About this role
Public Health Educator
Project Description: Step into a meaningful public health role where you can support mothers, youth, and families in Cameroon to take charge of their health.
Health facilities and clinics in Cameroon are looking to improve maternal and youth health at the last mile, and you can lend a hand. Cameroon continues to face significant community health challenges, especially in rural areas where maternal, newborn, and child illness and mortality remain far too common. Limited access to quality care; low health-seeking behaviors; adolescent pregnancies; and inadequate water, hygiene, and sanitation (WASH) infrastructure all contribute to preventable health burdens. Despite strong national commitments, many communities still grapple with resource constraints, workforce shortages, and uneven access to essential services.
As a Public Health Educator, you will support health centers, schools, families, and youth groups to strengthen health education and awareness of available services. Together, you will identify opportunities to strengthen essential health services and community engagement for improved health outcomes. By strengthening the health education and programming, you will support individuals to take control of their health for a healthier future.
Required Skills: Associate degree in any field and at least two years of full-time, post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles). OR Bachelor's degree in any field. OR High school diploma or GED and four years of full-time, post-high school work (from any combination of roles).
Living Conditions: The Volunteer will live in a village in the Adamawa, East, West or Center region, ranging from 300 to 40,000 people in size. Housing is typically modest and may lack electricity or running water. Volunteers often use pit latrines, outdoor bathing areas, and nearby water sources with provided filtration. Internet access can be limited, though basic cell reception is usually available nearby.
Activities: Facilitate community needs assessments to identify priority health concerns. Support knowledge-sharing activities, such as health talks, small group discussions, and interactive sessions. Plan and facilitate community health awareness events. Teach and reinforce life skills in both formal and informal settings through storytelling, games, and hands-on demonstrations. Support capacity-strengthening trainings, mentoring sessions, and youth clubs. Assist with home visits to reinforce key health behaviors. Facilitate food preparation demonstrations to promote improved nutrition for families and children.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as tree planting projects or after-school sports.
Training: As a Public Health Educator, you will be trained on behavior change communications, youth health activity planning, and strategies for community engagement. Peace Corps/Cameroon will teach you French to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community. You will also receive language resources and learn Fufulde if serving in the Adamawa region.
After 10 weeks of training, you will move to a rural community where you will collaborate with health centers, youth groups, schools, and families. You will work with the community to assess the needs and develop solutions based on available resources.
Job Highlights: Develop the skills to translate complex health information into simple, culturally appropriate messaging for different audiences. Learn French and local languages, such as Fufulde. Gain practical skills in public speaking, health promotion, and community engagement.