Volunteer to Build Schools and Teach in Africa

Africa calls to people from all over the world, and the lucky ones who are able to make the trip often go back again and again. It would take a lifetime to see and experience everything the continent has to offer: with 54 distinct countries spanning 11.73 million square miles, opportunities for exploration and adventure are virtually unlimited.

Spend weeks wandering the national parks, where you can watch lions, zebras, elephants, and giraffes in their natural habitat. Spend afternoons on pristine beaches or join scuba enthusiasts on trips to some of the loveliest coral reefs on the planet. Experience the crashing thunder of Victoria Falls – one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Most of all, visitors are drawn to Africa for its rich culture and friendly people – many of whom live in crushing poverty. When you combine exploration of Africa with lending a hand in the communities that need you most, the memories you make and the experience you gain will stay with you for a lifetime.

Volunteer In Africa With A Focus On Education

African students of all ages are anxious for an opportunity to learn. They are passionate about the basics, like reading, writing, and numeracy. They also want to develop the skills that will transform their communities, like business, technology, sports, and music. You can combine travel, adventure, and making a lasting impact by volunteering to teach abroad in a struggling community. Alternatively, if working with your hands is more appealing, you can contribute by building and renovating schools and classrooms to ensure they are ready to welcome students.

These are just a few of the African countries currently welcoming volunteers, along with a sampling of projects you can join today.

Volunteer In Ghana

Ghana is just right for volunteers making their first visit to Africa. This African nation has enjoyed decades of peaceful democracy, and it is considered one of the safest destinations on the continent. A healthy economy has allowed businesses to thrive, and cultural tourism is an important industry.

English is the primary language spoken in Ghana, and cities offer all of the modern conveniences you are accustomed to. However, there is plenty of opportunity to explore traditional culture through immersion in village life. You will discover that there are frequent celebrations and festivals marked by music, dancing, and local cuisine.

A wide variety of organizations operate in Ghana, so you have options when it comes to the type, cost, and duration of your project. If you are primarily interested in refurbishing classrooms and building schools, consider the Construction and Renovation project in Ghana from International Volunteer HQ. 

IVHQ is a leader in volunteer and intern abroad programs, and every project features affordable fees and extensive in-country support. As one of the most popular volunteer abroad organizations worldwide, IVHQ has lots to offer if you want to volunteer in Africa.

Join GoEco in Accra to support a local school and empower young minds! Volunteer by teaching English, organizing engaging games, and assisting with school repairs. 

Stay in shared accommodations with basic amenities and savor Ghanaian meals throughout the day. Become a role model and make a difference in the lives of local children and the community.

Projects Abroad, one of the largest volunteer and intern-abroad organizations in the world, also offers an opportunity to build schools in Ghana. Its Building Volunteer Work program in Ghana is your chance to get your hands dirty while creating desperately needed educational infrastructure for impoverished communities.

Involvement Volunteers International offers opportunities to support local schools in Accra. Volunteers assist primary and junior high students by teaching English, creating engaging lesson plans, and boosting conversational skills. You’ll also work with local workers on construction projects, renovating schools and community centers. 

Volunteering Solutions has a transformative program based in Ghana that empowers girls in urban villages near Tamale. Volunteers assist with classroom teaching, mentoring, and community-driven school renovations while supporting essential fundraising efforts. The initiative, centered around the Maltiti Girls School, fosters educational opportunities and community development. Participants enjoy cultural immersion, flexible schedules, and hands-on experiences, making it an ideal gap year, summer, or career break opportunity to create lasting change for dedicated volunteers.

For a more robust experience, you may prefer an internship with Global Vision International. GVI offers a formal Short-Term Teaching Internship in the Ghanaian coastal town of Kokrobite. Through this project, you will develop and deliver lessons in subject areas like English, mathematics, and computers, and you will have the opportunity to earn an ILM Endorsed Leadership certificate.

