Keen to visit and volunteer in Senegal? You are in the right place. Join inspiring volunteer projects in Senegal where you can help disadvantaged communities, children, wildlife and the environment. Go Volunteer Africa’s Volunteering in Senegal program is in need for volunteers to help all year round – this will be a life changing experience.
Sometimes when people are looking to volunteer in Africa, they often overlook Senegal. At Go Volunteer Africa we are offering volunteer placements in Senegal to both English and French speakers. Go Volunteer Africa offers a range of volunteer programs in Senegal to choose from all year round. As a volunteer in our volunteer projects in Senegal you will experience world class modern cities, beautiful beaches and friendly natives.
Senegal known as the “Gateway to Africa” is a country in western Africa with an Atlantic Ocean coastline, the country has an area of 196,712 sq. km. The country lies at an ecological boundary where semiarid grassland, oceanfront, and tropical rainforest converge. This diverse environment has endowed Senegal with a wide variety of plant and animal life. It is from this rich natural heritage that the country’s national symbols were chosen: the baobab tree and the lion.
Neighboring countries include The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and Mauritania. Senegal’s geography is mostly flat, and the northern border is formed by the Senegal River. The Gambia, occupies a narrow sliver of land along the banks of the Gambia River, which separates Senegal’s southern region of Casamance from the rest of the country. Senegal also shares a maritime border with Cape Verde.
Go Volunteer Africa allows you to give back to communities in Senegal while exploring the amazing diversity and rich cultural history of this stunningly beautiful country in Africa. Whether you are interested in teaching volunteer work, childcare volunteer work, conservation volunteer work, construction volunteer work, healthcare volunteer work or sports coaching volunteer work.
Why volunteer in Senegal?
Senegal, the westernmost country in Africa, has a population of about 15 million people. Nearly half of the Senegalese population – 46.7 percent, to be exact – are living in poverty. Geographic disparities in poverty exist between rural areas and Dakar, the capital city and largest city in Senegal. In rural areas, 66 percent of residents are considered poor compared to 23 percent of residents in Dakar. Additionally, the general poverty line in Dakar is almost two times higher than it is in rural areas.
Senegal’s economy relies on industries such as mining, construction, agriculture, fishing and tourism, but also heavily relies on foreign aid and remittances. Nearly 75 percent of the population works in the agricultural sector, which is regularly threatened by inclement weather such as drought and other climate changes.
Senegal has a poor economy and, as a result, many Senegalese people emigrate to other countries. The fertility rate in Senegal is almost 4.5 children per woman. Young people comprise a large portion – 60 percent – of the Senegalese population. Additionally, Senegal has an illiteracy rate of 40 percent and a high unemployment rate of 12.7 percent, both of which provide dim outlooks for Senegalese youth.
Unlike many countries facing extreme poverty, Senegal has one of the most stable governments in Africa and is considered a model for democracy in Africa. Since its independence from France in 1960, Senegal has elected four presidents and has witnessed three peaceful political transitions.
You will make a long term sustainable difference, meet new friends and learn about the country and culture Volunteering in Senegal program has volunteer projects throughout the country and there is a lot of choice depending on your interests. The capital city Dakar is a great place to base yourself for the buzz of city live or for somewhere more tranquil and beautiful you might want to apply for a program in the Saint Louis.
***Go Volunteer Africa has volunteer work in Senegal that is suitable for you. There are so many ways to volunteer in Senegal and here below are some of our volunteering in Senegal opportunities.***
VOLUNTEER PROJECTS IN SENEGAL
EXTRAS AND SUPPORT
ABOUT SENEGAL
Senegal known as the “Gateway to Africa" is a country in western Africa with an Atlantic Ocean coastline, the country has an area of196,712 sq. km. The country lies at an ecological boundary where semiarid grassland, oceanfront, and tropical rainforest converge. This diverse environment has endowed Senegal with a wide variety of plant and animal life. It is from this rich natural heritage that the country’s national symbols were chosen: the baobab tree and the lion.
Neighboring countries include The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and Mauritania. Senegal's geography is mostly flat, and the northern border is formed by the Senegal River. The Gambia, occupies a narrow sliver of land along the banks of the Gambia River, which separates Senegal’s southern region of Casamance from the rest of the country. Senegal also shares a maritime border with Cape Verde.
Senegal has a mixed economic system in which the presence of the state in the economy is considerable, but there is limited private sector freedom. Senegal’s economic and political capital is Dakar. Senegal is one of the easiest countries to visit in west Africa and is most tourist’s first taste of the region.
French is the official language of Senegal, but most people speak Wolof. Besides French and Wolof, people speak the language of their ethnic group, such as Pulaar, Serer, and thirty-eight other African languages, some few people speak English.
The Senegalese are overwhelmingly Muslim. Some 90 percent of the population belong to the Sunni branch of Islam. The remaining 10 percent are Roman Catholic.
