Volunteer
We need enthusiastic volunteers to get involved both in organisation here in the UK and the field work in Senegal. We ask that you have a good working knowledge of the French language.
The HSD UK committee comprises of the following people:
- Chair person
- Vice Chair person
- General Secretary
- Treasurer
- Events and publicity co-ordinator
In addition, we require co-ordinators and members of the following groups on the field:
- Health
- Sports
- Environment
- Cultural exchange
As a marcher, what kind of thing should I expect?
A typical day This will consist of attending some of the scheduled sessions and maybe other things such as helping out with the cooking. You can take part in as much of the programme as you want. The discussion sessions will involve speaking to a group of about 10 Senegalese about the given topic, using interactive methods such as diagrams, demonstrations and questions and answers, and there will be training provided for those taking part. There are some activities which everyone can help out in, such as cleaning up areas with rubbish, planting trees and video recording/photos. You do not have to be an expert at all to take part in the sports either. There will be regular evening get-togethers with music, dancing and fun.
You will get the opportunity to explore some of this beautiful country's “tourist” areas and to get into the easy going way of life that is so fundamental to Senegalese society.
Language French is spoken widely in Senegal by those who have been educated at school. However, for a lot of our target population, the language spoken is Wolof. The Senegalese marchers will be able to translate for us, but to do this you need a good working knowledge of French.
Climate Remember, it will be hot. During this time it is also the wet season, so it may also rain a lot. The climate here should not be underestimated and it is often very difficult to work in. You will need to take care to eat well and to drink lots of water. It is not necessary that you are very physically fit, as we will be travelling from village to village by bus.
Accommodation and facilities The group will carry mattresses for you to sleep on at each stage and will also provide mosquito nets. The accommodation at each stage will usually take the form of a school or other large building, when we install the mattresses and mosquito nets on arrival. The washing facilities will be very basic, but you should find that it is very easy to get used to.
You will be able to communicate with friends and family at home via telephone and internet cafes. The latter can be found in Kaolack and Dakar and you should be able to find phone cabins in most of the villages.
Your time in Senegal will be relaxed, fun and worthwhile. You will find that in amongst the hard graft, there will be many opportunities for interesting conversation, impromptu ball games and guitar accompanied singing. Expect to make many fantastic, potentially lifelong friends and learn infinite amounts about life, culture and people. You will gain an enormous sense of achievement in contributing to the development of such a beautiful, humble and forever grateful society of people.
What preparation will be needed?
Coming to march in Senegal is easier than you may think! You will need to include the following in what you bring:
- A few changes of light clothing; remember no shorts/skirts above knee in Senegal. You will also need something light with long sleeves and long trousers/skirts to wear in the evenings to prevent mosquito bites. You may also want to bring a light water proof jacket
- Swimming suit
- Footwear- sandals and one pair of closed toe shoes
- A small bag with toiletries
- A towel
- High factor sun cream
- A hat
- An insulated water carrier
- Mosquito repellent containing at least 50% DEET
- A sheet for sleeping at night
- Some candles
- A torch
- A medium knife for preparing food
- A medicine kit containing regular travel medicines such as paracetamol, antiseptic, bandages, electrolyte solution and anti-diarrhoeals, anti-histamines.
- Also bring any games/music that you think will be fun and will be easily transported!
Please try not to bring any more than about 10-15kg of luggage. You will have to carry your back pack around and will be lifting it on and off the bus. You should not need much more than this anyway.
You will also need to have travel insurance and be able to provide proof of this prior to travel. This is very important.
You will need malaria prophylaxis and will need to ensure that your travel vaccinations are up to date.
You will not need to bring money with you as the living costs will be entirely covered by your 500 Euro fee. However, if you intend to bring back souvenirs, for example, you can bring a little extra. You should bring Euros as these can be easily changed into CFA while in Senegal. There are also some ATM machines in Dakar and Kaolack.
