Your Arrival

Get ready for a warm welcome to Cape Verde! Your adventure begins the moment you arrive, with our airport pick-up on Sunday at Praia International Airport (RAI). To ensure a smooth transition, we’ll provide you with all the necessary arrival and contact details when you book your program. The local team will be waiting for you, ready to transfer you to your accommodation where you’ll meet fellow volunteers from around the world.

Your Orientation

On Monday, our experienced coordinator will lead an exciting orientation session. This is your chance to get comfortable with your surroundings and dive into the local culture, while also receiving important health and safety advice.

During the orientation, you’ll receive a comprehensive introduction to your program, accommodations, and the exciting projects that await. Plus, you’ll learn all the do’s and don’ts of local customs, giving you a head start on immersing yourself in the rich and vibrant culture of Cape Verde.

Cultural Experience in Cape Verde

Buckle up for a jam-packed week of non-stop adventure and cultural immersion in Cape Verde! Get ready to dive headfirst into the rich and vibrant culture of this incredible archipelago as you learn the basics of the local Creole language and explore the stunning surroundings of Tarrafal.

But we’re not stopping there! You’ll get the chance to fully immerse yourself in Cape Verdean life as you venture deep into local communities and explore the hidden gems of the area. This isn’t your average vacation – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to truly connect with the people and places that make Cape Verde so special.

With its dramatic mountains, winding valleys, and pristine sandy beaches, this island is a true African gem. But it’s not just nature that will leave you breathless – Santiago is also home to a unique blend of Portuguese and African cultures, creating a truly unforgettable experience. And the best part? Your Culture Week in Santiago is designed to be stress-free, so you can immerse yourself in the local culture and explore to your heart’s content. Meet the friendly locals, hike through stunning landscapes, and even learn to cook like a true Cape Verdean! But this isn’t just a holiday – it’s a chance to give back to the community. Your trip includes visits to local markets, a secret lagoon, and even volunteering at a local kindergarten.

Schedule

Monday
On Monday, you will have breakfast and then get an introduction to Cape Verdean traditions and culture. We will do initial documentation before your program begins, including the signing of the Code of Conduct and the collection of passport and visa copies.
Then you will attend a Basic Kriolu class to learn about the local language. This is critical because the majority of people speak Kriolu, Portuguese, or French here. So, it may come in handy if you learn the Kriolu language.
Then we will leave to visit local supermarkets and ATMs. Then you will visit the Museum, Tarrafal concentration camp, and local market, and explore the surroundings of our centre.
We will have lunch at the centre.
After lunch, you will visit Mar De President Beach and spend some time on the beach before returning to the centre for dinner.

Tuesday
After breakfast, you will attend a one-hour Basic Kriolu class to continue your course. Today you will learn how to talk about Days of the Week and months in Kriolu.
You then have the opportunity to witness a local cooking lesson, wherein you will learn to cook Cachupa, which is a famous dish from the Cape Verde Islands.
In the afternoon, you will visit Ribeira Das Pratas, which is the black sand beach.

Wednesday
After breakfast, you will attend another basic Kriolu class where you will learn useful words for communication and spelling. Then you will visit Rebelados Village.
Learn about this religious community primarily found in the interior of the island of Santiago, Cape Verde. They were among the groups which revolted against the liturgical reforms and isolated themselves from the rest of society
After lunch at the centre, you will visit Piscina Natural de Cuba, a hidden getaway off the regular tourist tracks. Residents call these natural pools Esprito Santo. These natural pools can provide moments of leisure.

Thursday
After breakfast, you will attend a one-hour Basic Kriolu class and start learning how to make sentences.
Then we will leave the centre and visit the Project site for the following week.
You will have lunch and continue at the project site till the afternoon.

Friday
After breakfast, we will have our last Basic Kriolu classes and start making phrases. Then we will head out to go on a fishing trip with the local fishermen.
This activity is totally dependent on the weather. There will not be any other activity scheduled for the day to substitute this activity.
We will return to the centre with the fresh catch to cook for lunch.
After lunch, you have free time to relax.

So come join us for a week of learning, exploring, and experiencing the best of Cape Verdean culture and nature!

