To support the growth of the Kantora eco-art village, promote sustainable building practices, empower local youth through hands-on learning, and create functional community spaces that improve daily life in Karsi Kund.
“From Roots to Roof”
Since 2015, the Banko Foundation has been building the Kantora eco-art village in Karsi Kunda, creating sustainable community spaces for local youth. The “From Roots to Roof” workshop connects volunteers with village craftsmen and architects to learn eco-friendly construction techniques and support long-term development. With each building, new opportunities for education, creativity, and community life emerge. Volunteers take part in practical tasks, share daily life with the villagers, and directly contribute to a project that empowers young Gambians and strengthens the local community.
Location
Karsi Kunda, The Gambia
Duration
Minimum 2 weeks; maximum duration is not limited.
Schedule
MON-FRI: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Type of Travel
Group expedition/voluntary work/study visit
Accommodation
We recommend accommodation on the project site in the local village.
Available Dates
From February 14, 2026 to the May 14, 2026
Conditions
Interest in sustainable construction, willingness to perform manual tasks, basic English communication skills, good physical condition, responsibility on the construction site, and ability to cover the participation fee (400 euros + weekly costs).
Program Goal
Purpose of donations
Collected donations will be used to purchase construction materials, support the local workforce, maintain and improve the eco-art village facilities, cover basic operational needs on the site, and, if required, assist other ongoing community projects or urgent local needs.
Duties of a volunteer
Volunteers assist with hands-on construction tasks, learn and apply sustainable building techniques, follow safety instructions, participate in daily group trainings and debriefings, support teamwork within small working groups, help maintain the worksite, and engage respectfully with the local community and village activities.
First day and subsequent days at work
On the first day, a project coordinator or experienced volunteers will guide you to the construction site and introduce you to the team. You will receive a short tour of the eco-art village area and an explanation of safety rules and building techniques. Light introductory tasks follow to help you get familiar with the tools, materials, and workflow.
Morning and afternoon work sessions take place daily, with tasks assigned according to the project’s progress. Volunteers rotate between activities such as mixing materials, building, shaping structures, or maintaining the site. Additional trainings or technique demonstrations may be included to consolidate skills and ensure safe, effective teamwork.
Preparation
The workshop is supervised by 2 architects, 1 language facilitator and a technical expert. The workshop will always be supervised at all time. The construction process will be first tested, then taught in small groups and later supervised to ensure safety and good execution.
Malaria tablets, a filtering water bottle, a hat, and a towel is advised. Imodium, paracetamol and ibuprofen can come in handy. A solar powered changer is useful. No nut allergy. Make sure vaccines and visas are adequate. A visa extension can be prepared for volunteering over 28 days. A precise description of how to get to karsi kunda and general information will be given to all the participants.
Materials needed
While the project provides basic building tools, additional materials may be required to support specific construction tasks. Needed materials include work gloves, dust masks, trowels, measuring tapes, brushes, protective eyewear, simple hand tools, buckets, and materials for eco-building such as natural pigments, ropes, and basic repair supplies.
Typical Day Description
After breakfast, we go to the site at 8am First we make groups of 3-5 on what people want to work on. Second training for those who have not done this task before. Group Lunch served by a member of the village. Afternoon work. Debrief and group discussion at 6pm (what went well what went wrong, potential changes). Relaxation and playing soccer with the village. On celebrations days, the workshop will join the village in the celebrations.