Oumar Touré stands in front of his stall selling clothes, shoes, and accessories — a quiet but powerful sign of how far he’s come from carrying fish on the docks to building a business of his own.
Senegal Leads the Way Among Safe African Countries for Volunteers
For people who are looking to make a difference in the world, international volunteer opportunities offer meaningful ways to connect with and support communities in need. From teaching English in Southeast Asia to working on sustainable farming projects in South America, or helping people out of poverty in Africa, there are countless ways for individuals to share their time and talents alongside global communities.
Medical missions, environmental conservation, youth mentorship, and community development are just a few of the ways volunteers can contribute while building cross-cultural understanding. These programs provide vital support to underserved communities and foster global citizenship and personal growth for those who participate.
In recent years, Africa has become an increasingly popular destination for volunteers. Its rich cultural diversity, vibrant communities, and pressing development needs create a dynamic environment for impactful work. However, safety is a key concern for many considering volunteering on the continent. While experiences vary by region, several African countries are recognized for their stability and welcoming environments for international visitors, with Senegal being a top choice among them.
Keep reading to find out more about safe volunteer opportunities in Africa and the work being done by Friends of Senegal and Maison de la Gare.
Is It Safe To Volunteer in Africa?
While many people associate Africa with images of political unrest, famine, and harsh climates, the reality is far more nuanced — and often much more positive. Africa is a vast and incredibly diverse continent, home to 54 countries and a rich mosaic of languages, cultures, and landscapes. Safety conditions can vary widely depending on the region, and while some areas do face challenges, many others are stable, peaceful, and welcoming to international visitors. The key is to move beyond generalizations and recognize that every place in Africa is not the same. With proper planning and informed choices, volunteering here can be a safe, rewarding, and life-changing experience.
There are numerous areas across the continent where volunteering is safe and highly encouraged by local communities and governments. Countries such as Senegal, Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, and Namibia have established reputations for security and hospitality. Generally, Senegal, Morocco, South Africa, and Namibia are considered safe for volunteers and tourists in Africa. Other countries with strong safety records for volunteers include Ghana, Tanzania, and Botswana.
These nations offer well-structured volunteer programs in areas like education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and youth development.
Doing your research by checking travel advisories, partnering with reputable organizations, and understanding local customs can help ensure a safe and meaningful experience. For those who prepare thoughtfully, Africa opens the door to some of the world’s most impactful and inspiring volunteer opportunities.
Friends of Senegal & Maison de la Gare
For those seeking meaningful and safe volunteer opportunities in Africa, Friends of Senegal and its partner organization, Maison de la Gare, offer exemplary programs that combine impactful service with cultural immersion. Based in Saint-Louis, Senegal, Maison de la Gare is a non-religious, non-governmental organization that found its start improving the lives of children and adults in the Saint-Louis, Senegal area.
While MDG found its start helping street children, the hard work and generous efforts of the community, international volunteers, and donors have allowed them to broaden their reach to other members of the community.
Volunteers at MDG engage in diverse activities such as providing basic healthcare, teaching French and English, organizing sports and arts programs, and supporting microfinance initiatives. They even provide food and shelter for talibés who have run away from their daaras after being mistreated. The organization emphasizes ethical volunteer practices and ensures that contributions align with the values and needs of the local community.
Friends of Senegal complements Maison de la Gare’s efforts by focusing on entrepreneurship and financial self-sufficiency. Volunteers in their microfinance program assist in interviewing potential borrowers, teaching business skills, and supporting loan recipients through field meetings and program evaluations. This hands-on experience allows volunteers to witness the tangible impact when they are able to help Senegalese citizens start their own small businesses.
These programs are run entirely by volunteers and Saint-Louis community members. Every effort is fueled by their hard work and supported by donations. Both organizations provide comprehensive support for their volunteers. You may choose to stay with a host family for a deeply immersive cultural experience, in a local auberge (inn or hostel), or in a comfortable three-star hotel. Your first day will include a thorough orientation to all of Maison de la Gare’s activities, with the flexibility to adjust your focus area based on your interests. Every detail is designed to ensure you have a safe, enriching, and rewarding experience in Senegal.
We hope that you will join the volunteer family of Friends of Senegal and Maison de la Gare. If volunteering is not possible for you at this time, you can still make a huge contribution to our effort by making a donation in whatever amount that is comfortable for you. Please contact us if you have questions. We are here for you.
Wondering What It Is Like To Volunteer in Senegal? Hear From Previous Volunteers:
What Makes Senegal a Safe African Country To Volunteer In?
Volunteers can feel safe when they choose to donate their time and talents in Senegal. Let’s explore why.
Religious Tolerance and Coexistence
Despite being a predominantly Muslim nation, with approximately 97% of the population adhering to Islam, Senegal has a long-standing tradition of harmonious interfaith relations. Christian communities, primarily Catholic, coexist peacefully alongside their Muslim neighbors, and it’s common to find families and communities where both religions are practiced.
This culture of mutual respect is deeply ingrained in Senegalese society and is actively promoted by religious leaders and the government alike. The U.S. Department of State notes that Senegalese religious leaders continue to emphasize the high value placed on tolerance and peaceful coexistence among faith-based communities. Volunteers in Senegal often find themselves embraced by this inclusive atmosphere, where religious diversity is not only accepted but celebrated.
Political Stability
Senegal’s reputation as one of Africa’s most politically stable countries plays a key role in making it a safe and welcoming destination for international volunteers. Since gaining independence in 1960, the country has maintained a strong tradition of democratic governance, peaceful transitions of power, and respect for constitutional processes. While the most recent change in leadership was marked by some unrest and isolated protests — an uncommon exception in Senegal’s history — peace has since been restored, and the country continues to uphold its commitment to democratic stability.