* This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Child Care in Cape Verde

Looking for a meaningful way to spend your time in Tarrafal? Look no further than the Childcare project, where you can make a difference in the lives of young children aged 2-6 years old.

Join our team of dedicated local childcare workers and help provide early childhood education and care for kids in need. Whether you’re assisting with daily activities or simply spending time with the children, your involvement can make a real impact on their lives.

Not only will you be giving back to the community, but you’ll also have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in childcare and education. Plus, you’ll get to experience the joy of working with children and watching them grow and learn.

Don’t miss this chance to be a part of something special – join the Childcare project today and help bring out the best in these amazing kids!

Come be a part of the magic and make a difference in the lives of young children! Join our Childcare project and help provide essential care to children aged 2 to 6 years old at daycare centers in Tarrafal.

As a volunteer, you will be working alongside local childcare workers to offer basic informal childcare services to children whose parents are working in minimally paid jobs. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in early childhood development services while learning about the unique culture and traditions of Cape Verde.

In addition to providing childcare services, you will also be involved in organizing fun activities for the children such as songs, stories, drawing, games, and more. Your work will help bring out the best in these young children and set them on a path towards success.

This program also offers the opportunity to work with a team of dedicated local staff, who will provide guidance and support as you learn and grow in your role.

Schedule

From Monday to Friday, you’ll be immersed in the vibrant world of childcare at our day care center. Under the watchful eye of experienced local staff, you’ll be an integral part of helping to shape young minds and lay the foundation for future success.

We believe that learning should be fun, so you’ll engage in a variety of activities to promote child development. From board games to playdough, and coloring pictures, you’ll be hands-on in helping children explore new ideas and concepts. We’ll introduce the little ones to colors, shapes, and other cognitive exercises, helping them to gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Of course, we can’t forget the basics! You’ll have the opportunity to provide a basic introduction to numbers and alphabets in English, setting the stage for a lifetime of learning. We’ll also share short stories, poems, and songs that are sure to delight the children and create memories that will last a lifetime.

As a team player, you’ll also be instrumental in keeping the classroom clean and tidy. Whether it’s sweeping the floors or organizing the supplies, you’ll be an essential part of creating a safe and welcoming environment for our young charges. So come join us and make a lasting impact on the lives of our community’s children!

* This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Teaching English in Cape Verde

Become a part of this dynamic project and inspire kindergarten children to unlock their full potential!

As a volunteer, you’ll work alongside dedicated teachers to teach conversational English and other relevant subjects that will help these children excel in their English language learning. You’ll have the opportunity to tailor your teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each child and create a fun and engaging learning environment.

By helping these children develop their English language skills, you’ll be setting them up for future success and opening doors to a world of opportunities. Join this project and make a difference in the lives of these bright young minds!

Be a part of this amazing project and help shape the future of young children in Cape Verde! Join forces with local teachers to teach conversational English and other related subjects to kindergarten children in Tarrafal. By adding a global perspective and English proficiency to their education, we can prepare these children for their future careers.

The town of Tarrafal faces economic hardships due to droughts and limited job opportunities, which makes it difficult for parents to provide adequate care and attention to their children’s education. Many children live with extended family members and lack the resources for a quality education.

As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to work for 4-5 hours a day at local kindergartens during the months of January-June and September-December. During the months of July-August and between semesters, you will work with children aged 4-7 years old at various facilities organized by the local education department.

During the project, you will interact with children from diverse backgrounds and get the chance to engage them in educational games, field activities, and other fun experiences. Your contribution will make a huge difference in the lives of these children and prepare them for a brighter future!

Schedule

Join us in this exciting project where you will be teaching young children English, art and craft, and education games! Our program is designed to help children develop their cognitive skills and learn the basics of English in a fun and interactive way. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to showcase your creative skills and bring your unique perspective to the project.

Our program runs from Monday to Friday, and we have a variety of activities planned to keep the children engaged and excited to learn. We use board games, playdough, coloring pictures, and art and craft to teach children different concepts. We also introduce children to colors, shapes, and numbers, and help them develop their English word pronunciation and communication skills.

In addition to these activities, we also have games in the playground that enhance exercises and translate actions into English. We teach children about the natural and man-made environment, and share short stories, poems, and songs that are popular with them. We also encourage participants to share geographical information on the countries they come from and their locations on the globe.

