Senegal Programs
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Volunteer Homestay & Cultural Homestay Programs

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Project is Located in Senegal, West Africa. The project is dedicated to promoting Community Tourism and Volunteer work. With a variety of programs and services on offer (such as homestays, volunteer opportunities, languages and workshops) the project is sure to be an unforgettable one.

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES & PROJECTS:
There are 3 programs available to prospective volunteers and participants:

1. Cultural Home stay:
This program begins with a 5-day orientation period. The orientation is designed to immerse volunteers in Senegalalese culture and learn about the area. This will include trips and excursions in the surrounding areas of Dakar Volunteers will have an opportunity to do a three-week language course prior to this. This enables volunteers to brush up on their French if they are out of practice. After the orientation period, volunteers will be placed with a host family and will participate in the three rituals of Senegal. Namely, trips, celebrations and ataya. From Monday to Thursday, the project organizes cultural workshops. These workshops will be held twice a day for two hours each. Participants will have the choice between the following activities: djembe, kora and batik, all of which are African dyeworks. On weekends, from Friday and Sunday various excursions will be organized for participants.

2. Volunteer Home stay:
This project also begins with a 5-day orientation period. The orientation aims to immerse the volunteers in Senegalese culture and help them get familiar with the area and way of life. After the orientation period volunteers will be placed with a host family. From Monday to Friday, volunteers will be placed with various Non Governmental Organizations, Public Services, Community Projects and Primary Schools. The organizations deal with a number of issues such as: poverty, health, youth, mental handicaps and education.

On the Weekends, volunteers will participate in cultural workshops on African dancing, cooking, djembe, kora and batik. Excursions and trips can also be arranged for the volunteers.

3. Cultural Workshops:
The project can also organize cultural workshops for participants of homestay programs and independent travelers.

NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS:
There is no restriction on volunteer numbers. However, volunteers and participants are only accepted if they are 18 years old or older. Secondly, volunteers and participants must be able to speak French. A three-week course is offered for volunteers who need to brush up on their French if they are out of practice. Therefore, it is not necessary for volunteers to speak fluent French, although this is obviously preferred.

PROGRAM LEGNTHS:
Participants are expected to stay on the cultural home stay for a minimum of three weeks. Volunteers participating on the Volunteer Home stay are required to stay on the course for a minimum of four weeks. If participants and volunteers want to go on the three-week language course the total time span will obviously be extended by three weeks.

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS:
Both programs begin with a five-day orientation program. During this time participants will be accommodated in a hostel. After this period, participants and volunteers of both programs will be accommodated with a host family. Participants should not expect luxurious accommodation, although all placements will have running water, electricity, a bathroom, etc. Host families are well respected in the area and most are experienced with international volunteers. Some members of the family may speak French and a few may speak English.

Volunteers will receive three meals per day. Extras such as fruit and mineral water, etc are at your own cost.

VOLUNTEER ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES:
The project requires confirmed flight details at least 6 weeks prior to date of arrival. Staff members will pick up the volunteers from the airport. Participants are required to send a passport photo (JPG Format) via E Mail with your application form. This will assist in identifying you at the airport.

VISAS AND PERMITS:
Citizens of Europe, Japan, Canada and the USA are exempt from applying for a visa (for a stay which does not exceed 90 days). Citizens of all other countries must apply for a visa. If you stay longer than 90 days you will have to apply for a visa extension. The project staff will be able to help you do this.

VACCINATIONS AND MEDICATION:
The project recommends the following vaccinations: Meningitis, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Polio and Diphtheria. We suggest that you consult your doctor at least six weeks before leaving.

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST:
You will receive a full packing list once you are enrolled in the program that will outline any specific items you may need during your stay.

FACILITIES:
There are banking and foreign exchange facilities available in Dakar, but not so much elsewhere. It is preferable if cheques are in EUROS. Banks will give you cash with visa cards.

LANGUAGE & CULTURE:
Senegal is a French colony and the predominant language is French is the official language. Senegal has a rich cultural life. Volunteers and participants of both programs will get to learn about various cultural traditions and rituals.