Volunteer

We are not looking for someone who simply waits for the next photography assignment. We are looking for someone who spots people, places, situations and stories before we have to explain from Germany what might be interesting. The Gambia is much more than the challenges so often reported on. It is a country full of joy, hospitality, energy, culture, colours, ideas and people making a difference. This is the Gambia we want to show. Authentic. Modern. High-quality. Dignified. Not artificial gloss — but the real Gambia, captured with quality.

Your perspective on The Gambia matters

Perhaps you discover a person with a special story. A place we should show. An everyday situation that says more about The Gambia than a hundred written words. Or you notice a moment at one of our projects and think: “You need to capture this.” That is exactly the instinct we are looking for. As a Visual Brand Ambassador, you are our eyes on the ground in The Gambia. You help us recognise early on which stories are emerging, which images are missing, and how projects, people and developments can be told visually. You do not have to wait for someone in Germany to say: “Please photograph exactly this.” We actively want you to say: “Something is happening here. We should do something with it.”

What this could lead to

The role is deliberately broader than traditional photography. Depending on the situation, this might mean taking photos or short videos, developing ideas for image series or reels, documenting projects visually over a longer period, or creating new formats together with our Creative Director and social media team. It is not about producing as much content as possible. It is about seeing the right moment. Experience in photography, video, branding, design, creative direction or media is therefore very welcome. But a good eye, initiative, reliability and a genuine feel for The Gambia matter more than a perfect CV.

Our visual approach

People are never just a backdrop to our work. We do not use pity-based imagery, staged poverty or stereotypical portrayals of Africa. Challenges are part of reality and can be shown — but so are success, work, friendship, culture, beauty, humour and the future. We want to show people as they are: with dignity, personality and their own story. Our images should not say: “Look how badly people here are doing.” They should show: “Take a closer look. This is The Gambia.”

Creative freedom with responsibility

You will work with an international team and have real room for your own ideas. If you would tell something differently — say so. If you think there is someone we should meet — say so. If you see a powerful story somewhere — show us. If you feel an idea does not fit The Gambia — challenge us. We are not looking for someone who simply carries out instructions from Germany. We are looking for someone in The Gambia who works with us to shape how Helping Hands Academy and the country itself are perceived.

Voluntary — but professional

This is fundamentally a voluntary role. We are looking for someone who believes in the idea and wants to use their skills to build something for The Gambia and Helping Hands Academy. That does not mean you should cover necessary project costs yourself. If a task agreed in advance requires transport or other specific expenses, for example, these will be discussed and agreed together beforehand. We want a collaboration in which every idea does not begin with the question of personal payment, but with: “What can we make of this?”

What you should bring

• a keen eye for people, places and situations
• initiative and the ability to spot opportunities independently
• a personal connection to The Gambia and an interest in portraying the country in a strong and authentic way
• reliability and a responsible approach to people and their stories
• ideally, experience in photography, video, branding, design, media or storytelling
• enthusiasm for working with an international creative team

You do not have to be perfect at all of these things. You need to see what is possible.

What we offer

You will become part of a growing international team and work on real projects in education, health and sustainable development. You can develop your own ideas, use published work in your portfolio by agreement, and help shape how Helping Hands Academy’s visual identity develops in The Gambia. Those who demonstrate particularly reliable and dedicated long-term involvement may become more closely involved in our work. Such a special commitment may also be recognised through honorary membership of Helping Hands Academy e.V.

Does this sound like you?

Then a perfect CV is not the first thing we want to see. Show us how you see The Gambia. Send us a few examples of your work and tell us briefly which story, person or place in The Gambia you would like to bring to people’s attention. We are not looking for someone who simply takes pictures for us. We are looking for someone who works with us to shape how Helping Hands Academy — and the real Gambia — are seen.