During your free time, hike to one of the extraordinary waterfalls found throughout the country or visit one of the wildlife sanctuaries developed and operated by local villages. Favorites include the Tafi-Atome and Boabeng Fiema monkey sanctuaries, the Bobiri butterfly sanctuary, and the Wechiau hippo sanctuary.

Volunteer In Kenya

The nation of Kenya enjoys a wealth of natural treasures, thanks to its location on the continent. The eastern border includes a stretch of warm Indian Ocean coastline, and the western border offers easy access to Lake Victoria. In between, there are mountains and valleys, and plains and deserts, offering opportunities to see an extraordinarily diverse collection of wildlife in their natural habitats. Every year, visitors come to Kenya to witness the Great Migration, in which many thousands of gazelles, wildebeest, and zebras trek cross-country.

Your skills are sorely needed when it comes to teaching English, coaching students in sports, and participating in projects that directly benefit low-income communities. A variety of respected organizations have construction and teaching programs in Kenya, so you have options when it comes to how and where you will contribute your talents.

The IVHQ Volunteer in Kenya project has teaching placements in Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, Maasai, and nearby rural villages. On the weekends, you can join your team members on safari for an up-close look at the nation’s spectacular wildlife. 

Volunteers who are more athletically inclined can still have an important impact on students in Africa. The Volunteer Teaching in Kenya program from Projects Abroad is a wonderful opportunity. You will be placed in a public primary school or drop-in center that serves the market town of Nanyuki, which is located just outside of the magnificent Mount Kenya National Park.

Dynamic programs in Kenya with Involvement Volunteers International offer experiences in education and construction. In Nakuru, volunteers support local schools by assisting teachers, leading creative English lessons, and fostering cultural exchange. In Kakuma Refugee Camp, volunteers help build and renovate school facilities and community housing, improving educational and living environments. 

Volunteering Solutions in Kenya offers a rewarding opportunity to empower underserved communities by teaching English and assisting local educators in Nairobi’s primary schools. Volunteers engage directly with locals, collaborate with passionate peers, and experience vibrant Kenyan culture. 

Volunteer In Madagascar

The nation of Madagascar is best known for its lemurs. Because there are no monkeys on the island, lemurs were able to thrive – they can’t be found in the wild anywhere else in the world. Of course, there is much more to this small nation than its lemur population.

Visitors come for the pristine beaches, and most go on to explore the island’s jungles, deserts, and lagoons. Part of the adventure is Madagascar’s preferred methods of travel, which include canoes, paddle boats, and sheep lorries.

The country is currently focused on returning forests and wild places to their former strength, and volunteers from all over the world have come to help. That means a greater need for English language skills, which is where you come in.

Building schools and teaching English in Madagascar offers children an opportunity to improve their skills so that they can grow up to be leaders in business and conservation efforts. In the long term, this promises to help Madagascar move from its place as the fifth-poorest country in the world to one that is far more prosperous.

The Madagascar village of Andasibe is home to friendly, enthusiastic learners who simply don’t have the resources necessary to get the education they want. Limited funding results in overcrowded classrooms, and your help is critical for ensuring that no one gets left behind. 

Join IVHQ’s Teaching Volunteer Program in Madagascar to empower local communities on Nosy Komba and Nosy Be by teaching English. Volunteers work up to five hours daily, providing grammar and conversational lessons that significantly enhance job prospects and tourism opportunities. With flexible durations (1 to 12 weeks) and monthly start dates, you’ll experience challenging terrain, immersive Malagasy culture, and meaningful educational impact.

Through Projects Abroad’s Volunteer Teaching – Madagascar program, you will work with individual students and small groups of children to help them keep up with lessons. You will also provide coaching and support for teachers who want to improve their capabilities.

Participants with Involvement Volunteers International can teach English to children and adults, enhancing skills vital for tourism and community development. Volunteers also assist with local projects, including school repairs, sanitation facilities, and infrastructure improvements. Projects emphasize collaboration with local teams using traditional methods. Accommodation, meals, and transportation are provided, along with 24/7 support. 

