Construction and renovation in Nosy Be

The project maintains and improves schools and community spaces in Nosy Be. Needs vary between worksites: a room to repaint, furniture to repair or an outdoor area to make more useful for the people who use it every day.

Work alongside local staff on painting, small repairs, furniture, gardening or other agreed tasks. You’ll learn by observing too. The team shares out jobs, explains how to use tools and helps you join the current phase of work. Bring energy, attention to instructions and a willingness to collaborate, including when the work is physical and the weather is hot.

At the end of the day, return to the house for dinner and share your experience with participants working on other projects too. In your free time, get to know Nosy Be, ask the team for suggestions and arrange outings that interest you.

🏡 The participant house is your base after activities and a place to settle into Nosy Be life. Stay in a shared room for 2–4 people, with a shared bathroom. Hot showers, bedding, a fan, mosquito protection and a lockable wardrobe are provided. Bring your own towels.

The dining room, two lounge areas and balcony make it easy to spend time together. Stop for a chat, swap project ideas or make free-time plans with other participants. Meals are part of this shared routine too. Three meals on weekdays, two at weekends and drinking water are included. Expect home-cooked Malagasy and Western dishes, with rice, vegetables and some meat options. Vegetarian meals are available. Tell us about allergies or dietary needs before travel so the team can plan.

You can use the kitchen and fridge. Restaurants, snacks and extra meals are separate expenses. A local SIM is useful for messages and maps. Rooms don’t have air conditioning or safes.

Be back at the house by 20:30. Respecting this time and keeping spaces tidy helps everyone share the stay. Alcohol and outside visitors aren’t allowed at the accommodation.

🛡️ The local coordinator helps you understand the programme and settle into everyday life. Orientation covers transport, rules and what to do if difficulties arise. You’ll receive a 24/7 local emergency contact. Save contacts and instructions offline too, so they’re easy to find when needed.

Taking part: the project is open from age 18 with basic English. Construction experience isn’t required. You’ll need a good level of fitness for practical work in hot conditions. For HeyLocals’ criminal record screening, you’ll complete a self-declaration in your personal account. A passport copy is also required at registration. Participants over 65 also need a medical fitness certificate. We help you prepare programme documents. Discuss any relevant health needs with your doctor or a travel clinic before departure.

At the worksite, follow the supervisor’s instructions on clothing, tools and materials. If a task is new to you, ask someone to show you. The team assigns work around the current stage of the project and your role. Learning how the staff work and raising questions early helps you take part thoughtfully.

Arrange the required insurance for medical care, emergencies, planned activities and repatriation. Follow local advice for outings, choose reliable transport and respect the house’s return time. Keep documents and valuables secure, and tell the coordinator promptly about illness or problems during your stay.

🧭 Compulsory orientation helps you meet the team, understand the programme and settle into Nosy Be. Share your experience, ask questions and work out how to contribute to the activities.

The team introduces house rules, the code of conduct, local customs, safety and transport. An introduction to Malagasy culture and language helps you start with a few words and a little more confidence.

The visit to Hell-Ville helps you find the market, currency exchange, cash machines and somewhere to buy a SIM. If time allows, there may also be a visit to Mont Passot. Dinner at the house ends the day with time to get to know people.

Talk with local staff about your activities, rules and responsibilities. They organise work around local needs. Ask for guidance and share any difficulties from the beginning.

✈️ Book your flight to Fascene, Nosy Be’s airport (NOS), arriving on Sunday. Airport pickup is included between 08:00 and 20:00 and takes you to the participant house. Agree your dates with HeyLocals before buying tickets. Once booked, send your flight number, airline and arrival time so the team can prepare to welcome you.

After collecting bags and clearing customs, head to the exit specified in your personal arrival instructions. A coordinator will wait with an identifying sign. If other participants arrive around the same time, you may wait and travel together. Keep instructions and contacts available offline. If you can’t find your representative, stay at the meeting point and call; if you can’t reach them, send a message and try again. Let the team know about flight delays or changes too.

Pickup outside the standard hours can be arranged separately and costs extra.

Your stay ends on Saturday morning. The return airport taxi isn’t included. Extra nights, arrival on another day or travel after the project should be agreed with HeyLocals and the local team in advance, so accommodation and transport fit your itinerary.