Trade skills teaching to street-connected children of Darou, Saint-Louis, Senegal

Position Overview

Maison des Talibés is seeking motivated volunteers to support basic trade and vocational skills teaching for street-connected talibé children attending the center in Darou, Saint-Louis.

The volunteer will contribute to the facilitation of introductory, hands-on vocational activities adapted to the children’s ages, capacities, and realities, with the aim of fostering practical skills, self-confidence, and pathways toward social reintegration.

Main Responsibilities

• • Facilitate basic trade skills activities (e.g. hairdressing, carpentry, tailoring, other practical skills)
  • Design and adapt hands-on workshops suitable for a low-resource, non-formal learning environment
  • Ensure activities are conducted in a safe, supportive, and respectful manner
  • Encourage participation, autonomy, and skill development
  • Collaborate with local staff and volunteers to align activities with children’s needs
  • Contribute ideas for the development of sustainable vocational programming at the center

Profile Sought

We are looking for volunteers who:

• • Have experience or skills in a specific trade or vocational field
  • Are patient, adaptable, and comfortable working with children aged 5 to 18
  • Are able to transmit skills in a practical, accessible, and participatory way
  • Demonstrate cultural sensitivity, humility, and respect for local contexts

Formal teaching credentials are not required. Previous experience in vocational training or apprenticeship 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 an asset but not mandatory

Ethical Framework

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

• • Supporting rather than substituting local actors
  • Valuing practical knowledge and lived experience
  • Respecting the dignity, rhythms, and aspirations of children

What the Volunteer Gains

• • Meaningful experience in community-based vocational education
  • Direct involvement in a locally grounded social initiative
  • Cross-cultural learning in a Senegalese context
  • Collaboration with local and international actors