Liem with some of the talibés at Maison de la Gare in Saint-Louis, Senegal.
Volunteer Abroad Programs for Adults: How To Make a Big Impact One Trip at a Time
Embarking on a volunteer abroad program as an adult means stepping outside of your usual way of life and into something bigger.
Here’s what one of Maison de la Gare’s volunteers, Liem, had to say about volunteering abroad in Senegal, “I came to Senegal expecting to discover a new culture, gain experience teaching, improve my French, and support a cause that was bigger than me. Looking back on it, I gained so much more. It sounds cliché, but being in Senegal changed me in a way. Before coming to West Africa, I, like many Americans, had little understanding of how the non-Western world works and struggles. Being exposed to a different way of life and the realities of living in a developing country made me reflect and reconsider many aspects of my life at home.”
Helping locals improve their country’s social and economic issues is a big task, but it can be done with many, many hands. And it all starts with you.
Maison de la Gare and Friends of Senegal are non-profit NGOs that support the economic growth and flourishing of vulnerable individuals within Senegal. We invite you to keep reading more about our program and learn what you can do to become an important part of our mission through your generous donation or by volunteering your time.
Why Should You Consider Volunteering Abroad as an Adult With Maison de la Gare and Friends of Senegal
Maison de la Gare and Friends of Senegal, with the help of our amazing volunteers and donors, have significantly impacted the lives of Senegalese families and communities.
MDG was created in 2007 in order to provide a secure place for Senegalese street children, referred to as talibés, to find refuge. As young children sent to live in “daaras” to study the Quran, talibés often face abuse and neglect within these establishments, whether at the hands of their teachers, marabouts, or other children.
The children are often mistreated, often sent out on the streets to beg for money and food, only to be punished later if they don’t meet their daily “quota.” The children are generally deprived of education, food, and basic care.
The talibé children, sometimes as young as 5 or 6, often run away from the abusive situations within the daaras and are found by MDG’s “night patrols,” who offer them a safe place to stay and food.
Since 2020, Maison de la Gare has partnered with Portland, Oregon-based NGO Friends of Senegal to grow a robust microfinance program that teaches entrepreneurial skills to the older talibé and other men and women of the community and grants successful graduates of our training program a no-interest micro loan so that they may start a small business and become financially self-sufficient.
As non-government and non-religious affiliated organizations, MDG and FOS, our programs are funded exclusively by your donations and greatly assisted in our work through your volunteer time.
.The microfinance program maintained and run by Friends of Senegal Maison de la Gare has provided these life-changing loans to people like Fautoumata Wane.
Fatoumata’s Story
Fatoumata, with one of her fish that will surely make her customers very happy.
Fatoumata Wane, a 57-year-old Senegalese woman, was born and raised in Guet N’Dar, one of Senegal’s largest fishing districts. “Selling fish,” she says, ”has always been hard work, but now it’s even harder because huge European and Asian fishing boats take our fish. We don’t catch as many anymore, and they’re much smaller than they used to be.”
Seven days a week, Fatoumata has to cope with the limited supply of fish, the suffocating heat and humidity, the haggling over prices, and the weight of the fish baskets… all of which demand great physical and mental stamina. But with pride and a touch of good humor, she declares, “I got some good fish today, and that’s going to make my customers very happy.” Then she adds with a chuckle, “And that makes me happy.”
“Thanks to the help of Friends of Senegal (FOS) and Maison de la Gare (MDG), I can now buy more fish, and I have a good cooler in which to store them. My customers know that I always have the freshest fish, and they will pay a good price for them. The microfinance loan has helped me a lot. It’s a real ray of sunshine in my life.”
She says, “I want my children to have a good education, good health, and a better future. I don’t want them to experience the difficulties I did.”
Dreaming of her future, Fatoumata adds, “One day, I want to have my own truck so I can take my fish to neighboring villages.”
When she’s ready to realize that dream, FOS and MDG will be there to support her.
Fatoumata’s story is that of thousands of Senegalese women who, despite the difficulties, fight every day for their families and communities. Your donation or participation in our microfinance program will enable us to help more people like her. Together, we can change lives.
