Get
Involved
Volunteering
Every bit of help, helps
So, you’d like to help? Great news. There are many different ways you can become involved and support COGS. Whatever your background, age or skills, and wherever you are from, we’d love to hear from you.
It’s entirely down to you how much time and commitment you wish to offer. We welcome everyone from the 'got to be there in Gambia volunteers', to the at-home local fundraisers. To us, any help is a great help.
What can I do?
How to become a volunteer
We’re constantly looking for ways to help raise awareness of COGS. Here’s where you can help. By volunteering. We’ve got a few suggestions of things you can do. Or why not come up with your own?
In the UK…
-
Help run a charity stall at a local event selling items to raise funds;
-
Become a guest speaker, raising awareness about COGs at schools, local societies and Institutes;
-
Join our board of trustees – if you’re able to commit to five meetings a year and are a good communicator with good judgement;
-
Run your own fund raising event or charity challenge. Whether it’s a charity concert, running a marathon or a cake sale, we can provide sponsorship forms.
Internationally…
-
For the adventurous among you, how about joining us in The Gambia to see the nursery first hand. Trips are well organised and are mainly in February each year for either one or two weeks. Here’s a brief summary of a how the days plan out:
Mornings
-
Working at the project – tasks include building, decorating, handicraft work for classroom displays, and spending time with the children in the classroom or at play;
-
The nursery cooks a delicious authentic Gambian lunch for everyone (most diets are able to be catered for).
Afternoons
-
Time to do your thing. Either relax around the hotel or experience the
colourful local markets;
-
Take a trip to the monkey forest or the sacred crocodile pool (the brave can even stroke one!)!
Evenings
-
Tuck into a beach BBQ while local people drum and dance by the firelight;
-
Savour the amazing wines at the local vineyard.
Join the team
We are a small UK based grass roots charity and we thrive on volunteers. We would love to have your help in a number of different ways.
We are always on the lookout for:
-
Trustees;
-
Fundraisers;
-
Events Coordinator;
-
Copy writers;
-
Graphic designers;
-
Marketing/Social Media Officers;
-
Photographers/Film makers;
-
Administrators.
If you might like to join the team, drop COGS an email to admin@cogsgambia.org
TIME COMMITMENT
Trustee - Hours: Min of 3 hrs a month
Duration: One Year or more
Pro Bono Projects – Hours & Duration: Varied and Project-based
Volunteer Positions: - Hours: Ad hoc
REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS
A resume and covering letter, 2 references.
Passion for developing young people and an interest in global health.
High level of professionalism and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and in small teams.
Maintain a professional and positive image.
Testimonials
“I’ve been out to the Gambia and school twice and I’ve really enjoyed my visits. In the UK I’m a personal trainer and I was able to spend my time with the children and teachers doing sporting activities. Despite the heat, we even managed our own mini Olympics. It was great to see everyone so active and enjoying themselves. I would recommend a visit.”
Tony
”This has been a lifetime dream of mine and was everything I expected. I was honoured to be a part of their 10-year celebrations. The children worked so hard and enjoyed every minute. I hope to go back for a visit in the future. Thank you to all the staff and everyone involved in COGS.”
Anita
“We wanted to help the class look more interesting and exciting for the children to learn in. It was fantastic to see that after everyone’s hard work, the children had a colourful and exciting place to learn in. We knew that if we modelled the classroom with mobiles, friezes and laminated pictures, the teachers would be able to copy the model throughout the other classrooms.”
Jacky