Community Construction
Madagascar
Support the development of essential infrastructure in rural communities by helping to build community spaces.
Overview
Duration
1-12 Weeks
Minimum Age
18+
Start Dates
1st & 3rd Monday of every month
Fees From
$594 USD
UN SDGs
The main UN Sustainability Goal of this program focuses on SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by helping develop safe, inclusive public infrastructure in remote areas.
Additional goals, such as SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, are also incorporated into this program.
What You'll Be Doing
All tools and materials are provided, and volunteers work under the supervision of experienced staff. Safety and teamwork are prioritised.
Volunteer activities may include:
- Laying bricks or cement for foundations
- Assisting with walls, roofing, painting, or fencing
- Renovating school buildings or health posts
- Building benches, blackboards, or simple furniture
- Supporting water catchment or handwashing station installation
- Cleaning and preparing work sites
Why It Matters
In many areas of Madagascar, public infrastructure is limited or in poor condition. Schools may lack safe classrooms, clinics may operate without basic facilities, and community spaces are often underdeveloped or absent.
This program exists to fill those gaps with projects shaped by local priorities and implemented in partnership with community members. Every wall painted, brick laid, or bench built contributes to a stronger, more resilient future for the people who live there.
A Day in the Life
Construction projects take place both on Nosy Komba and in rural mainland villages accessible by boat. Projects are based on requests from partner communities and aligned with local development goals.
Typical Weekday Schedule:
- Mornings: Construction work begins
- Afternoons: Continue project work or assist with site clean-up
- Evenings: Briefings, volunteer socials, and/or time to relax
Schedules may vary based on location, weather, and project phase.
Weekends are free to explore Nosy Komba or join excursions to the surrounding islands.
Your Impact
Volunteers in this program help:
- Build and renovate schools, clinics, and community facilities
- Improve access to basic services like education and healthcare
- Reduce strain on overcrowded or deteriorated infrastructure
- Create welcoming, functional public spaces
- Strengthen community resilience through long-term development
Where You'll Be Staying
The program is based on Nosy Komba, a small island off Madagascar’s northwest coast, with project sites both on the island and in remote mainland villages nearby. You’ll travel by boat and foot to reach schools, clinics, and community spaces where construction and renovation work takes place. Project sites vary based on community needs, and you’ll work alongside local builders and other volunteers in a dynamic, hands-on environment.
Accommodation & Meals
Base Camp
Volunteers sleep in wooden bungalows (4–6 people per room), with shared bathrooms (flush toilets, cold showers). There is a large main house where volunteer activities take place and a dive deck for relaxing and spotting turtles.
Solar energy powers the lighting, with limited charging — we recommend bringing a power bank. There’s no Wi-Fi on-site, but mobile data works with a local SIM, and Wi-Fi is available in the nearby village of Ampang (30-minute walk).
Meals
Three meals a day are prepared by the on-site cook using fresh, local ingredients. Meals are rice-based with vegetables and beans, and occasionally include fish, chicken, or zebu. Breakfasts may include fruit, bread, eggs, or crepes.
Vegetarian meals are available. Vegan options are limited, so additional snacks or supplements will be required.
Who Can Join
This program is open to anyone with an interest in community work, sustainable development, or making a practical difference on the ground. No previous experience is necessary, just a willingness to help, get involved, and support grassroots initiatives.
Requirements:
- Age 18+
- Basic English fluency
- Comfortable with hands-on tasks
- Respect for local customs and community dynamics
This program is best suited to gap year travellers, social science or public health students, aspiring development professionals, and volunteers who enjoy practical, people-focused work.
Program Pricing
Your fees directly support both the operations of our local team in Madagascar and the services we provide to ensure your experience is safe, well-structured, and impactful.
Outreach Overseas Offer
- Pre-departure support
- Volunteer information pack
- Assistance with trip logistics
- Emergency assistance
- Program quality assurance
- Certificate of participation
What's Included
- Airport Pick-Up (between 7am-7pm)
- Shared accommodation
- Three meals per day
- On-site orientation and training
- Daily program support
- Equipment & Tools
What's Excluded
- Flights
- Travel & health insurance
- Visa fees
- Background check (if required)
- Personal spending money
- Excursions
All program fees exclude a one-time $199 confirmation fee, which is payable upon acceptance into the program. Your remaining balance (program fees and any optional add-ons) is only due 60 days before your start date. This can be paid in instalments or as a lump sum.
| Duration | 2025 | 2026 |
| 1 Week | $395 | $410 |
| 2 Weeks | $655 | $685 |
| 3 Weeks | $915 | $960 |
| 4 Weeks | $1,175 | $1,235 |
| 5 Weeks | $1,435 | $1,510 |
| 6 Weeks | $1,695 | $1,785 |
| 7 Weeks | $1,955 | $2,060 |
| 8 Weeks | $2,215 | $2,335 |
| 9 Weeks | $2,475 | $2,620 |
| 10 Weeks | $2,835 | $2,885 |
| 11 Weeks | $2,995 | $3,160 |
| 12 Weeks | $3,255 | $3,435 |
Ready to Make a Real Impact?
Grab a shovel, mix some cement, and help build a better future—one classroom, clinic, or community centre at a time. Whether you’re painting walls or laying bricks, your work will have a direct, visible impact on local infrastructure and daily life.
Choose your next step:
Apply Now to start your application and secure your spot in the program.
Enquire Here to get all the details you need from our team before you commit.
