Volunteer with SI MA BO

WHAT CAN A VOLUNTEER DO FOR SI MA BO? (INSIDE CAPE VERDE)

In Cape Verde we are always looking for full-time or part-time volunteers, vets (experienced or recently graduated), and non-vets. Volunterring on the ground in Cape Verde is an amazing experience and we accept volunteers from all over the world.

In addition to the above requirements, all volunteers are expressly required to be tolerant, diplomatic, and possess a cooperative spirit (both with local staff, whose contribution is indispensable, and with other volunteers). Also, volunteers must have a willingness to understand a different culture other than their own.

In our clinic we handle both stray animals and animals with owners/guardians who have no other place to go. It is important to know how to communicate even though there may be language or cultural barriers.

Volunteers should be versatile and capable of handling stressful situations: group life, working in a different context, away from home, in a different climate, with different food options, the continual presence of animals and their owners/guardians that need attention.

Working for SIMABO in Cape Verde is a commitment. The work can be physically exhausting and emotionally draining, so that could leave little room for other activities. The goal must be "to bring aid to the animals”.

All applicants must be physically fit. Being abroad is not ideal if you suffer from gastrointestinal disorders, allergies and intolerances or other chronic disorders. Working times and time-zone differences do not allow much time to continually contact the family if you have matters that require your attention at home.

What you will get

Information to prepare your journey - visa, luggage, vaccinations, itinerary for island tours, etc.
Accomodation
Taxi from and to the airport
One mission out of town with our staff
Any help needed to visit Mindelo, the island of Sao Vicente, and other islands (booking of flights, ferry, and accommodation)
One person speaking English available when needed during your stay with SIMABO (almost nobody speaks English in Cape Verde)

What you will do

Weekly fares per volunteer

Part time volunteers

Helping at the cat shelter mainly playing with our lovely guests, tidying up the place, changing the pillowcases, feeding them, washing the plates, and closing the shelter at night.
Helping at the dog shelter, mainly walking the dogs and taking care of them, including feeding.
Help for cleaning is only requested in case of unexpected absence of staff.
4 working hours per day, at any time from 7:30 AM to 7 PM according to the working schedule of the local staff
5 days per week.

30 Euros application fee

With accommodation at our volunteers house with common kitchen and common terrace in the flat with the cathouse, in a single or double room with common bathroom> 150 Euros

With accommodation at our volunteers house with common kitchen and common terrace in the terrace double room with private bathroom> 220 Euros

With accommodation in an independent hostel, in a single or double or triple room with private bathroom, hot water, breakfast > 300 Euros

Full time volunteers

Helping at the cat shelter mainly playing with our lovely guests, tidying up and cleaning the place, changing the cat litter, changing the pillowcases, feeding them and washing the plates, closing the shelter at night.
Helping at the dog shelter, mainly walking the dogs and taking care of and feeding them. A help for cleaning is only requested in case of unexpected absence of the staff in charge.
Helping at the clinic/petshop with bathing for dogs in town or during the castration campaigns with any task needed, from catching dogs on the street, to taking care of ill animals during the night, to mounting the tent that serves as operating room, to shaving the animals to be operated, to giving dogs a soap bath, to keeping dogs still during treatment, to doing maintenance/carpentry work, to any other non/specialized work with or for the animals
Helping at the office with communication work as posting news about life at SIMABO, downloading pics taken, making photocopies, updating our site, etc.
8 working hours per day, at any time from 7;30 AM to 7 PM according to the working schedule of the local staff
6 days per week, day off to be agreed upon according to the working schedule of the local staff

30 Euros application fee

With accommodation at our volunteers house with common kitchen and common terrace, in the flat with the cathouse, in a single or double room with common bathroom> 80 Euros

With accommodation at our volunteers house with common kitchen and common terrace in the terrace double room with private bathroom> 130 Euros

With accommodation in an independent hostel, in a single or double or triple room with private bathroom, hot water, breakfast > 160 Euros

PLEASE EMAIL ANY QUESTIONS/PROPOSALS TO SIMABO@HOTMAIL.IT

WHAT CAN A VOLUNTEER DO FOR SI MA BO? (OUTSIDE CAPE VERDE)

Like most non-profit organizations, SIMABO is always in need of volunteers, both in Cape Verde and abroad. Abroad, a volunteer can, for example:

- organize information booths or be present (either leafleting or tableing) during events organized by other entities;

- participate in events of any kind (that do not involve direct or indirect exploitation of any animal, for example veg festivals, music events, Africa-related events, school events, sport events, etc.) in order to improve the project’s visibility;

- increase the association's visibility on the internet by participating in blogs and social networking groups (Facebook, Twitter, etc), uploading photos, collecting testimonials; etc.

- set up a drop-off location for supplies to be sent to the shelter;

- search for donors and sponsors (individuals, companies or organizations);

- seek vets willing to volunteer at SIMABO in Cape Verde;

- distribute our gadgets (T-shirts, pen drives, badges, etc..) in exchange for donations;

- organize fundraising for much needed help to cover SIMABO’s expenses. SIMABO would use the funds to cover the travel expenses of volunteering vets and the purchase of medications;

- promote SIMABO’s hostel in Mindelo as a tourist destination for travelers who like to support our project with our efforts in alleviating animals’ suffering.

Because of the risk of scams, unfortunately, very common in the world of non-profits, with the misuse of the name and logo of our association, it is strictly forbidden to initiate any action that has not been agreed upon with management. Therefore, any fundraising initiative or any use of SIMABO’s logo or name without permission will be considered fraudulent and prosecuted as such.

It is important to coordinate and evaluate the timing and manner of organizing. This will ensure not to miss any opportunities to create alliances among other volunteers and to be able to timely provide for all materials needed. We are few, so let’s make the most of our energy by working in a coordinated manner!

PLEASE EMAIL ANY QUESTIONS/PROPOSALS TO SIMABO@HOTMAIL.IT

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A SI MA BO "volunteer"?

Volunteers are crucial to SIMABO’s animals’ welfare. Therefore it is important for volunteers to be available during set times and being able to complete set tasks.

The basic requirements for volunteers are:

- to be independent and responsible;

- to have organizational and time-management skills;

- to have the ability to relate to other people working on the project in view of the objective, which is ONLY to help animals beyond any personal consideration;

- to be patient and understanding that the project managers do not always have the time or are not immediately available to respond to your requests;

- to have a strong work ethic; reliability, punctuality;

- a little sense of humor does not hurt;

- ability to quickly assimilate and follow instructions;

- ability to recognize problems (VERY IMPORTANT) and to communicate to the leaders;

- ability to give your utmost attention to the task in hand.