Our Renovation Volunteer programme is really varied, as community needs change all the time. However, you’ll find out what types of work you’ll be doing at the beginning of your week. Don’t worry if you’re not Handy Andy or Mandy – your coordinator will find jobs that are suited to your abilities and safe to do, and you’ll pick up lots of new skills along the way!

Mandatory Orientation Day

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day to learn about your surroundings and local culture.

Orientation Day Schedule

• Welcome: Introduction to Cape Verdean traditions and culture; House rules, Code of Conduct and handling of documents,
• Basic Kriolu Lesson
• Visit local supermarkets and ATMs, and explore the surroundings of our centre.
• Lunch
• Visit to Mar De President Beach and spend some time on the beach before returning back to the centre for dinner.

Weekly Schedule

Monday

• Breakfast
• Introduction
• Lunch
• Introduction
• Dinner

Tuesday to Friday

• Breakfast
• Renovation Volunteering
• Lunch
• Renovation Volunteering
• Dinner

Evenings and Weekends

After a day of renovating, you can choose to explore the area or head further afield on the weekends. Many of our volunteers enjoy mixing with their new volunteer friends during the week and plan their weekend adventures as they go!

Please note:

Cost of transport to locations is not included, but will usually be around £1.50 per day.

This schedule can be changed depending on weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

The city is named after the indigenous plant Tarrafe, and is also called Mangui or Mangue. Situated in the northern part of the island of Santiago, Tarrafal is a fishing port with a vibrant community and a friendly people.

About the Accommodation

Our centre offers safe and comfortable surroundings with dorm-style separate male/female accommodation and western toilets available (shared).

And if you’re travelling to Cape Verde alone, don’t worry! You will quickly make new friends of fellow travellers and on-site staff who will be there too. Catch up with friends and family in the evenings with WiFi available throughout the communal areas of the house.

Food Arrangements

We think you’ll love African Cuisine!  Typical Cape Verdean food includes rice dishes, beans, fruits, vegetables, chicken, beef, and fish with its own African spices.  At our centre, you’ll find a mix of local and Western food to enjoy, with all meals, tea, coffee, and filtered water included in your stay. There are 3 meals during the week and 2 meals on weekends.

Facilities
There are ATMs, mini-marts, some shops and restaurants close by in the city centre.

The beautiful islands of the Cape Verde were initially uninhabited until the Portuguese discovered it in the 15th century. The country flourished during the 16th and the 17th centuries due to the Atlantic slave trade. But with the decline of the slave trade in the 19th century, the country experienced an economic crisis. Yet the location of the island made it survive as it became a significant commercial center in the 19th century, as the location was perfect for re-supply of the ships. In the present day context, the economy of the country is mostly relying on the services provided by the country targeting the growing tourism industry.

Cape Verde has a mild climate compared to the mainland of Africa with an average high temperature of about 26 °C during February and 31 °C in September. The country has an irregular rain pattern in the months between August and October and it is in September that the country experiences its maximum rainfall. The country can boast about the rich vegetation and the forest that provides a rainforest habitat although the close proximity to the Sahara is makes most islands with no mountains mostly dry. The islands as initially were isolated; the existence of a number of endemic species mostly the birds and reptiles can be seen although the existence is threatened by the human developments.

Explore Africa’s most westerly point with it’s incredible volcanic landscape and black and white sand beaches.

Culture
As the Portuguese discovered the country; the culture is immensely influenced by them. Rural Portuguese practices are displayed in the social and cultural patterns of the country.