Good to Know Before You Go
What date should I arrive, and how do I get to the program location?
We recommend arriving in Nosy Be, Madagascar, on the Saturday or Sunday before your program start date (which is always a Monday). Once you land, our friendly local team will be waiting to greet you and assist with the short boat transfer to Nosy Komba, where the project base is located. Full arrival instructions will be sent in your pre-departure pack.
Please book your international flight to Fascene Airport (NOS) in Nosy Be. This is the closest airport to our program base and is well-connected along various flight routes. Most volunteers connect via Airlink from Johannesburg, Air Madagascar from Antananarivo, or Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa.
We suggest booking your return flight for the Sunday after your final program week. The local will help coordinate the boat transfer back to Nosy Be in time for your flight, and can advise on reliable transport back to the airport. If you’d like to pre-plan your departing transport, you are welcome to select this add-on when submitting your application. If you’d prefer to explore Madagascar further before leaving, we’re happy to help you plan onward travel too!
What is the accommodation like and who will I be staying with?
You’ll stay in a rustic beachfront volunteer camp nestled against the hillside forest on Nosy Komba. Rooms are shared, gender-separated, and dorm-style with bunk beds. Facilities are basic but comfortable, including cold-water showers, flush toilets, and solar-powered lighting.
There’s no Wi-Fi at camp, but local SIM cards and data can be purchased in town and used for internet access.
Three meals a day are prepared by the local kitchen team, offering a mix of Malagasy and Western-style food.
You’ll share camp life with a diverse group of like-minded volunteers from around the world. Most volunteers are aged between 18 and 30, but we welcome volunteers of all ages (18+). We’ve had university students, career-breakers, solo travellers, and even couples join us. People join from all over the world, all with a common desire to make a difference and explore Madagascar in a meaningful way.
What does a typical volunteer week look like?
Volunteer weeks run Monday to Friday, with days spent on hands-on construction and renovation projects that directly support local schools, clinics, and community spaces. You might spend your morning mixing cement, laying bricks, building benches, or installing roofing, and your afternoons painting classrooms, repairing furniture, or working alongside local builders on site improvements. Projects vary depending on community needs.
Evenings are free to relax, connect with fellow volunteers, or take part in optional cultural activities.
Weekends are yours to explore and enjoy local beaches, forest hikes, island excursions, or trips to nearby towns.
Are there any requirements to join this program?
This program is open to volunteers aged 18 and over. You don’t need any specific qualifications—just a positive attitude, a willingness to get involved, and respect for the communities you’ll be working with.
Volunteers should be comfortable with physical tasks, working in group settings, and adapting to basic living conditions in a rural environment.
Is it safe to volunteer and travel in Madagascar?
Madagascar is generally a safe country to visit, especially in the Nosy Be region. We have on-site staff support 24/7 and follow strict protocols to keep volunteers safe. Nosy Komba is a peaceful island with a strong community spirit and low crime rates.
In case of emergencies, there is access to medical care on Nosy Be, just a short boat ride away.
You’ll be thoroughly briefed on safety and cultural awareness when you arrive, and we’re always here to support you throughout your stay.
What vaccinations or health precautions should I take?
While there are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Madagascar or join the program, certain vaccinations (like Hepatitis A and Typhoid) and malaria prevention are recommended. Please come prepared with mosquito repellent and long clothing for the evenings.
We strongly advise speaking with a travel health clinic or your doctor well in advance of your trip to get personalised advice based on your medical history.
Can I join with a friend, family memeber or partner?
Absolutely! Friends, couples, or even small groups are welcome to apply together. Just let us know in your application, and we’ll do our best to place you in the same room and on the same project.
That said, many volunteers arrive solo and quickly build lasting friendships. The camp is a highly social, supportive environment.
How much does it cost and what's included?
Program fees start from $594 for 1 week, including all essential program costs and the one-time $199 Outreach Overseas confirmation deposit. Outreach Overseas keeps costs low by partnering directly with grassroots organisations and operating as a small, purpose-driven team. Our pricing supports both volunteers and the project on the ground.
Included in your fees:
- Shared accommodation
- Three meals per day
- Airport pickup
- Full project training and supervision
- 24/7 in-country support
- Outreach Overseas pre-departure guidance
You’ll also receive a volunteer handbook and packing guide to help you prepare.
Will I have time to travel or explore during my stay?
Yes, and we highly recommend it! Madagascar is an incredible country to explore. From lemur-filled forests to white sand beaches, there’s so much to see. Go snorkelling in coral reefs, hike up volcanic peaks, visit lemur reserves, or take boat trips to paradise islands like Nosy Iranja. Our local team can offer tips and connect you with trusted tour guides if you’d like to explore over the weekends or travel further pre- or post-program.
When is the best time of year to join this program?
Madagascar’s northwest coast is warm year-round, but the dry season (April to November) offers the best weather and calmest seas, which is ideal for diving, snorkelling, and outdoor work.
If you’re keen on marine life, whale shark season (September–December) and turtle hatching season (December–March) are incredible times to visit.
No matter when you come, you’ll experience Madagascar’s breathtaking biodiversity and vibrant culture.
How to Apply
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Explore our programs and find the one that fits your passion and goals.
Step 2: Submit an Application
Complete our quick and easy online application form to start the process.
Step 3: Confirm Your Spot
Pay your $199 confirmation deposit upon your acceptance.
Step 4: Make an Impact
Travel to your destination, join your team, and begin your volunteer journey.
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