Senegal has never experienced a military coup, and its strong civil society and independent media contribute to a political culture that values dialogue, accountability, and civic participation. This enduring stability fosters a secure environment for volunteers, who can focus on meaningful service without concerns over sudden unrest or upheaval.
Absence of Extremist Movements
Senegal’s resilience against extremist ideologies significantly contributes to its status as a safe and welcoming destination for international volunteers. Despite regional instability in parts of West Africa, Senegal has remained largely untouched by violent extremist movements. This stability is attributed to the country’s strong adherence to Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam that emphasizes peace, tolerance, and nonviolence.
Approximately 95% of Senegalese Muslims follow the Sufi tradition. This deeply rooted spiritual tradition, coupled with the nation’s democratic governance and active civil society, acts as a safeguard against the spread of extremism.
Cultural Emphasis on Hospitality (Teranga)
Senegal’s enduring reputation as one of Africa’s safest and most welcoming countries for international volunteers is deeply rooted in its cultural ethos of teranga. More than just a word for “hospitality” in Wolof, teranga embodies a profound philosophy of generosity, mutual respect, and communal responsibility that permeates daily life across the nation.
Visitors are not merely guests — they are embraced as extended family, often invited to share meals, participate in local customs, and engage in community events. This spirit of openness ensures that volunteers feel not only safe but genuinely integrated into the fabric of Senegalese society, fostering connections that often last a lifetime.
Lack of Racial Tensions
Senegal’s longstanding commitment to ethnic and cultural harmony makes it a uniquely safe and welcoming destination for international volunteers. Home to a rich mosaic of ethnic groups, including Wolof, Pulaar, Serer, Jola, Mandinka, and others, Senegal has cultivated a national identity rooted in unity and mutual respect.
The absence of significant racial or ethnic tensions fosters an environment where volunteers from diverse backgrounds are embraced and integrated into communities with warmth and openness. This cultural inclusivity enhances the volunteer experience, allowing for meaningful connections and a deeper understanding of Senegal’s vibrant social fabric.
Making a Macro Difference With Micro Contributions
Volunteering or donating to Friends of Senegal’s microfinance program represents far more than a charitable gesture — it creates profound pathways that ripple out, creating self-sufficiency throughout entire communities and future generations. These loans do not just provide capital, they offer dignity, hope, and the chance for Senegalese citizens to build sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their families.
What makes this work particularly meaningful is witnessing firsthand how a modest investment can enable someone to start their own enterprise, breaking cycles of dependency and creating opportunities that previously seemed impossible. All of this for the cost of what might be an occasional splurge on a new pair of shoes for many Westerners.
Oumare Touré’s Story
Oumar Touré’s story is one of resilience despite years of hardship:
“My name is Oumar Touré, and I am a merchant. I sell second-hand clothes, carrying them through the streets of Saint-Louis and offering them to people I meet.
I am originally from the Kaolack region, which used to be called Sine Saloum [an area of Senegal known for its extreme dry and wet seasons]. During the dry season, there is no work. In Saint-Louis, I found odd jobs to earn a little money, and I would return home during the rainy season to work in the fields.
I did this in the hope of building a better future for myself. But right from the start, life put me to the test. I managed to buy a hundred pairs of second-hand shoes to resell them, and I stored them in a place I thought was safe, but they were stolen on the first night. That blow almost killed me!
With no other choice, I went down to the docks to help the fishermen wrap the fish in old newspapers, then carried them on my head to the women who sold them. Every day was a struggle that left me exhausted. Some days I earned 500 francs, other days 1,000 francs [$0.90 to $1.80], but other days I earned nothing at all. It was really hard, but I kept hoping for better days.
In 2020, I managed to start selling second-hand clothes, but I don’t have much to sell. Life as a street vendor isn’t easy either, but it was a small step, a new start that gave me hope.
When I heard about the possibility of financial assistance from Friends of Senegal and Maison de la Gare, I found it hard to believe that anyone wanted to help me. I met Ndaraw, who seemed like an honest and sincere man, and he explained what I needed to do to get a loan. I took the required training and learned how to develop a business plan.
It took time, but I was able to get the loan and invest in starting a real business. Over time, I was able to strengthen my business, increase my income, and send some money to my wife to feed her and the children. Finally being able to do what I came to Saint-Louis for, to help my family, was a dream come true. Today, I can provide for them with greater peace of mind.
“But my dream goes further. I want to have my own store, a stable and safe place where I can grow my business and earn more money. For me, this project is much more than just a store: it’s the hope of improving my children’s living conditions in the long term and giving them the opportunities I never had.”
There are literally thousands of other young men and women in Senegal who are like Oumar: ready and willing to work hard to provide for their families. With your help, in the form of donations or volunteering with us in Saint-Louis, we can make many more dreams like Oumar’s come true.”
How Friends of Senegal and Maison de la Gare Ensure the Safety of Their Volunteers
The safety of our volunteers is of the utmost importance to us, so we do everything we can to make your experience smooth by:
- Arranging lodging and travel accommodations once you are in Senegal
- Letting you know what to expect ahead of time
- Making sure someone from our team is with you
- Introducing you to our location and procedures
- And more
Volunteering or donating to Friends of Senegal goes beyond simply giving your money or your time. It is about sharing your resources to empower others, helping to strengthen an economy that has faced historical challenges, and creating opportunities for people to build the stable, self-sufficient lives that everyone deserves.
If you’re ready to support Friends of Senegal and Maison de la Gare by volunteering, learn more about how you can help here.
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