Try these programs with Volunteering Solutions! Volunteers teach English to children, teenagers, and adults while supporting projects such as school renovations and infrastructure improvements. Participants gain valuable teaching and construction skills while immersing in local culture, experiencing customs, and forming friendships. This program fosters personal growth, significantly enhances local employment, and empowers communities for a brighter future.

In this GVI program based in Nosy Be on the Edge of Lokobe National Park, volunteers work with local teachers and communities, enhancing English literacy among learners aged 6 to 50. Through comprehensive teacher training and conversational workshops, you empower local educators, bolster tourism employment, and experience authentic Malagasy culture, wildlife, and breathtaking ocean adventures.

Keep in mind that Madagascar isn’t easy to get to. There aren’t many direct flights, and local airlines are notoriously unreliable. The plus side to any inconvenience you experience is the fact that you are likely to have entire swaths of beaches and wild areas to yourself, as only the most committed tourists are willing to make the trip.

Volunteer In Malawi

Known as the “Warm Heart of Africa”, Malawi is best known for the friendliness of its people.

You will quickly grow accustomed to strangers smiling and greeting you wherever you go. This tiny nation is home to Lake Malawi, the ninth-largest lake in the world. You can look forward to the quiet enjoyment of its golden beaches and clear waters because tourists rarely make the trek. That’s a mistake on their part, as you will quickly discover when you try snorkeling or diving! This lake has more types of fish than any other lake in the world – estimates range from 500 to 1,000 individual species.

IVHQ has opportunities in Malawi through Teaching Assistant and Construction & Renovation projects. Volunteers aged 16+ join 1 to 12-week programs starting every Monday, working up to 6 hours daily. Assist local teachers in classrooms and engage in building and renovating schools and community centers. 

Volunteer In Morocco

Morocco’s vibrant culture and convenient location have made it a popular tourist destination. The northernmost tip is separated from Spain by the narrow Strait of Gibraltar, and fast ferries carry visitors back and forth year-round.

Unfortunately, illiteracy is a grave concern for the people of Morocco, and more than 40 percent of citizens over the age of 15 cannot read or write effectively. This puts severe restrictions on their prospects when it comes to finding work.

IVHQ offers dynamic teaching programs in Morocco designed to enhance access to quality education. Choose from 2 to 24-week programs to teach English or French to disadvantaged students. Enjoy hands-on teaching experiences, leading workshops, tutoring, and interactive classes. Accommodations include a welcoming homestay with a local family. This rewarding opportunity builds teaching skills, enriches cultural exchange, and contributes to brighter futures in Morocco today.

Volunteering Solutions in Morocco invites you to inspire children aged 10 to 16 in under-resourced communities and public schools. Teach English, French, Math, or Art while experiencing Morocco’s rich culture from a traditional Riad in Rabat. 

While you are in-country, make it a point to tour the cities that inspired films like Casablanca, The Jewel of the Nile, and Alexander. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Marrakesh or enjoy the beaches along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. Admire the dunes of the Sahara Desert from atop a camel, and haggle for handmade textiles at the local souks.

Volunteer In South Africa

Many first-time visitors to the African continent begin in South Africa because its infrastructure most closely resembles that of Europe and North America.

Modern cities boast the same conveniences you enjoy at home, and the tourism centers of Johannesburg and Cape Town have been selected as hosts for international events like the Soccer (Football) World Cup, the Rugby World Cup, and the Indian Cricket Premier League.

Outside of the cities, there is an array of glorious beaches that offer access to some of the best scuba diving in the world. Massive wildlife reserves allow you to see elephants, giraffes, lions, and zebras in their natural habitats, along with a host of other mammals, reptiles, and birds. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, you can ride ostriches in the town of Oudtshoorn – the ostrich capital of the world.

