5 reasons to volunteer in Senegal

If you already have a good knowledge of French, Senegal is the ideal destination to improve it. French is the official language in Senegal and this will allow you to communicate with both the project staff and the locals on site. Although not all locals speak French fluently, the young part of the population in particular speaks it, as most schools teach in French.

The exchange will improve your language skills and make communication easier during your stay. The low language barrier will make it easier for you to get in touch with the locals and maybe even make international friends.

If you volunteer with us in Senegal, you will also have the opportunity to take part in a French language course on site. In addition to the everyday phrases that you will learn along the way, you can also improve your language level on a more professional level.

Apart from French, there are around 20 national languages ​​in Senegal. Probably the best known and most widespread language is Wolof and is spoken by around 90% of the population.

Senegal is located in western Africa and extends over several climatic and vegetation zones. This means you can expect a varied nature and numerous impressive landscapes. While in the north of Senegal there are thorn bush savannahs and semi-deserts, towards the south it becomes increasingly lush and green. There you can see, among other things, wet savannas or impressive mangrove forests. The dune landscapes or beautiful Atlantic beaches are certainly worth a visit.

Due to deforestation and increasing settlement, many animals have lost their natural habitat, resulting in a sharp decline in wildlife populations over the last few years. The national parks, some of which are located very close to our projects, offer a new home to elephants, lions, hippos, flamingos, buffaloes and other animals. Here you can get to know Senegal's wildlife better and become even more aware of the importance of environmental protection.

As a volunteer in our projects, you can help raise awareness among locals about the topic of sustainability and nature conservation and provide educational work. For example, innovative agricultural methods are being developed together to enable a more gentle treatment of nature.

Despite economic growth in recent years, Senegal is still considered a developing country. Around 40% of the population lives in poverty and the high illiteracy rate is also a huge problem. The inadequate educational opportunities and the lack of prospects are a common reason for emigration.

To counteract the high unemployment rate and emigration, you can help our local organizations support the rural population and offer them practical training opportunities. Create awareness of environmental issues and thus contribute to a sustainable local lifestyle.

Senegal is one of the few democratic states in Africa and is largely politically stable. The open and tolerant nature of the locals contributes to the peaceful coexistence of the many different population groups. Nevertheless, it is important to remain vigilant here and to handle your valuables carefully, especially in cities. You should not be alone outdoors at night and avoid certain regions, especially border areas.

It's best to find out more about yourself before your trip Foreign Office about current safety information.

As you can see, Senegal is definitely worth a visit. With our projects you can not only support the people and the environment there, but also expand your own horizons and continue to grow from the experiences you have gained. Expand your skills and knowledge of French and exchange ideas with people from different countries. Thanks to the hospitality and the stable security situation in the country, you will certainly feel comfortable and have unforgettable experiences.

If you would like to find out more about our projects, find out more about them here Volunteer work in Senegal.