Volunteer Teaching in Cape Verde

The day consists of teaching for around four to five hours with a break for lunch. At the end of your school day, you’ll plan lessons for the day ahead, and update files on the classes to inform volunteers who come after you.

Typical Volunteer Teacher Activities

• Kindergarten and Primary School teaching, using English.
• Teaching through activities using board games, playdough and colouring pictures.
• Games and physical education for team building and health.
• Introducing children to colours, shapes and other cognitive exercises.
• Basic introduction to numbers and alphabets in English.
• Games in the playground which help to further the English language.
• Introduction to the natural and man-made environment in the naming of trees, water, leaves, grass, metal, water, taps, building etc.
• Short stories, poems and songs that are popular that the children love.
• Talking about geography, your country and that of the children.
• Lesson planning and research to plan for the next day’s teaching
• Maintaining a file on each of the programs that have been covered by you to as a handover aid to volunteers who will come after you.

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. Thereafter, your program will continue as usual from Tuesday throughout the rest of the week.

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
• Volunteer teaching
• Lunch
• Volunteer teaching
• Preparation time for the next day
• Dinner

Evenings and Weekends

When your teaching day is finished, you can choose to explore the area or head further afield on the weekends. Many of our those volunteer teaching in Cape Verde 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 warm, 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 alone, you will quickly make new friends of fellow volunteers and other young people backpacking in Cape Verde, as well as on-site staff who will be there too. There is WiFi available throughout the communal areas of the house.

Food Arrangements

If you haven’t tried African cuisine, this will be a taste adventure!  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.

If you choose to volunteer in Cape Verde, you will experience the perfect mix of adventure travel, island culture, and meaningful community projects, making it an ideal destination for travellers looking for more than just a beach holiday. Located off the coast of West Africa, Cape Verde is made up of ten unique islands, each offering something different from volcanic mountain hikes and turtle conservation projects to vibrant local music, surfing, and community-led experiences.

TRU Experience Travel in Cape Verde is designed for travelers who want to explore the islands in a more authentic and responsible way. Instead of staying inside resorts, travelers have the chance to connect with local communities, discover hidden villages, and experience the real culture of Cape Verde through hands-on activities and group adventures. Whether it’s hiking through the dramatic landscapes of Santo Antão, relaxing on the beaches of Sal, or exploring the colourful streets of Praia, every part of the journey is built around cultural connection and unforgettable shared experiences.

Choosing to volunteer in Cape Verde gives travellers the opportunity to make a genuine impact while exploring one of Africa’s most exciting island destinations. TRU Experience Travel supports projects focused on education, youth development, environmental awareness, and marine conservation. Travellers can take part in beach clean-ups, support local community initiatives, or help with sustainability projects that directly benefit island communities. These experiences create a deeper understanding of local life while encouraging responsible and ethical tourism.

Cape Verde is also one of the best destinations for adventure travel in Africa. The islands are known for hiking, surfing, snorkeling, quad biking, and boat trips, all set against incredible volcanic scenery and crystal-clear Atlantic waters. Combined with Cape Verde’s relaxed atmosphere, Creole culture, and live music scene, the experience feels both adventurous and personal.

For gap year travellers, solo adventurers, and groups looking for meaningful travel experiences, deciding to volunteer in Cape Verde with TRU Experience Travel combines volunteering, cultural immersion, and island adventure into one unforgettable journey.Cape Verde offers the perfect mix of adventure travel, island culture, and meaningful volunteer experiences, making it an ideal destination for travellers looking for more than just a beach holiday It’s the perfect destination for travellers who want to explore responsibly, meet like-minded people, and experience the real side of travel while making a positive impact along the way.