Our program is not only focused on teaching children, but also on helping participants develop their skills. You will have the opportunity to plan lessons and research for the next day’s teaching inputs. You will also maintain a file on each of the programs covered by you, enabling other participants to avoid repetition and aid handover to new participants.

So come join us and make a difference in the lives of these young children while developing your own skills and having fun!

* This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Construction & Renovation Project in Cape Verde

Join us in a thrilling project where we revamp schools, community areas, and other spaces according to the needs of the community. We’ll transform the outside of classrooms with incredible educational murals, tidy up the surrounding areas, clean up common places, and maintain high standards to create a stunning and captivating environment for the students and locals alike. Let’s come together to make a difference and bring a burst of creativity to these spaces!

Join us in our mission to transform Tarrafal into a beautiful and thriving community! With this social project, you’ll have the chance to make a real difference in the lives of the locals by improving the conditions of the schools, community areas, and more.

Whether you have experience in construction or simply an artistic flair, there’s a task for everyone. From light cleaning to renovating walls, and from gardening to painting educational murals, we’ll be working hard to enhance the standards of the facilities and create a more pleasant environment for everyone.

Our dedicated coordinator will be there to supervise and guide you every step of the way, ensuring your safety and the safety of the locals. And with your creativity and hard work, we can make a lasting impact on Tarrafal and its community.

So come join us and be a part of something truly special – together, we can make a difference!

Schedule

Monday to Friday, get ready to jumpstart your day with a delicious breakfast and head out to your project placement with our enthusiastic coordinator. Work side by side with other participants, utilising your skills and creativity to make a positive impact on the community. Don’t worry about lunch, you have the option to either bring it with you and enjoy it on-site, or return to the accommodation for a break before getting back to work.

In the afternoon, continue your project with the guidance of our expert coordinator, who knows the community’s needs inside out. Get ready to immerse yourself in a fulfilling experience that will leave a lasting impact on you and the community!

* This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Turtle Conservation in Cape Verde

Are you ready to embark on a journey to make a real difference and save the endangered sea turtles of Cape Verde? Join our conservation program now and become an active participant in a meaningful cause!

By participating in this program, you will be directly involved in preserving the precious marine ecosystem by working hands-on with wild nesting sea turtles. Not only will you have the opportunity to visit exotic destinations with breathtaking scenery, but you will also gain valuable fieldwork experience in sea turtle conservation.

Your contribution to this program will have a long-lasting impact on these majestic creatures, helping to prevent their extinction and secure their future in the wild.

Ribeira da Prata is a hidden gem on the northern coast of Santiago, Cape Verde, known for its picturesque beaches and stunning marine ecosystem. As the second largest breeding colony of loggerhead turtles in the Atlantic, the village is home to a vital conservation project that aims to protect these magnificent creatures and the delicate ecosystem they inhabit. With the engagement of local communities and the tireless work of volunteers, the project has achieved remarkable success in reducing poaching and increasing awareness of the importance of conservation efforts.

As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to play a critical role in the project, joining nightly patrols to monitor nesting females and safeguard their eggs from predators. You will work closely with the local team, learning about the turtles and their habitat and assisting with data collection, nest relocation, and nursery protection. Through outreach activities, you will help raise awareness of the importance of conservation efforts, engaging with local communities and sharing your knowledge and experience.

The project also offers a unique homestay program, providing volunteers with an authentic cultural experience and the opportunity to live and work alongside local families. With a focus on empowering young people in the community, the project aims to build a sustainable future for the village and the turtles that call it home. Join us and be part of this exciting and rewarding conservation effort.

Schedule

From Monday to Friday, our team embarks on an exciting adventure to protect our beloved sea turtles. We patrol the nesting beaches at night, keeping a watchful eye for any threats that may endanger these magnificent creatures.

As part of our relocation program, we carefully relocate nests in high-risk areas to ensure their safety. Our successful hatchery study enables us to collect important biological data on the abundance and distribution of sea turtles.

We also conduct workshops in local communities to raise awareness about the significance of sea turtles and share our project’s remarkable results. Furthermore, we organize beach cleaning activities to keep our project area pristine and healthy for our beloved turtles.

