Salesianos do Mindelo
Site Overview
Mindelo is the main city on the island of São Vicente, Cape Verde a coastal, port city with a strong cultural, musical and community identity. It is an educational and cultural hub, with a young and dynamic population, and urban life largely connected to services, trade, the port, tourism and sea-related activities. At the same time, as in many island contexts, there are relevant social challenges especially for children and young people such as economic vulnerability, youth unemployment/informal work and unequal access to opportunities. It is a place with strong human potential, a sense of belonging and community networks, where educational and pastoral presence can make a concrete difference in daily life.
Available Ministries
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Catequesis & Retreat
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Education
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Healthcare
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General First Aid
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Social Work
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Youth Centre
Location
Time Commitment
Opportunities
Ministry Background
The ministry takes place in a Salesian oratory / youth centre context, inspired by Don Bosco’s charism and the Preventive System (reason, religion, and loving-kindness). It is an educational and evangelizing open-door setting where presence, relationships and a family-like environment foster integral growth, community belonging and prevention of risk situations through formative, cultural, sports and pastoral activities.
Purpose & Objectives
The ministry has an educational and pastoral purpose: to promote the integral formation of children, teenagers and young people, helping them grow humanly, academically and spiritually through a close educational presence, within a Salesian environment that welcomes, educates and evangelizes.
Programs, Activities, & Other Projects
Street outreach / street animation: an educational presence in the community through recreational, sports and formative activities in public spaces, building relationships with children and youth, preventing risk situations, and strengthening their connection to the oratory/youth centre and the wider community.
Duties & Responsibilities
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Train and accompany youth animators/leaders, supporting them in planning, methodology and responsibility for activities.
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Facilitate leisure-time (after-school) activities with children and teenagers (games, sports, workshops, group and formative moments).
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Prepare materials and plan activities in coordination with the local team.
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Foster a safe, welcoming and educational environment in the Salesian-oratory style.
Useful Academic Preparation
University-level education (completed or ongoing), preferably in Sociocultural Animation, Social Work, Education, Health, or related fields
Useful Experience
Pastoral
Work/volunteering experience in multicultural contexts, ideally with children/youth (preferred).
Involvement with the religous community
Area Information
The volunteer will mainly work in animation (recreational, cultural and sports activities), formation/training (educational support, workshops and formative accompaniment) and catechesis/pastoral ministry (groups, prayer moments and faith proposals), within the oratory/youth centre context.
Involvement with the greater community
The volunteer is encouraged to be actively involved in the wider local community, taking part in the oratory/youth centre activities, educational, cultural and sports initiatives, and outreach with children, teenagers, young people and families. Whenever possible, this involvement happens in partnership with local structures and with an attitude of integration and respect
Housing & Community
Live with Religious
Room
Daily Eucharist
Bathroom
Launder
laundry is provided/arranged on site
Access to ATM
Local Diet
Meals are provided and aim to be varied. Cape Verdean cuisine has strong cultural roots and reflects the local identity. The volunteer is also free, at their own expense, to try local restaurants and experience Cape Verde’s food and culture more deeply
Local Medical Facilities
Yes. There is an on-site infirmary/first-aid point for basic treatments and initial care. When needed, the volunteer will have access to local healthcare services. In addition, they may use the care options covered by their travel insurance.
