Volunteer work in Burkina Faso with TravelWorks

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Volunteer work in Burkina Faso

The West African, French-speaking state of Burkina Faso is one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world. The majority of the population lives from agricultural farming, even though drought periods turn the country into a landscape of dry savannahs.

And still, Burkina Faso is known for the “don’t-worry-be-happy” mentality of its inhabitants. With very limited resources, the Burkinabes have managed to establish a culturally diverse country where many different races live peacefully together.

Volunteer work in Burkina Faso: Your destination!

At a glance

Age: 18 years and above
Duration: 8, 12 or 16 weeks
Language: Very good knowledge of French
Starting dates: Every 2nd Sunday of the month

After the French colonial reign and long turbulent periods of political unrest, Burkina Faso has finally arrived at a more or less stable economic state. If you find friendliness more important than comfort and you’re ready to accept very basic living conditions, then you’re good to go for the land of the honest people as Burkina Faso is accordingly translated. Your experience will definitely be unforgettable!

Life in Ouagadougou

Burkina Faso’s capital Ouagadougou lies in the heart of the country, where various ancient trade routes cross. The capital city, bearing home to just over one million Burkinabes, isn’t exactly the city of modern sky-climbing buildings - it 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, has a somewhat rusty charm that never allows you to grow bored. Experience the vibrant hustle and bustle in the market and on the streets; it’s so easy to strike up a conversation with the open and friendly people in the street cafés along the shaded boulevards. And if you’re looking for some action in the night life – Burkina Faso is the place to be!

Volunteer work in Burkina Faso

Orientation days and accommodation in Burkina Faso

Your stay will begin with a several-day orientation event, which will make your introduction to Burkina Faso and the local conditions easier. Included in the programme are:

10 French lessons – distributed over several days
A meeting between the volunteers and a local doctor, who will inform you about hygiene, malaria protection and health care
A visit to various villages
A drumming workshop
A guided tour of the city
A visit to the holy crocodiles of Tanghin
A joint evening event to round off the programme.

Accommodation in Ouagadougou

Concerning your accommodation, you get the chance to experience the daily life in a Burkinabe host family and enjoy their typical meals cooked especially for you!

Volunteer work in Burkina Faso

Activities: For example teaching, supervising homework, supporting employees with activities and exercises, caring for patients, building walls, plastering work, laying cables etc.
Time off: Normally on the weekend.
Duration: 8, 12 or 16 weeks
Application: At least 3 months before departure. We are happy to receive applications much earlier than this.
Programme start: Every 2nd Sunday of the month.
Practical experience: Not mandatory, but it would certainly make your stay easier.
Other: As you will be entering a completely new cultural region, patience, adaptability, self-sufficiency and travel experience are very important. After application, we may carry out a telephone interview in French with you.