Though parts of South Africa enjoy the modern facilities and infrastructure common in developed nations, there are still critical gaps where you can fill a need. For example, computer literacy is quite low, which puts South African students at a disadvantage. 

IVHQ’s Cape Town project offers an opportunity to improve education in low-income communities. Volunteers support local elementary schools by teaching English, math, and life skills. No formal teaching qualifications are required, though TEFL experience helps. Enjoy weekday sessions, supportive local coordination, and comfortable accommodation in Muizenberg.

If you have an interest in working with teens and adults, the Projects Abroad Volunteer Teaching IT in South Africa program might be right for you. You will work in a Cape Town community center, introducing local residents to the magic of the internet, along with business applications like Microsoft Office.

Experience African Impact’s Early Childhood Development Volunteer Project in Cape Town. Join a dedicated team improving early learning for young children in underserved communities. Volunteers engage in creative play, and educational activities, and nurture essential developmental skills. This rewarding project offers a chance to make an impact on children’s lives and contribute to community development in Cape Town.

Volunteering Solutions offers transformative teaching experiences across South Africa. In Port Elizabeth’s Walmer Township, volunteers support local children through dancing, preschool, primary school, and sports programs, mentoring kids affected by poverty and HIV/AIDS while enjoying beachfront accommodation and safaris. 

In Cape Town, you assist teachers in public schools, enhancing English, math, and life skills for disadvantaged students. Embrace cultural exchange, gain valuable teaching experience, and spark lasting social change while exploring South Africa’s vibrant landscapes and heritage.

GVI’s Volunteer Teaching in South Africa project offers a hands-on experience teaching one-on-one literacy and numeracy classes to primary school children from under-resourced township schools. Over programs lasting 1–12 weeks, you’ll work closely with local educators to boost student confidence and academic skills, while gaining valuable teaching experience. Immerse yourself in Cape Town’s vibrant culture and join a community of passionate global citizens making a meaningful impact.

When you aren’t working, get out and explore your surroundings. Photograph extraordinary landscapes at the Valley of Desolation and Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. Visit the place where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet at Cape Agulhas. See the amazing Lion Sands Game Reserve tree house, which was designed for tourists who want to stay overnight with the big cats. There is simply no end to what South Africa has to offer, and you are sure to fill up every one of your off-hours with once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Volunteer In Tanzania

Many travelers believe that Tanzania is the crown jewel of East Africa.

The deep wilderness invites you to explore, and you can visit with an abundance of wildlife in its natural habitat. When you aren’t teaching, you can climb Mount Kilimanjaro, and if you are in-country at just the right time, you could be one of the lucky few to witness the Great Migration. Those with an interest in the weird and wonderful habits of chimpanzees can see them up close in forests surrounding Lake Tanganyika.

Tanzania’s eastern border is marked by large clean beaches from which you can plunge into the warm Indian Ocean. A short distance away, you will discover Zanzibar Island. Both offer easy access to water-based activities like scuba and snorkeling, and the waters around Tanzania and Zanzibar include large marine parks. This is one of the few places in the world where you can see such a variety of fish, corals, and other sea creatures, so it draws marine biologists from around the globe.

The Tanzanian economy is heavily dependent on tourism, which means the best jobs go to residents who can speak English. When you volunteer in Tanzania, you are ensuring that your students have lifelong employment opportunities. Immerse yourself in the daily lives, culture, and customs of this vibrant nation while you contribute your expertise to support the needs of local children.

Join IVHQ projects that improve local school infrastructure through construction and renovation tasks – from bricklaying and painting to small plumbing repairs – while also inspiring students as a teaching volunteer. Working up to five hours daily over 1 to 16 weeks, you’ll support educational initiatives and community development, all under expert supervision. 

Experience real-life impact as a Teaching Assistant in Zanzibar with GoEco! Based in Chukwani near Stone Town, you’ll help teach English and engage children aged 5 to 14 with fun arts, games, and after-school activities. The program includes shared guesthouse accommodation, meals, airport transfers, and orientation. Ideal for volunteers aged 25+, this immersive experience enriches local education while broadening your cultural horizons and teaching skills in Africa.

