Cultural/Sports event planner for street-connected children of Darou, St-Louis, Senegal

Position Overview

Maison des Talibés is seeking a motivated volunteer to support the design, coordination, and facilitation of cultural, sports, and recreational activities for street-connected talibé children attending the center in Darou, Saint-Louis.

The volunteer will work closely with local staff, other volunteers, and community actors to create inclusive, meaningful, and age-appropriate activities that promote well-being, socialization, and self-expression.

Main Responsibilities

• • Design and organize sports, cultural, and recreational activities (e.g. football, games, music, arts, dance, storytelling, workshops)
  • Coordinate one-off or recurring events adapted to the children’s needs, ages, and energy levels
  • Facilitate activities in a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment
  • Encourage participation, teamwork, and positive social interactions
  • Collaborate with local staff and volunteers to ensure activities are culturally appropriate and feasible
  • Contribute ideas for the development of long-term recreational programming at the center

Profile Sought

We are looking for volunteers who:

• • Have an interest or background in sports, arts, culture, youth work, or community activities
  • Are creative, flexible, and comfortable working with children aged 5 to 18
  • Demonstrate patience, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills
  • Are able to adapt activities to a low-resource context
  • Show respect for local norms, cultures, and institutional realities

Previous experience in event planning, coaching, animation, or youth facilitation is an asset but not mandatory.

Time Commitment

• • Minimum commitment: 1 week
  • Approximate involvement: 15 hours per week or more
  • Schedule to be defined collaboratively with the team

Languages

• • French or English required
  • Wolof or Pulaar is a strong asset but not mandatory

Ethical Framework

Volunteers are expected to work within Maison des Talibés’ ethical approach:

• • Supporting rather than substituting local actors
  • Maintaining a posture of listening, humility, and collaboration
  • Avoiding saviorism and respecting the dignity and agency of children

What the Volunteer Gains

• • Hands-on experience in community-based and child-focused programming
  • Immersion in a local Senegalese context
  • Meaningful engagement with a socially impactful initiative
  • Collaboration with a diverse team of local and international actors