Overview

Volunteers teaching overseas are crucial to improving education in developing countries. As a volunteer in Gambia you can work in primary schools the Kombo North region and provide invaluable learning support for schools suffering from scarcity of resources.

Working with a local voluntary organisation, volunteers assist local teachers or take their own classes, teaching English to students whose first language is Mandinka, Fula or Wolof. Entry to secondary school relies on a firm grasp of English so your work can contribute to long-term development goals.

This Africa volunteer programme gives you the chance to deploy your communication skills and creativity in rural schools in genuine need of support. With opportunities to get involved in other subject areas and local community initiatives, teaching in Gambia can be a rewarding and varied experience.

Location

Country
The Gambia is the smallest country on mainland Africa and one defined by the Gambia River, which splits it in two and shapes its very borders. Its tropical climate, rich vegetation and exotic beaches have allowed tourism to grow, but it is its uniquely African culture that makes it a fascinating destination for a gap year or career break.

Region
This volunteer work is available in the Kombo North region, which is located south of the Gambia River. Kombo North has coasts on both the Atlantic Ocean and Gambia River and its culture is heavily influenced by traditional fishing community culture.

Local attractions
The Gambia’s Atlantic coastline is home to some stunning beaches, giving volunteers the opportunity to relax in warm African weather. A boat trip up the Gambia River is perfect for wildlife lovers, who can explore riverside swamps, marshes and tropical forest to see exotic birdlife.

Getting there
Volunteers fly into Banjul, which is located on the Atlantic coast, at the mouth of the River Gambia. Volunteers are met at the airport and transferred to their project location.

Cost

This volunteer project lasts a minimum of one month. To give you greatest flexibility in your volunteer experience we give you the option of extending your stay on a week-by-week basis.

Programme Price
1 month = £890
Extra weeks = +£100 per week

What’s Included
• Pre-departure briefing
• Twin-share accommodation in local homestay
• Breakfast & dinner at homestay
• Meet at airport and transfer to project
• In-country orientation & 24/7 support

What’s not included:
• International flights
• Visas, vaccinations and travel insurance
• Local transport
• Personal expenses

How to Book

You can book this volunteer programme online by clicking on ‘Book Now’. After filling in our online booking form you will be asked to pay a sign-up fee of £150 via PayPal, which will confirm your place on the project. Alternatively you can book your place on the phone, by calling 08000 32 33 50 and speaking to one of our volunteer coordinators.

The £150 sign-up fee is not an additional cost and is taken from your total project cost. Your place is not confirmed until we receive this payment. Payments can be made online via PayPal, by phone or by bank transfer. If you have any queries regarding the booking process please get in touch.

Not ready to book?
If you’re not ready to book, but want to find out more about any of our volunteer opportunities, click on ‘Enquire about this trip’ and submit our online enquiry form, or phone us on 08000 32 33 50. Our volunteer coordinators will be happy to answer any questions you may have and advise you on what project best suits you.

What happens next?
Once we have confirmed your booking we will guide you through the application process and help you plan and prepare for your trip of a lifetime!