Trip Details

Volunteer Teaching in Cape Verde

The majority of our volunteers are really keen to make a difference in the world whilst they explore new places. That’s why this programme is one of our most popular, providing an amazing opportunity to do both!  As a volunteer teacher, you will be helping young children in the town of Taraffal, Cape Verde, to learn English along with other subjects.  Importantly, however, you will also help build their confidence to be the best they can be! Your input is incredibly valuable; with 30 kindergarten and 260 students in primary school, (130 boys/girls) and only 5 staff to support them, they need all the assistance they can get!

Taraffal’s Children need YOU!

Life in Taraffal is not easy for many children. Most mothers work whilst raising their children alone, as men often have to work far from home to earn a living. This means that many children stay with neighbours or grandparents, and so school is an important place that provides structure in their lives. One of the most important ways of preparing for a future career, is with English proficiency, so your involvement will inspire and encourage these children to improve their language skills and think of their futures.

Explore the Beaches, Mountains and Villages of Cape Verde!

Of course, you’re also here to experience a bit of adventure on your travels! Cape Verde’s islands and inlets offer plenty of lush greenery, rugged mountains and coastal beaches to explore! Taraffal itself – a fishing port, is a town bustling with activity and warm, friendly people.  Whilst staying with us in our safe and comfortable accommodation you will have plenty of time to relax too, with all meals included and wifi available in our communal areas to catch up with family and friends back home!

Why be a Volunteer Teacher?

  • Provide valuable support to young children who are keen to learn
  • Improve your teaching skills, and learn new ones
  • Explore the breathtaking scenery and vibrant culture of Cape Verde
  • Stay at our safe and friendly volunteer home with staff always on-site
  • Enjoy delicious African cuisine, with all meals and beverages* included

*tea, coffee and drinking water

Get in touch to find out more or browse through our many other volunteer experiences.

Trip Itinerary

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.

Trip Accommodation

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.

Trip Country Info

Cape Verde

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.

Participant Criteria & Requirements

Standard Requirements

MUST have a yellow fever vaccination and must obtain a certificate as proof
Under 18, Parental Consent is Required
DBS, Criminal background check
Travel Insurance

Additional Requirements

Open Mind
Team player

What's included

  • 24/7 support in case of emergencies
  • Accommodation
  • Airport Pick up
  • English speaking coordinator
  • Meals
  • Orientation

What's not included

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Vaccination
  • Visa