School Construction and Renovation in Cape Verde

🏠 Your home in Tarrafal

During your experience you'll be staying in Tarrafal, a coastal town on the island of Santiago known for its white-sand beaches and the laid-back rhythm of Cape Verdean life. Your accommodation is a volunteer house managed by our local partner, just a few minutes from the town center and the main schools. The atmosphere is warm and sociable: you'll share spaces, meals, and everyday moments with fellow participants from around the world.

🛏️ Rooms & comfort

• Shared rooms (4–8 people), separated by gender
• Shared bathrooms with hot showers and Western-style facilities
• Bed linen provided (towels not included)
• Fan in the room; no air conditioning
• Lockable rooms for added privacy and security
• Wi-Fi available in common areas
• No mosquito nets or safe: a personal padlock is recommended

🍽️ Meals & daily life

• 3 meals a day on weekdays and 2 on weekends
• Cape Verdean and international cuisine: rice, fresh fish, vegetables, and simple, wholesome dishes
• Water, tea, and coffee always available
• Dietary requirements accommodated on request at the time of booking
• Meals are served at the house and are a daily highlight for socializing

🤝 Common areas & connection

• Living area and dining room for sharing meals and free time
• Small shared kitchen and refrigerator
• Wi-Fi available in common areas
• Nearby: ATM, mini-market, and local restaurants all within walking distance

🧾 What's included

• Accommodation in shared rooms (4–8 pax, single-gender)
• 3 meals on weekdays / 2 on weekends
• Drinking water and basic beverages
• Ongoing support from the local team
• Access to common areas and Wi-Fi
• Arrival orientation and 24/7 assistance

💛 More than just a place to sleep

The Tarrafal volunteer house is a meeting point for cultures and people. Here you'll share authentic moments with the local community and discover the everyday life of an island where every smile is a welcome.

🛡️ Safety & support

Life in Tarrafal is peaceful and the community warmly welcomes those who come from afar 🌍 All programs in Cape Verde are carefully selected and supervised to ensure reliable, professionally managed environments.

🔹 Participant screening

Before departure, every volunteer is required to provide a criminal background check. We'll provide you with full instructions to complete the process easily — a simple but essential requirement that ensures mutual trust and safety among participants, staff, and the local community.

🔹 High safety standards

• Accommodation and schools located in quiet, easily accessible areas
• Constant presence of the local coordinator
• Controlled access and daily monitoring of participants
• Activities organized in safe, supervised spaces

🔹 Ongoing support

From arrival to departure, the local team is available 24/7 for any needs. Our team stays in constant contact via WhatsApp to provide an extra layer of support throughout your stay.

🔹 Best practices for peace of mind

✔ Always keep the emergency numbers provided with you
✔ Avoid walking alone at night or in isolated areas
✔ Follow staff instructions and respect the house rules
✔ Always let the team know if you plan to go somewhere on your own

💡 Our goal

To give you a peaceful, safe, and authentic experience — so you can focus on what really matters: discovering Cape Verdean life, learning, and sharing 🌴

🧭 Orientation Day

Your first Monday in Tarrafal is dedicated to orientation: a chance to learn about Cape Verdean culture, discover the area, and feel right at home 🇨🇻

Throughout the day you'll take part in several activities led by the local team:

• Welcome meeting and program overview
• House rules and code of conduct
• Introductory Kriolu language lesson and introduction to local traditions
• Neighborhood tour: supermarkets, ATM, shops, and key landmarks
• Shared lunch break
• Guided visit to Mar de President beach, followed by dinner

📌 After orientation

Starting Tuesday, you'll dive into your renovation project activities with all the information you need to make the most of your time in Tarrafal.

✈️ Arrival & departure tips – Tarrafal, Cape Verde

We recommend booking a flight that arrives at Praia International Airport (RAI) on Sunday, between 00:05 and 02:00 Monday morning. Our team's welcome service is active during those hours and will accompany you to Tarrafal (approx. 1h30 travel time).

📍 Official meeting point

Tarrafal Square, in front of the main church. Your local coordinator will be waiting with a sign. Please do not leave the meeting point until our staff has reached you.

🚗 Transfers

• Average journey time: 1h15–1h30
• Free pick-up on Sunday (upon confirmation of arrival time)
• Private pick-up available at other times or on other days for an additional fee
• Return to the airport on Saturday: transfer not included, but assistance is available to help arrange a taxi or shuttle

📱 Internet connection

We recommend purchasing a local SIM on arrival, or setting up an eSIM via Airalo before you leave
👉 https://airalo.pxf.io/e15b2O
Alternatively, you can buy a SIM during your orientation with the support of local staff.

🛫 Departure

Check-out is by 12:00 on Saturday. We recommend booking your return flight in the afternoon or evening to allow enough time for the transfer to Praia. If you have an early departure or any delays, always let the local coordinator know in advance.

💡 After your participation is confirmed

You'll receive an email with coordinator contacts, maps, emergency numbers, and all up-to-date instructions. Following these guidelines will ensure a safe and worry-free journey.