is possible to buy utensils locally and make them kosher and also bring condensed cans from Israel.

Yes, it is possible, both for those serving in regular service and permanent career service. Authorization is needed from the military and that is the responsibility of the volunteer.

No worries, before you are asked to pay, you will receive all the details regarding our cancellation terms and Airline cancellation policy.

Yes, during registration there is a check box to specify that you are volunteering with a friend (obviously they will also need to register), however, we are unable to commit in advance that both of you will be accepted.