Volunteer in Burkina Faso

Volunteer Abroad in Burkina Faso

After French colonial reign and periods of political unrest, Burkina Faso has found its way back to a relatively stable economic state. If you find friendliness more important than comfort and are ready to accept very basic living conditions, then volunteer in Burkina Faso, which in translation means: "the land of the honest people". You are sure to have an unforgettable experience as you volunteer abroad in Burkina Faso!

Life in Ouagadougou

The capital city of Ouagadougou, where most participants volunteer in Burkina Faso, lies in the heart of the country, where various ancient trade routes once converged. Home to just over one million Burkinabès, Ouagadougou is not a city of modern, sky-climbing buildings; it rather resembles a large, dusty village. Not all roads are safe, and many houses do not have running water or electricity.

But Ouaga, as the inhabitants have lovingly nicknamed their capital, is anything but dull. Experience the vibrant hustle and bustle at the market and on the streets as a volunteer in Burkina Faso. It’s easy to strike up a conversation with the open and friendly people in the street cafés, along the shaded boulevards. And if you want to cut loose in the evenings, the city offers a brilliant night life for you to enjoy as you volunteer in Burkina Faso.

In order to experience the culture and everyday life of the Burkinabè, you will live with a host family as you volunteer abroad in Burkina Faso. Your host family will make sure you are well-fed, preparing three meals for you each day. You will, of course, have to adjust a bit to Burkina Faso's customary food as a volunteer in Burkina Faso. On location, you will have to buy your own drinking water.

Orientation days and accommodation in Burkina Faso

Your stay as a volunteer in Burkina Faso will begin with a 4-day orientation, which will make your introduction to Burkina Faso and the local conditions easier. The programme includes:

• 8 French lessons – distributed over several days
• A drumming workshop 
  
• A guided tour of Ouagadougou
• A visit to the holy crocodiles of Bazoulé

During the orientation days you will stay in a hostel with other volunteers, where you will receive full board.

After the orientation, our partners will take you to your volunteer project site or to your host family.

Volunteer in Burkina Faso

• Activities: As a volunteer in Burkina Faso, you may teach; supervise homework; help with free-time activities, exercises, child care, or patient care; build walls; do plastering work; lay pipes; etc.
• Free Time: Usually at the weekend.
• Duration: 8, 12, 16, or 20 weeks
• Application: At least 2 months before departure. We are happy to receive applications much earlier than this.
• Starting Dates: Every 2nd Sunday of the month, on the following dates: 12 Dec. 2010 and 9 Jan., 13 Feb., 13 Mar., 10 Apr., 8 May, 12 June, 10 July, 14 Aug., 11 Sept., 9 Oct., 13 Nov., 11 Dec. 2011. From May through August and around Easter and Christmas no project placements are available in the schools.
• Practical Experience: Not mandatory, but it would be a great advantage. To work in a hospital, practical experience or an education in health care is necessary in order to take on more responsibility.
• Other: Since you will be entering a completely new cultural region, flexibility, adaptability, independence, and travel experience are very important qualities to display as you volunteer in Burkina Faso.