Senegal is a developing country desperately in need of modern infrastructure and better housing in many locations and many impoverished people live in very poor conditions, without basic levels of comfort and hygiene. As a volunteer on Projects Abroad’s Building project in Senegal, you will therefore be helping to not only improve living conditions but also to instil pride in these communities.
You do not need previous building experience to take part in this project and you can participate as part of a gap year, career break, or as a volunteer vacation. Volunteers who have any relevant skills are welcome and will be able to take on a more specialized role. All volunteers should, however, be reasonably fit and physically active, and be prepared to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
The beneficiaries of this program are mainly street children known as talibés, poor families, single mothers, widows without a source of income, and school children. This is an ideal placement for anyone looking to make a tangible difference to communities in need.
Building volunteers in Senegal contribute to the renovation and/or building of houses and school classrooms in impoverished communities to enable an improved living and learning environment. Volunteers are supervised by professional builders and assist with painting, refurbishing, renovating or building rooms, shelters, roofs, walls and classrooms. Working hours are from 9am to noon and then again in the afternoon from 3:30pm to 6:30pm.
As a volunteer, you will work and live in St Louis. All volunteers live with a local host family in the area, which allows you to fully immerse yourself in Senegalese culture.
You can join the General Building Project in Senegal from one week if you do not have time to join us for four weeks or more. This project has been selected by our local colleagues as being suitable for short term volunteering for both the host community and the volunteer. Although you will gain a valuable cultural insight and work intensely within the local community please be aware that you may not be able to make the same impact as someone volunteering for a longer period and may not see the completion of some of the building work.