But that’s not all! We also show movies in communities that highlight the importance of sea turtles and hold workshops with fishermen about bycatch. So, join us on this incredible journey to protect our precious sea turtles. Who knows, you might even get to work on Saturdays!

This program is for minimum 2 weeks and starts every week only in July, August, September, and October.

* This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Sports Coaching in Cape Verde

The sports coaching program is for individuals who would like to inspire the students to learn sports!

Share your sports (soccer and basketball) skills and knowledge with enthusiastic kids in Tarrafal. Educate them about the value of sports to physical as well as mental health and inspire them to continue playing sports throughout their lives. Surround yourself with a bunch of enthusiastic kids who will eagerly wait for you to teach them.

This sports coach program in the field of soccer and basketball is designed for passionate individuals who would like to join a worthwhile project to teach the kids the value and power of sports. You will have students of various age groups and various levels of skills, who will be ready to learn. Your time will be spent on educating them and training them in soccer and basketball. You will be teaching both the sport, soccer and basketball.

The style and the teaching methods can be discussed with the local coach and designed as per your interests. In this program, you will not only enhance their skills in sports but also you will inspire them to achieve more in life, to be disciplined and even how to face failures and learn from them. It will also be a life lesson for the kids who do not have much, but in the future would strive to achieve greatness for sure.

Schedule

Monday to Friday
Your local sport coaching coordinator will discuss with you the daily task plan depending on the skills and the skill levels of the students you are assigned with.

* This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Trekking Experience in Cape Verde

Set out on an epic journey to the stunning islands of Cape Verde, the land of the blessed! Immerse yourself in a plethora of exhilarating activities, ranging from hiking and trekking to exploring rum factories and beyond.

Marvel at the lush greenery of Cape Verde’s landscape as you meet its warm-hearted people and delve into their vibrant culture. Traverse through emerald-hued mountains and valleys, basking in the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you. And for those who seek a thrill, cycle along the streets, exploring the hidden gems of this paradise in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

This adventure is not for the faint of heart but for those who crave an experience that’s truly off the beaten path. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime, where every step promises to take your breath away!

Get ready for a thrilling adventure like no other with our Trekking Experience in Cape Verde! Experience this beautiful country in its purest form as you embark on an action-packed itinerary that will take you to the hottest spots on the island.

Take in the breathtaking scenery as you hike and trek through some of the most stunning trails, immersing yourself in nature’s wonder. Explore traditional villages and witness the rich culture that’s unique to this place. And for those who love to indulge in a little adventure, we’ve got you covered!

Schedule

Monday
Northern Island of Santiago

It’s the first day of your adventure. Today, you will visit the Green valleys of the Northern Island of Santiago, see beautiful landscapes, and interact with local people in their villages. You will get a chance to visit a Local Rum production, including a tasting!

Tuesday
Serra Malagueta and Mato Brasil

Today, you will walk from Serra Malagueta to Achada Lagoa and Mato Brasil. This hiking track has spectacular views of all parts of Santiago North.

Wednesday
Hiking with Lunch at Farmer’s House

Walk with us in the mountains of Serra Malagueta and have lunch at an organic farm. In the valley of Lagoa, you will get impressions of a traditional Cape Verdean lifestyle. On our track, we will meet agriculturally imposing landscapes, and a little oasis. You will meet a local family with whom you will spend some time to see how they live. Lunch will be served at the farmer’s house.

With a little bit of luck, you can see monkeys along the route. (2 hours of hiking included)

Thursday
Gon-Gon – the “King-Track”

The valley of Gon-Gon was named after the Bird Gon-Gon. This is a stunning landscape, and the hike has very spectacular views en route. It’s a hike for experienced hikers because of its duration and height difference.

We will start from the Nature Park of Serra Malagueta, go down to the Gon-gon valley, go up over a ridge, and go down in the valley of Principal until we reach the ocean. It’s very beautiful and diversified, as it is believed to be the best of all—the King of Tracks!

(Duration: About 6 h / Difficulty level: Level 4 (Accustomed hikers))

Friday
Mountain Cycling Trip

Today, we will discover the great natural surroundings around Tarrafal while going on a bicycle trip. (Duration: 6 h)

 Join us on this exciting journey to Cape Verde, where every step promises to be an adventure of a lifetime!

* This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.