What Previous Volunteers Have To Say About Their Experience
Liem, Frida, and Mari’s experiences are just a few of thousands. As a volunteer with organizations like Friends of Senegal, in partnership with Maison de la Gare, you have an opportunity to make a lasting change in your life and the lives of those around you.
6 Types of Volunteer Opportunities With Friends of Senegal and Maison de la Gare
Maison de la Gare and Friends of Senegal offer adults a variety of volunteer opportunities in Senegal.
#1: Microfinance
The involvement of older talibés and men and women of the Saint-Louis community in the microfinance program at Maison de la Gare and Friends of Senegal makes it possible for individuals and groups to develop income-generating activities. For example, individuals can choose to raise poultry or livestock, sell goods from kiosks, set up and manage a boutique store, or even open their own restaurant. This program is a wonderful chance for at-risk members of Saint-Louis communities to take concrete steps toward financial independence.
Aliou Kandé’s income jumped from $77 to $139, an increase of 80%, in the first month after his loan made it possible to purchase a wider range of inventory to sell from his kiosk. You can read more about his story here. Aliou has just received his second microloan, which will allow him to offer even more products to his customers and set him on his way to becoming “a great businessman of Saint-Louis,” his enthusiastically stated goal.
As a volunteer in the microfinance program, you will help potential borrowers strengthen their basic math skills, learn accounting principles, understand their market, buy supplies, and grow their business ventures. Your support will also be vital in helping program participants develop viable project proposals for loan evaluation.
Requirements:
- Some college or university-level education in business
- An ability to listen carefully and work respectfully with potential borrowers
- Business experience is a plus
- Intermediate level French
#2: Education
As one of Senegal’s official languages, French is taught in state schools from an early age. However, the vast majority of talibé children and many others do not have the opportunity to go to public school, a serious deficit in a country whose official language is French.
At Maison de la Gare, volunteers work with local teachers to conduct courses in:
- French
- English
- Mathematics
- Civic instruction
- Recitation and singing
It is essential for volunteers to remember that while the scholastic development of these children has been limited and somewhat hindered, they have the incredible ability and “savoir-faire” to respond eagerly to creative teaching methods. Continuity and quality of education go hand-in-hand. While volunteers are primarily here to support the learning process, they are also encouraged to make enormous contributions that bring originality and new ideas to the daily routine, making education more accessible for the children.
Requirements:
- Excellent written and oral French and/or English
- A passion and an aptitude for working with young people
- Some experience teaching or tutoring
#3: Health
As an organization working to improve the quality of life and well-being of the talibé children, MDG is committed to improving their hygiene and providing essential medical care.
Working as a volunteer in this area requires a dynamic mindset, a willingness to help, and sensitivity to the vulnerable situations sometimes faced by talibés. As a member of the volunteer health team, you will be in continual contact with talibé children in MDG’s center and in the Daaras, where they live. You will respond to urgent health needs and support their general health improvement.
Requirements:
- Have basic first-aid training.
- Medical experience is a plus.
- Be willing and eager to patiently and appropriately help children suffering from medical distress.
- Be capable of taking charge in an emergency involving a child suffering from a wound or sickness.
Kaylin with drawings presented to her by the talibés at Maison de la Gare.
#4: Gardening and Site Development
MDG’s center is not only a space for study, learning, and care; it is a refuge for the talibés to act, play, and be the children they are. It is a vital place where they must feel at home. One of MDG’s main objectives is to help these children obtain everything necessary to foster their growth and development.
To work as a volunteer in this program, you should have the mechanical skills necessary for basic maintenance, construction, and repairs. Also, gardening knowledge is very desirable, as MDG’s garden within the center plays a major role in our struggle to eliminate begging and provide the talibé children with essential skills for their future.
Requirements:
- Skills in renovation work, painting, and repairs.
- A sincere interest in gardening and related knowledge and experience.
- Ability to work well with children in a supportive, caring, and respectful way.
- A good sense of decoration would be a substantial bonus.
#5: Sports
Sports are a significant part of Senegalese culture and an important element of daily life. Soccer and wrestling are the most popular among children, attracting an enormous following and a lot of engagement.
Karate is another type of sport that has captured the children’s interest. Some of those involved in karate at Maison de la Gare have earned advanced belts, and we have hosted a local championship competition for the kids.