Volunteers who prefer hands-on activities related to building and renovating critical infrastructure may prefer Projects Abroad’s Building Volunteer Work in Tanzania program. This project is focused on creating safe, cheerful classrooms and schools so that students in the rural Maasai village have a comfortable place to learn. With this program, you will live and work alongside members of the community, giving you ample opportunity to build relationships that will last a lifetime.

African Impact’s Teaching & Community Support in Zanzibar project invites you to uplift the community through an engaging English literacy program. Volunteers help teach English and Maths at local schools and nursery centers in Jambiani, empowering students of all ages. Enjoy daily beachside commutes, shared guesthouse accommodation, local chef-prepared meals, and exciting weekend activities like kitesurfing or dhow boat trips. 

Volunteer with Involvement Volunteers International to build schools and teach in Tanzania’s Arusha region. Help transform local education by teaching English, math, and science to children aged 6 to 14, creating engaging lesson plans and fun activities. Support community development through renovation and construction projects in schools, childcare centers, and community spaces. No experience is required — just passion and enthusiasm. 

With Volunteering Solutions, empower local children in primary schools in both Zanzibar and Arusha. As a volunteer, you’ll enhance English language skills and support innovative tablet learning initiatives, while also assisting with Math and Science lessons. Engage in interactive, creative activities to boost their confidence. Ideal for dedicated volunteers aged 17+, this experience transforms lives and builds teaching skills.

Volunteer In Zambia

There are endless opportunities to make memories in Zambia, but the sight you simply can’t miss is the amazing Victoria Falls.

Locally, the Falls are referred to as “Mosi-Oa-Tunya”, which translates to “the smoke that thunders”. More than 38,000 cubic feet of water cascades an astonishing 355 feet every second. When the water is low, you can swim in the Devil’s Pool at the edge of the Falls, and there are opportunities to explore the region by helicopter, on foot, and by boat.

Zambia has an abundance of rivers and waterways snaking throughout the region. This ensures lush vegetation and extraordinary diversity in wildlife. You can float over the pristine valleys by balloon or travel through by horse or elephant to see birds, reptiles, and mammals going about the daily business of living. The area is known for its leopard population. Though these animals are masters of stealth, many visitors are able to catch a glimpse.

While there are some government-funded schools in Zambia, resources are limited. This presents a problem because the population is growing rapidly. In response, families have come together to create informal community schools to fill the gap. Unfortunately, these learning centers simply don’t have the staff, supplies, and expertise necessary to meet students’ educational needs. Volunteers are crucial for creating an education system that works, and they have contributed to everything from building schools and teaching lessons to training local teachers.

IVHQ has a strong presence in Zambia, with programs focused on Teaching and Construction and Renovation. Both are designed to transform learning in the communities surrounding the southwestern city of Livingstone. This is accomplished through direct teaching, lesson planning, and hands-on building of schools and other structures that are important to residents’ health and well-being.

GoEco’s Livingstone Community Teaching offers similar services, with a few additional options. You can choose to work with children, adults, or seniors to promote literacy, nurture creativity, and share lifesaving medical information. Livingstone is just a few kilometers away from the border of Zimbabwe where the extraordinary Victoria Falls is located, so you can spend your weekends exploring the area with your new friends.

Join African Impact’s Volunteer Teaching Project in Zambia, based in Livingstone. Work with local teachers in rural primary schools to provide one-on-one support and engaging lessons, nurturing academic growth and igniting young minds. Your creative teaching methods transform lives through art clubs, reading sessions, and interactive activities. 

Ready To Travel?

Volunteering in Africa is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of children.

However, the most surprising thing you will discover is that the impact on students isn’t the biggest benefit of these projects. 

Again and again, participants report that they leave these experiences transformed, with better skills and deeper cultural understanding than they ever thought possible.