Donation Ideas
Clothing and Linen
All clothing is appreciated but please bear in mind that temperatures very rarely fall below 20 degrees. (Winter coats are not needed and take up valuable suitcase weight allowance).
School supplies
Fill a suitcase with school supplies and stationery. Schools get little governmental support. Families are asked to provide their own school bag with stationery. Many families rely on the community centres for child support whilst parents are working. By providing school supplies, the centres can educate and stimulate the children. You can bring a case with school supplies that will be passed on to schools and community centres on various Cape Verdean islands. Or bring a school bag filled with stationery for a child.
Donation Ideas
Health and medical aids
Health care and medicines are inadequate and expensive on the islands. Although we do not give medicines, we can help with promoting a healthy lifestyle and can provide some medical aids. All medicines donated will be passed to the appropriate authorities. Many children do not brush their teeth regularly. Tourists feel sorry for the children and give them sweets, unaware that they do not brush their teeth. On our activity events, we always try and ensure that each child gets a toothbrush and toothpaste at the end of the event.
At My Cape Verde, we try to encourage donors to be as eco-friendly as possible Reusable incontinence pads, reusable sanitary pads, period pants, or period cups and reusable nappies are not only better for the environment, but also save the families money longer term.
Medical aids are expensive in Cape Verde. Wheelchairs and walking frames are in short supply if you are able to donate one that is no longer needed. Unwanted spectacles/reading glasses will be donated to health centres. The shanty towns can be very dusty and dirty. Travel cots are beneficial for keeping babies and toddlers in a cleaner environment
Donation Ideas
Sports clubs and community centers
Support a sports club/team or community centre. Many children play sports, but families cannot usually afford the correct footwear. The majority of houses are small and children are sent outside to play. Footballs, basketballs, skipping ropes etc can help keep children physically and mentally fit. Drugs and alcohol abuse can be avoided with mental stimulation. Community centres and music groups can help those less sporty.