Capital: Dakar (Population: 2,476,400)
Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF) $1 = 585CFA / £1 = 741CFA (2019)
Population: 16,740,000 (approx)
Official languages: Wolof and French
Area: 196,712 sq. km
International Calling Code: +221
PROJECT LOCATIONS & QUICK FACTS
Go Volunteer Africa offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities in Dakar and Saint Louis in Senegal from teaching, childcare, construction and healthcare projects. In Senegal we host both French and English speaking volunteers.
If you are looking for meaningful volunteer projects in Africa for a short or long term stay, Senegal is an ideal destination. Programs are perfect if you want to do something more than sightseeing and would like to see more than the average tourist and truly start to understand this distinctive culture.
VOLUNTEERING IN SENEGAL QUICK FACTS
- The program is open all year-round
- Very flexible start and end dates (arrive any day of the month)
- Over 6 exceptional sustainable project options
- Projects are based across the country with major locations being Dakar & Saint Louis
- Accommodation available at volunteer house & host families
- We host over 25 volunteers every month across Senegal
- Program fees include pre-departure support, airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support
- We are the most affordable organization in Africa, because we are the locals!
You will get to integrate into local society, sample the tasty food, experience the vibrant culture and also make a difference. There are summer and year round programs available where you can help people, animals and the environment. Volunteering in Senegal and helping people is a highly rewarding experience and there are also lots of cultural and sightseeing activities you will get to do in your spare time.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate, unless volunteering with a parent or guardian. All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a criminal background check to Go Volunteer Africa's local Coordinators on arrival in the country.
SAFARIS & TOURS
Safaris, day and cultural tours can be organized over the weekends for volunteers. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore Senegal's vibrant cities, rich musical culture, secluded beaches and wildlife. There is a lot to see and do in Senegal.
SUPPORT | |
BEFORE YOU GO | IN-COUNTRY |
§ Pre-departure support & documentation § Travel & medical advice & documentation § Advice on visas & equipment advice
| § Project orientation § Accommodation § 3 meals a day § Airport pickup § In-country emergency support § 24-hour HQ backup § Free GVA t-shirt
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SENEGAL VOLUNTEER PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
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Transport: | Airport pickup |
Accommodation: | Volunteer Guest house/ Host Family |
ARRIVAL & AIRPORT PICKUP
After you have booked and confirmed your placement, please book your flights to arrive at Blaise Diagne International Airport in Diass. A member of staff from our local partner organization in Senegal will meet you on arrival at Blaise Diagne International Airport in Diass and take you to the volunteer guest house or host family which will be your base for volunteering.
Orientation and Placement will be done the next day. This airport services numerous international carriers including the national airline Air Senegal. Senegal has good connections to destinations throughout Europe, the Asia- Pacific region, USA and Africa.
ACCOMMODATION & LIVING IN SENEGAL
Volunteers are provided accommodation in a volunteer house or in a homestay accommodation managed by the local coordinating team. Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) are provided to the participants from Monday - Sunday.
The accommodations are neat and clean. Accommodation is shared amongst volunteers on the ‘same gender sharing’ basis rooms. Wifi internet, warm water is not guaranteed.
The homes are close to useful amenities like banks, ATM’s, currency exchanges, restaurants, cafes and shopping places. All placements are around 10 - 30 minutes from the accommodation.
Over the weekends or evenings, participants are free to eat out and explore the different delights that Senegal has to offer.
Some volunteers are also provided accommodation in the project premises itself. For example - Volunteers working in teaching project can be provided accommodation in the project premises itself in a separate room that is allotted for volunteers.
PROGRAM COSTS
Item | Cost (USD$) | Inclusion |
1 week | $360 |
Exclusions:
|
2 weeks | $460 | |
3 weeks | $560 | |
4 weeks | $660 | |
5 weeks | $760 | |
6 weeks | $860 | |
7 weeks | $960 | |
8 weeks | $1060 | |
9 weeks | $ 1160 | |
10 weeks | $1260 | |
Extra week | + $100 |
PLACEMENT BOOKING FEE:
After application process and acceptance into the program, you will be required to pay a placement booking and confirmation administration fee of USD$180 (solo traveler), USD$150 (2-5 participants p/p), USD$125 (6+ participants p/p). This is charged above the program fee quoted which is paid in cash upon arrival to your host country.
The fee covers: Administration Costs, Placement Booking & Confirmation, Pre-departure support & documentation, 24-hour international HQ back-up
Visas: Visitors to Senegal require a visa unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries. All visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six months with at least one empty page. Check this page - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Senegal
Insurance: You'll need to buy appropriate travel insurance covering your participation on the program. You won't be able to go without the right travel insurance so double check to avoid disappointment. Please make sure that you're covered for the whole duration of your trip – from the day you leave your home to the day you return.
APPLICATION & BOOKING
To participate in this program, you have to fill an online application form, and submit it for consideration. After application process and acceptance into the program, you will be required to pay 50% of the program fee within 14 days of your acceptance. Failure to make the placement booking and confirmation payment will lead to cancelation of your program.
Get Started
Fill Volunteer Application Form here or Make an inquiry here