Voluntary Project Overview

NBAG is a not for profit organisation that is focused on promoting the beekeeping industry within The Gambia. The Association has already gained support from the UN, Forestry Department, Concern Universal and many Gambian beekeepers and has the sole responsibility for implementing the National Beekeeping programme. NBAG has so far managed to develop a product range, centralise quality control, provide affordable high quality equipment, run beekeeping training workshops and promote beekeeping to a wide range of interested parties including NGOs such as Peace Corps. Most recently they have been able to set up a micro-finance scheme allowing villagers to apply for loans for equipment from the NBAG and also to get training in income generation. To learn more about the great work undertaken by this organisation, please download the brochure below:

National Beekeepers Association Gambia brochure.pdf

The Volunteer Abroad Role

As with many small and relatively new organisations, NBAG have set themselves an ambitious agenda that will need plenty of support. There are a number of areas and proposed projects that would benefit from the support of MondoChallenge volunteers in a variety of ways. Previous volunteers have done an excellent job in training the local staff and establishing accounting and production processes. However, volunteers can help in the future through: project management, sales and marketing, accountancy, and environmental and training issues.

Other Volunteer Abroad opportunities

 Volunteers also help in adult literacy classes as many local people welcome the chance to improve their English. 

In addition to this business development project, there are various other Mondo programmes in the area, including HIV support and teaching in primary and nursery schools.

Voluntary Programme Requirements/Eligibility Criteria

We require 4 years of working experience for our business placements. Skills needed include marketing and sales, accounting, training and office management. Knowledge of beekeeping is not necessary but you will certainly learn a lot about it when on the project. Volunteers need good communication skills, an open mind, lots of enthusiasm and a good sense of humour!

Volunteer Accommodation and Living arrangements

The office is located near the town of Brikama, only 30 minutes away from the coastal resorts. The town is well known for its craft market which produces and sells hundreds of wood carvings, batiks, drums and other souvenirs. Music is also a central part of the life in Brikama and you will be able to either take classes locally or listen to the performances of musical talents, sometimes internationally renowned. Accommodation is available either in a well selected host family, a self-catering apartment or in local guest houses.

What’s included in your Programme Fee?

• Project selection and placement - Our in-country teams work constantly to identify and select projects that are doing exemplary work in developing countries but need your skills and effort. Our staff are in dialogue with you to ensure that we choose a project that really needs you, where you will use your skills and contribute, because at MondoChallenge, we believe that a great volunteering experience is largely dependant on matching you with the right project
• Pre Departure Briefing - Before you leave, we will arrange for a pre departure briefing where we help you with small but extremely helpful details on your chosen destination. Things like: what to pack, local culture and customs, food, safety and precautions if any - simple things to make your life easier!
• Guidance for processing visa - MondoChallenge will arrange for any relevant documents and guide you through the visa process.
• Airport Pick Up - Arriving in a new city and not knowing where to go and how to go can be quite unnerving. A MondoChallenge representative will meet you at the airport and take you to your place of stay where you can put your feet up after a long flight.
• In country Orientation and Welcome Pack - When you arrive in the city, you will be given an orientation where you could meet other volunteers from MondoChallenge, know all about the city, how to find your way around, where to get SIM cards for the phone, small bits that you will need help sorting out in the first few days.
• In Country Support - Our local co-ordinators are there to guide you through out your stay. They will make sure that you are settled at your project, are comfortable with your accommodation and provide guidance on local culture and customs to ensure that you have a memorable and rewarding experience.
• Accommodation - In most cases you stay with a local host family. It gives you a taste of the daily life of a local. You will be sharing a room with another volunteer, however if you prefer to have a single room to yourself, this can be arranged but a cost supplement may apply. If you prefer totally independent accommodation, this may also be possible in certain areas at an additional cost and our Programme Managers will be able to assist you with this.
• Breakfast and Dinner - Local home cooked food, will be provided at the home stays. This gives you a chance to experience local dishes.

Not Included:

• International Flights
• Visa and Travel insurance Costs
• Vaccination
• Local Transport and Travel
• Personal Expenses

Project photos

Testimonials