WHO CAN VOLUNTEER?

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If you are over the age of 17 and can commit to one week or more you can join us in The Gambia to volunteer for GEPADG. No experience is required, any training will be given to individuals as required.

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WHERE WILL I BE?

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You will be staying in Gunjur in the Kombo South District, of the West Coast Region, in the southwest coastal strip of The Gambia, in West Africa. It has an estimated population of 27,000 made up of mostly Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, Serer Karoninka, Senegalese and other ethnic grouos, mainly employed in artisanal fisheries and farming. The settlement is 10 kilometres from Sanyang and 39 kilometres by road from the capital of Banjul. About 3km from the main town, and on the coast, is the bustling fishing village with its fish smoking houses and rows of multi-coloured African pirogues. North of the fish centre the beaches are excellent for miles.

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WHAT WILL THE ACCOMODATION BE LIKE?

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You will stay with local families in Gunjur, accommodation types vary and some are more westernized than others (flushing toilets, electricity etc). Your hosts will look after you and welcome you in as they would a member of their family. All meals are provided.

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HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

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This depends on the accomadation type and duration of stay, please use the contact page for more info.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

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The Gambia is a developing country in Africa and there may be a few differences from your home environment. Electricity can be hard to come by and sporadic if available at all. Not all houses have running water and flushing toilets are not that common. The Gambia is a very friendly and safe place hence its name 'The smiling coast', you will be approached by lots of locals who will want to know your name and why you have decided to visit, enjoy yourself and settle into the culture, being a guest in a family house will give you a chance to really immerse yourself in the local culture. Settle into the local speed and explore Gunjur and its stunning beaches, nature, local markets and cultural sights.

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WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

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Shorts/T Shirts

Light trousers/long sleeve evening wear and a something warm (it can get cold at night)

Some smart clothes (you may be required to scrub up for a social occasion or meeting/presentation)

Don't bring too many clothes, you can get them laundered very cheaply and will be supporting the local economy

Innoculations and malaria tablets (contact your local heath providers)

Wind up torch

Head torch

Water filtration bottle

You can get bottled water locally but the exacerbates an increasingly problematic waste issue

Mosquito net

Hat

Suncream

Walking boots/shoes/trainers

Flip flops/sandals

Swimwear

Sunglasses

Power Bar for recharging your devices

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HOW WILL I GET FROM THE AIRPORT TO GUNJUR?

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Flights arrive to The Gambia at Banjul airport. Transportation can be arranged from the airport terminal to your accommodation for 25 euro. Alternatively you can get a taxi from the airport although this may cost more and require an elongated negotiation. There are no timetabled bus routes in the Gambia but you could get a local taxi to take you to a bush taxi place and grab a local bus south towards Gunjur. This will be considerably cheaper and lots of fun but less comfortable and certainly more time consuming.

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WHAT ELSE?

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Please support the local economy if you can. Toiletries are available from local shops and souvenirs are available in lots of places. Our team will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Enjoy a unique and exciting opportunity to help out on a community project ran by local people.

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