North Africa Mission Trip

Empowering Refugees Through Vocational Training

You and your team will be a part of equipping refugees with practical skills and knowledge by sharing your expertise and helping others build sustainable livelihoods.

Key Information

  • This mission trip is specially designed for individuals with practical trade skills who are passionate about serving others. We are looking for people with experience in one of the following areas:

    • Physical therapy

    • Massage therapy

    • Sewing

    • Cosmetology

    • Leather work

    • Food drying/preservation

    • Electrical work

    In addition, we are in need of someone with experience in small business planning to help equip and empower local communities.

    Team members will have the opportunity to share their expertise by providing hands-on vocational training and practical skills to help refugees start their own businesses and support their families. Similar to last year, the format is expected to follow a classroom-style setting, running from 9AM to 4PM for five consecutive days. Each team will work with a consistent group of approximately 10 refugees, along with a translator, creating a focused and relational learning environment.

  • December 4-12, 2025

    December 4: Leave USA

    December 12: Return to USA

    Application deadline is September 12, 2025

  • $1,500 per person

    Please Note: This price covers food, lodging, and transportation within North Africa. It does not include flights to and from North Africa, personal spending money, and equipment needed for training. (Total estimated cost with airfare and personal expenses: $3,100-$3,500)

    Participants are responsible for booking their own round-trip travel to and from North Africa.

    After being accepted to the team, you’ll be required to submit a nonrefundable deposit of $500 to secure your spot within one week of acceptance.

  • Age Requirement: 28-75 years old
    Requires specific trade skills, teaching, and leadership abilities.

    Team Size: 8-12 people (+ team leaders)
    There will be 3-4 teams with 2-3 people on each trade team.

  • We will partner with a global missions organization that focuses on empowering refugees and using business as missions.

  • The team will stay in a modest hotel or Airbnb located within the nearby area, providing a comfortable and safe environment. Meals will be provided by the local ministry team.

  • The trip includes one day of local tourism. Specific activities and destinations will be confirmed closer to the trip date.

  • In preparation for the trip, participants will take part in 5 to 6 pre-trip Zoom meetings. These sessions are designed to help the team get to know one another, engage in spiritual preparation through Bible discussions and video teachings, and take care of important logistics such as visa requirements and medical preparation. These meetings are a valuable time to build unity, align hearts, and ensure everyone is ready—spiritually and practically—for the experience ahead.

Trade Opportunities

  • Sewing

    As part of the sewing training team, you’ll teach refugees practical techniques in sewing, ranging from basic stitches to creating garments and household items. Participants will learn by doing, gaining the confidence to produce quality items for personal use or sale.

  • Food Drying

    Help turn local produce into a lasting opportunity. As part of the food drying training team, you’ll teach refugees how to preserve fruits and vegetables through safe and effective drying techniques.

  • Cosmetology

    As part of the cosmetology team, you’ll help equip refugees with practical knowledge in hair cutting, nails, and personal grooming. In a small classroom setting, you’ll provide hands-on training that allows participants to learn and practice new techniques in a supportive environment.

  • Electricity

    Put your technical expertise to work in a way that changes lives. By training local refugees in basic electrical work, they’ll find job opportunities or small-scale electrical services within their communities.

  • Leather Work

    Join a team that brings the timeless craft of leatherwork to life. In this hands-on training, you’ll guide refugees through the artistry of creating beautiful, functional pieces from raw leather—teaching skills like hand-stitching, tooling, and finishing.

  • Physical Therapy/Massage Therapy

    As part of this team, you’ll train refugees in basic physical therapy techniques and therapeutic massage practices that promote wellness, reduce pain, and support physical recovery.

  • Small Business Planning & Marketing

    Use your business expertise to work in a way that changes lives. By training refugees in wholesale and retail sales and services, you’ll help them access better-paying jobs or even launch their own businesses. Your knowledge becomes a foundation for independence, dignity, and long-term growth—helping others rise above hardship with practical skills and hope.

A WORD FROM YOUR TEAM LEADER

Rich Armstrong

“Many refugees who have fled to safer places in North Africa are being cared for physically, economically, and spiritually by our ministry partner.  They have asked us to support them with vocational training. This training will allow them to provide for their families, as they are struggling to provide basic necessities. In providing this support, our ministry partners are creating relationships that lead to Bible study engagement in home churches. This is a unique opportunity to have an impact on people in an area of the world that is normally closed off to even considering Christianity.  Please consider joining us for this trip!”