This program aims to provide the talibé children with a healthy outlet for physical activity while also giving them a rare opportunity to play and enjoy themselves as children. We prefer that volunteers interested in contributing to this program have previous experience working with children in sporting activities.
Requirements:
- Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Good physical condition is desirable.
- Experience working with children involved in physical activities, preferably in sports education.
- Knowledge of safety requirements of organized sports and the ability to take precautions necessary to minimize the risk of injuries.
#6: Art, Music, & Excursions
Arts and music can make a crucial contribution to the growth and psychological development of the talibé children, helping foster their creativity, communication, and confidence in individual self-expression.
Volunteers who would like to contribute to this program should be passionate about working with children, have a solid base in teaching art or music, and boast a well-developed creative sense. Our program also includes organizing excursions, which allow the children to discover new horizons and experiences outside their normal worldview. So, volunteers who have previously organized and monitored groups of children will be very much appreciated.
Requirements:
- Previous experience working with children.
- Experience and knowledge of child development is a strong positive.
- Good mastery of communication methods and tools through expressive media such as drawing and music.
- Strong skills in communicating with children and good interpersonal and organizational abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteer Abroad Programs for Adults
What Safety Measures Will Be Taken When I’m Volunteering Abroad?
Saint-Louis, Senegal, is one of the safest areas in West Africa. But, like anywhere in the world, traveling is not entirely without risk. The volunteer coordinators at Friends of Senegal and Maison de la Gare go the extra mile to ensure volunteers are safe and remain aware of potential risks while volunteering.
That being said, a team member or someone associated with Maison de la Gare will be with you for the majority of your volunteer experience.
A “pick up” fee is included in program costs to ensure you are picked up from Dakar’s Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport when you arrive. Flights often arrive late at night, which means that you will most likely not be able to reach Saint-Louis the same day. Your first night will likely be spent in a hotel (stay and breakfast covered by the program fee) before being picked up by a taxi service arranged by MDG for a three to five-hour drive to Saint-Louis.
Occasional car breakdowns may delay your arrival in Saint Louis, but you will not be stranded or lost, as someone from the MDG team will always be with you.
Upon arrival, you will be shown your chosen housing, whether with a host family or independent living and introduced to and familiarized with our working procedures and center. This may all seem very fast-paced but do not worry. You will have a chance to catch your breath and relax before you are fully oriented. Then, you will start working with us and the children.
What Are the Costs Associated With Overseas Volunteer Programs for Adults?
As private, non-profit organizations independent of government and religious funding, Friends of Senegal’s and Maison de la Gare’s programs are financed and run entirely by volunteer and donor contributions.
Below are the fees for volunteering or interning with us. Fees and currency conversion rates are subject to change.
| Fees for Host Family Accommodation | 2 Weeks | First Month | Each Additional Month | Example for Three Month Stay |
| Euros € | 690 € | 940 € | 580 € | 2,100 € |
| $US | $760 | $1030 | $630 | $2,290 |
| U.K. £ | 590 £ | 810 £ | 500 £ | 1,810 £ |
Additional information about these fees includes:
- All fees include a reception at the airport, transportation from Dakar to Saint-Louis and Saint Louis to Dakar, lodging near the airport if needed, accommodation with the host family, and contributing to program expenses.
- Host family accommodation includes three meals per day.
- The fee per person for the first month or less is reduced by 135 € / $150 / £115 for two volunteers who register and travel together.
- If alternative accommodation is desired (e.g., auberge or hotel), please request information from us.
- Upon acceptance of your application, we will determine the exact fees and require a 15% deposit. The balance is due one month before your arrival. Please contact us for more information or if you have any questions about our program.
Ready To Begin Your Adventure With Our Volunteer Abroad Programs for Adults? Here’s How You Can Become Involved
We’d love to invite you to learn more about volunteer opportunities with Maison de la Gare and Friends of Senegal or donate today.
For the cost of a nice dinner in the US or Europe, you can support our microfinance loan program in unbelievable ways. This program allows people like Fatoumata Wane (see above story) to expand their financial horizons and achieve their hopes for a better future for themselves and their families.
Learn more or donate today.
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