Volunteer Work Mauritania

Free and paid volunteer work opportunities in Mauritania with details and listings of volunteer work programs and projects in Mauritania. Chances are you'll never get to undertake any volunteer work in Mauritania as it doesn't have any meaningful volunteer sector. It only has a population of some 5.169 million (2025), many of whom live nomadic desert lifestyles although recent famines and droughts have led many of the 70% of the population who live in the desert to go to urban areas such as Nouakchott in search of food, water and work placing pressure on already limited infrastructures such as housing and medical centres. Mauritania is a country undergoing significant change, yet still facing considerable challenges across sectors like education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.

Where opportubities do exist, volunteers here can make a tangible, direct impact, often working closely with local communities and organisations that are deeply rooted in the cultural fabric. Your efforts, whether teaching English, supporting health initiatives, or assisting in environmental projects, translate into immediate, visible contributions to the lives of Mauritanians. Volunteers who have worked in the country need to be Arabic, French, Hassynia, Pulaar, Soninke or Wolof speaking and historical projects, apart from the valiant work of the Red Cross who have mobilised food and water parcels during the recurring droughts and famines, have focussed on empowering girls and women in a state where modern day slavery and domestication of females is considered the norm.

If you run or know of a volunteer work project in Mauritania let us know by contacting us here. We look forward to hearing from you!

Volunteer Work Mauritania: This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

Volunteer Mauritania

UWC Refugees

Teaching English in refugee camps in South Western Algeria near the border with Mauritania.
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MSF

Mainly working with the thousands of refugees that have entered Mauritania from Mali.
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Sponsor a Child

Another way to help is to sponsor a child in Mauritania with these child sponsor programs.
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Mauritania Profile

Explore all about the West African nation of Mauritania in a series of pictures, videos and images.
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Types of Volunteer Work in Mauritania

Mauritania's developmental priorities dictate the primary areas where volunteer assistance is most needed and effective. Prospective volunteers will find a range of types of work that cater to various skill sets and interests, primarily focused on sustainable development and capacity building.

Education and Language Instruction: This is perhaps the most sought-after area for volunteers. Mauritania faces challenges in literacy rates and access to quality education, particularly in rural areas. Opportunities abound in teaching English or French. In schools, community centres, or informal settings, volunteers can significantly boost students' language proficiency, opening doors to further education and employment. Providing basic computer skills training is invaluable for both youth and adults, helping them navigate the digital world. Supporting initiatives aimed at improving literacy among adult populations, especially women, can have a transformative impact on families and communities. Assisting teachers, developing curricula, or organising extracurricular activities.

Healthcare and Public Health: While specialised medical professionals are always in demand, there are also roles for volunteers with less formal medical training in running workshops on hygiene, nutrition, maternal and child health, or disease prevention (e.g., malaria, waterborne diseases).Non-medical support roles, helping with administrative tasks, organising patient flow, or community outreach for health campaigns. Working on initiatives to improve access to clean water and sanitation facilities, which are crucial for public health.

Community Development and Empowerment: This broad category encompasses a variety of grassroots initiatives including supporting co-operatives, vocational training, or microfinance projects designed to enhance women's economic independence and social standing. Assisting with projects focused on drought-resistant farming techniques, water management, or permaculture, which are vital in a country battling desertification. Mentoring programs, organising sports or arts activities, and fostering leadership skills among young Mauritanians.

Environmental Conservation and Climate Change Adaptation: Given its desert environment, Mauritania is highly vulnerable to climate change. Volunteer efforts can focus on participating in tree-planting initiatives, sand dune stabilisation projects, or promoting sustainable land use practices. Supporting projects that introduce solar power or other sustainable energy solutions to rural communities and educating communities on conservation, waste management, and the impacts of climate change.

Skills-Based Volunteering: Professionals with specific expertise can offer invaluable support to local NGOs and organisations. This includes developing websites, setting up networks, or providing technical training. Helping local organisations improve their outreach and secure funding and assisting with the planning, execution, and monitoring of development projects.

If you are considering undertaking a period of voluntary work in Mauritania check out our profile pages to explore the country before you visit and learn how to make the most of your time there.