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Outstanding 4.90rating (16)
  • Decent Work And Economic Growth
  • No Poverty

Microfinance Assistant

location
2 - 32 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Help disadvantaged people become economically independent
  • Work on granting loans to disadvantaged women and to former talibés
  • Promote economic independence, social development and dignity in vulnerable people

Highlights

  • Help disadvantaged people become economically independent
  • Work on granting loans to disadvantaged women and to former talibés
  • Promote economic independence, social development and dignity in vulnerable people
  • Gain experience and knowledge on economics and financial plans
  • Visit the beautiful country of Senegal in your free time
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Work with women from poor backgrounds or young male adults, who have grown up on the streets, helping them build their own companies and gain their economic independence.

    The Microfinance project aims to help disadvantaged young people who have little chance of entering the job market to become economically independent. The project grants loans to former talibés (Senegalese street children) and disadvantaged women. The loans allow the individuals to build their own ...

    About the program

    The Microfinance project aims to help disadvantaged young people who have little chance of entering the job market to become economically independent. The project grants loans to former talibés (Senegalese street children) and disadvantaged women. The loans allow the individuals to build their own businesses. The project provides not only financial support but also works to assess the needs and unique situations of the beneficiaries. The aim is to promote economic independence, social development and dignity in vulnerable people.

    In this programme, volunteers work with local Senegalese staff at the centre in St. Louis. They will accompany beneficiaries on their path to becoming economically independent by training beneficiaries on business management basics, constructing financial plans and giving loans.

    Typical day

    A typical day will start with waking up and having breakfast at your host-family's house. After that, you will either walk (most host-family's are located on walking distance) or take a taxi to your project location. At 9 in the morning, you meet with your supervisor and other volunteers. Together ...

    Typical day

    A typical day will start with waking up and having breakfast at your host-family's house. After that, you will either walk (most host-family's are located on walking distance) or take a taxi to your project location. At 9 in the morning, you meet with your supervisor and other volunteers. Together you will continue on your task: where you get to work with the participants of the Microfinance project, and for example work on a financial businessplan together. 

    At 12:30 PM,  you get to enjoy a long afternoon break, where you can have a nice West-African lunch, go to the beach, the market or swimming pool, or just relax with your fellow volunteers. From 16:00  untill 18:30 in the evening, your project continues. In the evening, you can have dinner with your host family or for example go to a restaurant with other volunteers, and afterwards enjoy a nice bar or do other fun activities.  Project days are usually monday till friday, so you have the afternoons, evenings and weekends to do sightseeing, relaxing, and exploring Senegal with your fellow volunteers! Off-days outside of the weekends have to be debated with the supervisors, all depending on the length of your stay. But once again: ASF always tries to be as flexible as possible, to meet the wishes of our volunteers!

    Free-time activities

    In your free time, you can explore Senegal or other neigbouring West-African countries with other volunteers! In Senegal, you can visit the beautiful beaches of Saint-Louis or Cap Skirring, the Loumpoul desert, the Pink Lake, the Seashell Island (Joal-Fadiouth), or Ile de Gorée which has a very ...

    Free-time activities

    In your free time, you can explore Senegal or other neigbouring West-African countries with other volunteers! In Senegal, you can visit the beautiful beaches of Saint-Louis or Cap Skirring, the Loumpoul desert, the Pink Lake, the Seashell Island (Joal-Fadiouth), or Ile de Gorée which has a very intriguing history of slave-trade. Also, you can visit several wildparks with exotic animals or beautiful bird-parks. Besides, the city of Saint-Louis is a very vibrant and lively city, with lots of art, beautiful architecture and history, and a vibrant nightlife with various clubs, good restaurants and bars.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak French (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Quite good knowledge of Excel, speaking French or English.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Aider Sans Frontières is a non-profit organisation, so all costs go towards your project, operating costs, staff allowances, accommodation and food. Prices include accommodation, food, water, staff support and transfer to and from the airport. The food included in the price entails three meals a day: so breakfast, lunch and dinner. Special food requirements such as vegetarian is often no problem! Pick up from the international airport in Diass (Thiès) to ASF and your host family in Saint-Louis is done by a very friendly and experienced staff member or driver of ASF. Transparency is an important value to ASF so for a breakdown of costs please contact us for further explanation.

    Airport Pickup at Blaise Diagne International Airport

    Transfer to and from the airport is done by one of our experienced and very friendly staff members or drivers. The drive to and from the international airport in Diass (Thiès) to Saint-Louis, where ASF and your host family are based, takes about 3.5 hours. 

    However, this is optional and volunteers can decide to organise it on their own.

    Accommodation

    Our standard accommodation, included in the price of your project, is host family accommodation. We will match you with a local family who will look after you and give you three meals a day included in the price.   Our families are friendly, very welcoming and fully checked. Host family accommodation is clean but not luxurious. You can have your own room, or share a room with other volunteers if they are present at the same time as you. As a general rule, all volunteers that are over 25 will have their private room at the guest house, unless they request otherwise. There will be bathrooms at your accommodation, which can be private (en-suite) or shared with other volunteers or family members.

    Food & Beverages

    Prices include food and water, meaning you get breakfast, lunch and dinner, so three meals a day. Any special food requirements, such as vegetarian meals, is often not a problem but should be indicated in advance.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) in Dakar. We assist you to find cheap flights to Senegal. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Senegal provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Senegal you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Senegal. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Flexibility is key! ASF always tries to be as flexible as possible, to meet the wishes of our volunteers!

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $392 per week 2 - 32 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 32 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    4.90
    ・
    16 reviews

    •
    2024
    I had the opportunity to intern with Aider Sans Frontières earlier this year for just over two months, and it was one of the most rewarding ...
    •
    2024
    My almost three months with the Aider Sans Frontières microfinance project in Saint-Louis were definitely one of the most exciting and ...
    Damian Kübler

    Microfinance Assistant

    •
    2020
    I had the most incredible time volunteering with ASF in St Louis, Senegal, at the care centre placement. Being only 16 at the time, and all ...
    Kate Chipman

    Microfinance Assistant

    •
    2019
    My volunteer placement with ASF in Sénégal was an experience that I’ll never forget and will impact me for the rest of my life. I made ...
    Abigail Hughes

    Microfinance Assistant

    •
    2016
    This is a volunteering programme that genuinely has an impact and is valued by the community. I worked with women and young men who wanted ...
    Aleysha Rattray

    Microfinance Assistant

    •
    2014
    An amazing experience that made me want to start a career in development and humanitarian aid. This organization was both qualified and ...

    Location

    Africa > Western Africa > Senegal > Saint-Louis

    Meet your project coordinator

    Moctar
    16
    reviews
    4.90
    Outstanding
    2011
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: French, English
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  NGO Support  >  Business Development in Senegal
    Contact Moctar
      Very high response rate
    French, English

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