Join a volunteer abroad program in Cape Verde with GoEco! Teach English or contribute to community development efforts, as you discover customs and cuisine that are unique to Cape Verde. In a nutshell:
- Sustainable volunteer programs with measurable impacts
- GoEco’s ethical values are behind all volunteer projects
- Award-winning programs with excellent volunteer reviews
- Enjoy beautiful beaches and a cobalt blue sea with white sands and a mountain view
- Immerse yourself in the local culture with a basic Creole lesson each morning
- Comfortable volunteer accommodations, most meals, and 24/7 support are all included in the program fees
Why volunteer in Cape Verde?
Cape Verde has a unique culture with Portuguese influence. You can experience this cultural influence in many ways from the native language spoken to the local customs and traditions. Enjoy the beautiful beaches surrounding the area and take time to visit local markets, museums, and more. There are various projects in the area to discover! The volunteer work is tailored to your preferences and there is a job for everyone. If you love working with children and making an impact then consider volunteering for the English teaching project at a local school. If teaching is not your forte then make a difference in another way by helping to renovate the local school to provide a comfortable learning environment. There are various travel highlights and lots to explore in your free time. Beautiful beaches are just a short 10-minute walk away. Venture further to the vibrant island of Santiago and spend your day surrounded by nature and picturesque views. Plan a trip to Praia Do Tarrafal with soft white sand beaches and a snack bar to enjoy some tasty treats. There is lots of room for adventure in this tropical African country. You can explore the various outdoor activities like long nature hikes, visits to local parks, and take boat rides and more.
What to know before you go:
You do not need to understand Portuguese, French, or Creole before you go,  but being aware of the Portuguese influence in the area can help you grasp an understanding of their culture and traditions. There are a variety of food options in Cape Verde. For example, one of the most sought after restaurants in Tarrafal named Alto Mira serves grilled fish and wood-fired pizza, so there is a suitable tasty option for everyone. Maracujá is also very popular for its fusion of Cape Verdean and French food. The best place to have a sunset drink is Santiago Lounge. They also serve great food. The location is amazing and there is even access to the ocean pools.
Location
The islands of Cape Verde were initially uninhabited until discovered by the Portuguese in the 15th century. These stunning islands still display the distinct Portuguese influence to this day. The city where the projects are located is named Tarrafal and is named after the indigenous plant Tarrafe. Along the northwestern coast of the island lies a busy and flourishing fishing port. The location is ideal for the resupplying of ships and it is easy to see how the area revolves around this port. The Tarrafal area is a great place to visit any time of the year with a modest climate and beautiful warm winters. The coldest month is January with temperatures only dropping to 23 degrees Celsius. There is so much to do in the area including trips to nearby sights and landmarks. Visit Konzentrationslager Colonia Penal de Tarrafal an interesting piece of modern history or take Tarrafal island tour Casa Strela.
Volunteer programs in Cape Verde
There are two volunteer programs currently available in Tarrafal. These programs offer volunteers an opportunity to conduct meaningful volunteer work while immersing themselves in the unique African culture of Cape Verde. Volunteer options include teaching English to local village students or renovating a nearby school to ensure adequate workspace and learning conditions. Use your knowledge of the English language to help set these children up with a brighter future. The children in this area are often overlooked or ignored due to fathers working abroad, big families,  financial obligations, or single, working moms. These kids end up receiving little to no attention and are sometimes placed in homes with other families or live with their grandparents. Volunteers at the program are highly appreciated and your presence in the classroom will help brighten their day. There is so much work to be done in and out of the classroom. As the families and parents in this area are often very busy trying to make a living, the school conditions and facilities can be overlooked. Your help is needed to help these supply these children with a more pleasant and enjoyable place to study, work and learn. Take the leap! Enroll in one of GoEco’s Cape Verde volunteer opportunities today, or browse more programs in Africa.
