Volunteer in Senegal

Anyone looking to volunteer in Senegal will experience contrasting climates, exuberant local people and various reminders of its French ancestry. Projects Abroad Pro’s specialist voluntary projects are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world, including professionals on a career break, recent graduates or retired seniors.

Located in West Africa, Senegal is a former French colony and much of their influence still remains to this day. The country is famous for its hospitality and this has led to a burgeoning tourist industry in recent years. The landscape is almost impossible to describe, with arid desert, tropical jungles, picturesque coastline and a bountiful mainland all packed into the one country. Unfortunately, the various modern amenities of the capital city, Dakar, serve only to hide the harsh realities of entire communities living in mud huts, struggling to meet everyday needs. It is hoped that through greater education the government can develop economic expansion and skilled volunteers looking for jobs abroad can play a huge role in this process. Only by working with small communities and businesses can knowledge and expertise be shared and partnerships forged, helping the country to help itself and secure a brighter future. In addition to working with locals you will get the chance to explore various beaches, trek into the jungle or visit nearby Mauritania for a weekend in the desert. Museums, patisseries and colonial architecture are on offer for slightly more low-key days out.

Volunteer skills required in Senegal

Projects Abroad Pro are looking for confident, friendly and well-organised people who have an open-minded approach to working in a developing country. We offer numerous opportunities for qualified individuals interested in taking part in skilled voluntary work in Senegal. Each project has specific requirements regarding qualifications, but any related experience you may have will also be taken into consideration when you apply. Given that communication is a key aspect of building a strong relationship with your project partner, being able to speak French to a good level is a prerequisite for most volunteers in Senegal.

Projects Abroad Pro run specialist voluntary placements in Senegal, based in and around the costal town of St Louis, roughly 300km north of Dakar. Volunteers work on a wide range of specialist projects including medical work in hospitals and human rights law. Each of these projects can be viewed in more detail, along with an in-depth description of the specific qualifications required, by following the links at the top of the page.

Even if you feel you do not possess the required skills or qualifications for these specialist roles, you can still help on the same projects. Please visit our website for more information about volunteering in Senegal.

Senegal at a glance

• Full name: Republic of Senegal
• Population: 12.7 million
• Capital: Dakar
• Area: 196,722 sq km (75,955 sq miles)
• Major language: French (official), Wolof
• Major religion: Islam
• Life expectancy: 61 years (men), 65 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: 1 CFA (Communaute Financiere Africaine) franc = 100 centimes
• Main exports: Fish, peanuts, petroleum products, phosphates, cotton
• GNI per capita: US $820
• Internet domain: .sn