Journalism
If you are inspired by the power of the written word and would like to tell authentic stories about life and people in The Gambia – the journalism program is for you. During your stay, you will explore stories from everyday life, volunteer projects, and local communities, transforming them into articles, interviews, and reports.
Through your writing, you will help shape the public image of life in The Gambia, raise awareness about the importance of volunteer work, and build bridges of understanding between Slovenia and The Gambia. The work encourages creativity, intercultural collaboration, and respect for local culture.
Role
Journalist Assistant
Partner Organisation
Za otroke sveta – in cooperation with various local partners
Location
Various locations in The Gambia
Type of Travel
Study Visit / Voluntary Work / Group Expedition
Availability
Open year-round
Duration
Minimum 2 weeks; maximum duration is not limited.
Schedule
Mon–Fri, 08:00–16:00; typical volunteer shift 3–5 hours/day
Work Environment
Journalism volunteers work within a team of volunteers, in collaboration with local residents and media partners. Part of the work takes place in the field – in schools, hospitals, villages, or community centers – and part at the volunteer house, where articles are written, edited, and published.
The environment supports collaboration with photographers, videographers, and volunteers from other fields, contributing to a rich and creative process.
Why your help matters
Your writing has the power to change how people see the world. By sharing stories from The Gambia, you help build cultural understanding, raise awareness about the challenges and achievements of local communities, and highlight the importance of volunteerism.
Each piece of writing you create helps spread a message of solidarity, dignity, and community – values at the heart of humanitarian work.
Role overview (what you’ll do) — under staff supervision
As a journalism volunteer, you will participate in:
• writing articles, interviews, blogs, and reports about projects and people,
• preparing content for newsletters, websites, and social media,
• recording short conversations or field notes,
• collaborating with videographers and photographers on shared stories,
• editing and proofreading contributions,
• preparing humanitarian stories for campaigns and posts,
• respecting ethical principles of journalism and responsible reporting.
Who we’re looking for
• students of journalism, communication, social sciences, humanities, or passionate amateur writers,
• individuals with a strong sense for people, stories, and writing ethics,
• communicative, curious, and self-motivated volunteers,
• people eager to deepen their understanding of other cultures and societies,
• advantage: basic knowledge of journalistic work or experience in writing.
How to prepare
It is recommended that before your arrival you:
• follow projects and news about The Gambia,
• bring a notebook, laptop, or recorder for notes and interviews,
• prepare a list of topics and questions for exploration,
• familiarize yourself with the basics of ethical reporting in humanitarian contexts,
• maintain a respectful, patient, and open approach toward the people you work with.
Training and supervision
On the first day, volunteers attend an introductory meeting where they learn about the work of the local organization, writing guidelines, and ethical standards. The volunteer coordinator provides feedback on your writing and helps you integrate into the work.
Within the project, you will also have the opportunity to collaborate with other creators on joint content (photo, video, online publications).
Program Goals
The goal of the program is to connect the world through stories – to record and share authentic experiences that show the beauty, courage, and humanity of the people of The Gambia. In doing so, the project promotes respect, understanding, and empathy.
Fundraising
Journalists often participate in awareness-raising campaigns and posts that support fundraising for medical equipment, school supplies, or basic necessities. Your stories help present the concrete impact of donated support.
How it works?
Click HERE to learn everything you need to know—in one place—about how volunteering with us works and how to prepare.
Stories of Our Volunteers
Zala Košir
This can’t be started differently than to say that the experience was amazing, and it truly warmed my heart. If you are thinking of going to The Gambia as a volunteer, don’t wait any longer – just go for it. You won’t regret it. I know I should start at the beginning, so I’ll go back now.