Kaap Verdische Eilanden -  São Vicente

General information

SI MA BO in Creole means “like you”. It is an organization dedicated to the care and protection of the local animal population based in the city of Mindelo, on the island of Sao Vicente, Cape Verde, situated off the West Coast of Africa.

The objective of SI MA BÔ is helping the cats and dogs living on the streets, especially in the poor quarters, that are often found to be hurt, traumatized or held in appalling conditions.

At the SI MA BO shelter there are ca. 90 dogs and some cats as well. Volunteers without special animal-education are welcome to help in the shelter. Walking with the dogs, grooming, cleaning, etc.

SI MA BÔ also offers treatment to, and recovery time for those animals in need of intensive care, possible victims of street accidents or from the systematic poisoning authorized by the City Council to control the canine population growth on the island.

Furthermore in the clinic many sterilisations are performed, for which help by official vets and nearly finished vet-students is very welcome.

All volunteers must be physically fit. Being abroad is not ideal if you suffer from gastrointestinal disorders, allergies and intolerances or other chronic disorders.

They expect volunteers can work independently with a very high degree of motivation. Work is per shifts: morning from 7:30 to 12:30 or afternoon from 13 to 18. Transport to/from the shelter is provided for free when needed by the paid staff.

Vets and vet students:
Extra information for vets or vet students who are not yet very experienced with spay/neuter operations for female dogs. Those dogs at Cabo Verde are a bit complicated because they are mostly affected by tick transmitted illnesses that impair coagulation, so they are bleeding really a lot. For this reason it is necessary to work with experienced and quick vets that make a very small cut and suture it very quickly. As most females are stray, and the wound can’t be checked anymore, the suture must be intradermal and absolutely flawless to avoid any small infection that would cause licking. This is true also for female cats, and this clinic don’t spay from the flank.

For all those reasons, any visitor may prefer to come as a student/newly graduated vet to be able to be followed by an experienced vet until you become confident with the kind of spaying procedure they require. Otherwise, if you come as a surgeon, but you are still non independent with females, you will operate only males and it will be fine anyway.

BTW, this clinic has only intravenous anesthesia and no anesthesiologist, so one must be able to monitor the animal during operation through their breathing only. There are detailed protocols and charts for anesthesia with the limited treatments the clinic is able to provide maximum service based on their limited resources and equipment.

Animal care:
Most basic tasks (cleaning, feeding, walking) are performed by local paid staff – they have 14 local employees. But, they always need help with delicate tasks such as playing with the dogs, brushing the cats, changing the beds, and taking care of ill animals. Clear instructions will be provided for accomplishing tasks and volunteers are required to perform them accurately.

Visa and health:
A visa is necessary, but can be obtained at the border for (at this moment) € 25,-. Max. stay with such a visa is 30 days. It is possible to extent the duration of the visa during your stay.
For Dutch volunteers here the form which can be used for the visa: Visumformulier.
There are no vaccinations necessary. More info for Dutch volunteers: https://www.ggdreisvaccinaties.nl/land/kaapverdie

 

All volunteers are very welcome!

This organisation is always looking for full-time or part-time volunteers, official vets (experienced or recently graduated)and volunteers without special education. Vet-students are welcome as well, but it is not possible for them to do operations. Volunteering on the ground in Cape Verde is an amazing experience and they accept volunteers from all over the world.

All volunteers are expressly required to be tolerant, diplomatic, and possess a cooperative spirit (both with local staff, whose contribution is indispensable, and with other volunteers). Also, volunteers must have a willingness to understand a different culture other than their own.

What you will get from SiMaBo:

  • Information to prepare your journey – visa, luggage, vaccinations, itinerary for island tours, etc.
  • Accommodation
  • Taxi from and to the airport
  • One mission out of town with our staff
  • Any help needed to visit Mindelo, the island of Sao Vicente, and other islands (booking of flights, ferry, and accommodation)
  • One person speaking English available when needed during your stay with SIMABO (almost nobody speaks English in Cape Verde)

Costs:
- Accommodation is 10 euros p.p.p.d. in apartment with bathroom and kitchen. This can be paid cash after arrival;
- Very experienced official vets who can perform at least 10 spay/neuter operations per day will get accommodation and even food for free;
- Recently graduated vets without much experience, who want to help at the clinic are paying the normal 10 euro for accommodation + 10 euros/day for materials used for exercises;
- Transfer airport/accommodation is 10 euros one-way. Distance to airport is 6 km.

How to come to Cabo Verde?

  • Year around there are scheduled flights to Sal, Boa Vista and Sao Vicente.
  • In some countries like in The Netherlands there are charters as well.
  • From Eindhoven / The Netherlands TUI is flying (at this moment) 3 times a week directly to Sao Vicente.
  • Price depends from time of booking: from 250 / 350 euro v.v.

 

 

All the pictures at this page are propriety of SIMABO ONLUS and can't be reproduced without SIMABO'S written consent.

Click at the video:

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Review of Dutch volunteer Sanne Wijgman

After Simabo I'm happy to say that I learned so much about the country, the animals, the nicest people ever and myself. I've been there for two weeks and I would defenitly recommend it to everyone who is considering volunteer work. Why i chose for Simabo is because I wanted to see a different part of the world and because of the animals. I came in contact with Silvia through Hanno Berger and they were both really nice and helpfull. When we arrived in Cape verde we got picked up and met everyone, the people were so nice and when we arrived at the shelter I instanly fell in love with all the sweet animals begging for your attention. The work is so greatfull and you learn so much. Also if you have any problem Silvia, Paolo and the other volunteers did not hesitate to help you out. It is a beautifull island with beautifull people with their heart for the animals.

Best regards,

Sanne Wijgman