What does Volunteering in The Gambia mean?
The definition of a volunteer is someone who performs or offers to perform a service out of his/her own free will, often without payment.
To volunteer is to choose to act in recognition of a need, with an attitude of social responsibility, without concern for monetary profit, and going beyond what is necessary to one's physical well-being.
How do I Become a Volunteer?
What a person needs mostly to become a volunteer is time. Financial stability would be useful. However, unless you have financial commitments such as a mortgage to commit to, having a small bank account back at home is fine.
Age doesn't really matter, as long as you have the right attitude, be both physically and mentally in check, and have the ability to be open-minded, patient, independent, and very flexible. And lastly, having a skill to offer is probably a good idea.
Development in The Gambia
As a volunteer spending a lengthy period of time in The Gambia (anywhere from several weeks to several years or more), you will likely be far more involved with development here than a tourist that spends only a week or so would. It is therefore essential to understand some of the more pertinent issues affecting development in The Gambia:
General Tips for Volunteers
Full integration into the new environment of the country that a volunteer spends time in is rarely possible, so do not be ashamed of being who you are; an individual from another culture.
However, not attempting to integrate at all is shameful. After all, choosing to be a volunteer in The Gambia is asking for an adventure!
Your Home in The Gambia
Most volunteer accommodations are very basic, especially those that are upcountry. You will be lucky to have a western-style flushing toilet, and running water and electricity for a few hours a day (upcountry these three things barely even exist).
Housing can be situated in a compound where you will live right next door to Gambians or you could be on your own in an apartment.
What to do If
...you need more clothes: finding clothing such as what you are used to at home is not that easy. There are a few shops that import items from Europe but they tend to be limited and expensive.
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