How You Can Make a Difference While Visiting Sal Island
My Cape Verde – Empowering Communities on Sal
One of the standout charitable organizations on Sal is My Cape Verde, a non-profit dedicated to improving the quality of life for local communities. Their work focuses on key areas like education, healthcare, and sustainable development, all of which are essential for the island’s growth and prosperity.
What They Do:
- Education Initiatives: My Cape Verde works on building and renovating schools and providing educational resources for children who might otherwise not have access to proper schooling.
- Healthcare Programs: The charity runs health clinics and mobile healthcare units, offering much-needed medical services to underserved communities. They also educate people about hygiene, nutrition, and wellness.
- Sustainable Development: They support local farmers, helping them with sustainable agricultural practices that ensure long-term food security for the island.
How You Can Get Involved:
- Baggage Waiver / Donations: Take a suitcase for charity with you to Sal, with selected airlines you can have baggage waiver.
A simple way to help is by donating directly to My Cape Verde. such as school supplies, medical treatments, clothes and sanitary products.
- Volunteering: If you’re on the island for an extended stay and want to get hands-on, My Cape Verde offers volunteer opportunities. Whether you’re teaching, helping at community centres, or assisting in sustainable agriculture programs, your time and skills can make a big difference.
- Fundraising Events: Look out for local events organized by My Cape Verde, like charity dinners, auctions, or concerts. These are great opportunities to support their work while meeting other travellers and locals.
OSPA – Protecting Sal’s Environment and Wildlife
For those passionate about the environment, OSPA (Organization for the Protection of the Environment and Animal Welfare) is an amazing organization doing incredible work to protect Sal’s natural beauty and wildlife. From saving endangered species to keeping the beaches clean, OSPA is committed to preserving the island’s unique ecosystem.
What They Do:
- Marine Conservation: OSPA is actively involved in protecting the island’s marine life, including sea turtles and endangered fish species. They run programs that educate local communities on sustainable fishing practices and the importance of marine biodiversity.
- Wildlife Protection: The charity also focuses on animal welfare, rescuing and rehoming stray animals (especially dogs and cats) and working with local authorities to promote animal rights.
- Beach Clean-Up Campaigns: OSPA runs regular beach clean-up events to tackle pollution, which is an ongoing issue for many coastal regions. By raising awareness and organizing volunteer efforts, they help keep the island’s beaches pristine.
How You Can Get Involved:
- Donation/Baggage Waiver: You can donate directly to OSPA to support their rescue efforts and environmental projects. Whether it’s for animal care, turtle conservation, or beach clean-ups, your contribution will go a long way.
- Volunteer for Beach Clean-ups or Animal Care: If you’re on Sal for a while, check with OSPA to see if there are any volunteer opportunities during your stay. Helping to clean up the beaches or care for rescued animals can be a rewarding way to spend part of your holiday.
Come visit the island explore and see how you can make difference to those in need on Sal.
