What you need to know before volunteering in Africa

What you need to know before volunteering in Africa: A cautionary tale

Nathan’s experience of volunteering in Senegal is a good example of what you need to know before volunteering in Africa. He shares his experience, a journey filled with initial excitement and ultimate disappointment. As a teacher in the UK, he believed his skills would be valuable in an African classroom. However, his perception of volunteering in Africa soon collided with the stark reality.

Lack of transparency: A red flag

Another thing you need to know before volunteering in Africa is the importance of transparency from the volunteer organization. Nathan emphasized the minimal information provided by Go Volunteers Africa prior to his departure. This lack of communication, he argued, was a red flag.

The disappointing reality: A wasted trip

Upon arriving in Senegal, Nathan was met with a shocking reality: the school term had just ended. The core purpose of his trip, to volunteer as a teacher, was almost entirely nullified. This experience highlights the potential discrepancy between advertised programs and the actual conditions on the ground.

Financial implications and ethical concerns

Nathan also raised concerns about the financial aspect of his volunteer experience. The program fee he paid did not align with the limited opportunities provided. Furthermore, he mentioned instances where the organization failed to fulfill financial obligations to host families and volunteers. This raises questions about the organization’s financial practices and ethical standards.

Luciana on the other hand in her review about Go Volunteer Africa on August 2023 says, “They dont repass the money!! Really, don’t go volunteer with this organization! Although the places they sent us are great places with loving caring people, they are not repassing the money you pay!! Not only, they will charge you almost 3 times what they are suposedly to repass to the centers (so they keep much more than their fees). In both places I went to volunteer with them, I found out they simply did not repass any money!! And they simply don’t answer the MANY emails when I asked about it. Also, after you make the payment to them their comunication just becomes horrible! Find another serious organization! Really! They don’t deserve our money or resources!
Nathan’s experience underscores the importance of thorough research before embarking on a volunteer trip to Africa. By sharing his story, he hopes to prevent others from encountering similar disappointments. Potential volunteers should inquire about specific program details, including start and end dates, and be wary of organizations that prioritize profit over the volunteer experience.

What you need to know before volunteering in Africa is that careful consideration and research are essential for a fulfilling and impactful experience.

But there is hope because there are good people out there

Meet Barnabas, the director at Agape Mitaboni Academy, who is helping children get quality education in rural Kenya.