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 in 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 business 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 Ghanafrom 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.

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.

If your primary goal is to gain experience as an educator, there is substantial need for skilled English teachers. Plan My Gap Year, one of the most highly respected and affordable volunteer abroad services, operates the English Teaching Volunteers program in Ghana. Your support ensures that students in overcrowded classrooms get the individual attention they need to develop their conversational English skills – a necessity for their future success in the working world.

Agape Volunteers works exclusively in Africa, so staff members have particular expertise with this region. Current and aspiring teachers can contribute their desperately needed skills with the Volunteer as a Teacher in Ghana project, which is designed to ease the overcrowding in classrooms. You may be asked to lead lessons in English, math, or science, with the support of more tenured faculty. Agape Volunteers is an excellent choice for travelers on a budget: program fees include comprehensive travel insurance, support and training, and much more, making this one of the most affordable volunteer programs in Africa.

For 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.

Ghana has become home to thousands of refugees seeking asylum from the violence in neighboring Liberia. Most of the refugees are women and children, all of whom are in desperate need of your support. Many volunteers choose A Broader View’s Ghana Kasoa Education Program, which takes place in a refugee camp. You will provide an otherwise unattainable education for some of the 60 students in this small school, which serves orphaned children aged 3 -15 years old.

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. Alternatively, you can choose Agape Volunteers’ Teaching in Kenya program for an opportunity to give lessons in English, math, social studies, and science. On the weekends, you can join excursions organized by Agape staff, including Maasai Mara safaris, hiking and biking trips, mountain climbing, and beach getaways.

Volunteers who are more athletically inclined can still have an important impact on students in Africa. The Volunteer Sports Coaching in Kenya program from Projects Abroad is a wonderful opportunity for children to build skills in team-based activities while simultaneously boosting their self-confidence. 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.

African Impact has been named a top volunteer organization, making it an excellent choice if you want to teach in Kenya. The Teaching and Vulnerable Childcare project is carefully designed to maximize your ability to create positive change for at-risk children in Kenya’s Limuru community. Work with students who face extraordinary obstacles, including developmental challenges, loss of parents and family members, and HIV/AIDS. Your help ensures they receive the individual attention they need to reach their full potential.

Volunteer In Cameroon

Cameroon may not be as familiar as other African nations like Kenya and South Africa, but it has just as much to offer – if not more. Just south of Nigeria on the continent’s Atlantic coast, Cameroon is a diverse landscape of beaches, volcanoes, rainforests, mountains, and savannahs. It is a safe and peaceful country that welcomes visitors warmly, and you can be sure that your contributions will be met with sincere and enthusiastic gratitude.

Love Volunteers founded its award-winning organization in 2009 as an affordable alternative to pricey volunteer and intern-abroad programs. The Volunteer Cameroon: Teach English Abroad project is located in the northern city of Bamenda. It serves more than 200 nursery school children and 460 primary school students, giving you an opportunity to teach Englishin a severely under-resourced part of the country.

If you prefer to work with a US-based non-profit organization, A Broader View may be right for you. The Volunteering in Cameroon: Children’s Education project assigns volunteers to tutor small groups of pre-school and primary school students in English and mathematics. You can contribute in other ways, such as assisting with enrichment activities, coaching children in sports, or helping with the physical upkeep of the facility.

Frontier specializes in inspirational adventures, so you can be sure your experience will be memorable. The Cameroon Teaching project gives you hands-on teaching experience from 8:00am – 2:30pm each day, leaving evenings and weekends free for dancing to makossa music and exploring the northwest city of Bamenda and the surrounding area.

When you aren’t working, travel to the southern rainforests to meet the Pygmies of Baka or visit with chimpanzees and gorillas at the Limbe Wildlife Centre. Much of the country remains undiscovered by tourists, so you won’t have to fight crowds to see national treasures up-close.

Volunteer In Ethiopia

Many people believe that a trip to Ethiopia is a return to the birthplace of humanity. Visitors from every part of the world travel to the nation’s capital city, Addis Ababa, to see the remains of ancient human ancestors. One of the most popular exhibits is a skeleton that is thought to be 3,200,000 years old. She has been lovingly nicknamed “Lucy”.

Of course, there is more to see throughout this vibrant country, and you will have plenty of opportunity to explore when you participate in Frontier’s Ethiopia Teaching & Community Project. You will be based in the northern city of Gondar, where you will partner with community leaders to coach sports or teach English, computer skills, art, or music.

Your contributions are transformative, as schools simply don’t have enough resources to reach all of the children in need of support. Extreme poverty is pervasive in Ethiopia, but despite obstacles, students are joyful and engaged in learning. You can count on being invited to homes throughout the community for a traditional Ethiopian meal of injera, meats, and vegetables.

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. 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. 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.

Fronteering doesn’t just facilitate volunteer abroad projects: this organization is focused on creating adventures. When you choose Fronteering’s English Teaching – Madagascarprogram, you can expect an experience that is much bigger than delivering lessons in front of a classroom. You will live and work in a rural village like Tsararano Ambony, which is located in the central-north section of the country, and you will have an opportunity to design and deliver instruction on anything from English and history to music, art, and technology.

With 30 years of experience, Frontier has developed expertise in addressing the most pressing needs of the communities it serves. In Madagascar, the organization has created two distinct but complementary projects to ensure comprehensive support for underprivileged students. Through the Madagascar Teaching program, you can create and deliver lessons in variety of subjects through traditional classroom techniques and an array of creative activities. Work with large groups or spend time one-on-one with individual students to improve skills in English, environmental conservation, and other topics critical for long-term success.

Alternatively, you can join Frontier’s Madagascar Construction program to build the infrastructure for a sustainable education system. The specific tasks vary depending on current need, so you could find yourself brightening classrooms with cheerful murals, upgrading waste disposal systems, or building new schools from the ground up.

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 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.

Because so many citizens of African nations face poverty, several organizations have elected to concentrate their efforts in these countries. Naturally Africa Volunteers is one such organization. Naturally Africa has strong local partnerships in communities with substantial need, and it is dedicated to providing you with a safe, rewarding experience doing important work that fills service gaps in these communities.

The Lake Malawi Teaching Volunteer project engages students who lack even the most basic resources for learning. Classes are exceptionally large, sometimes serving 100 children or more. Your contributions ensure smaller class sizes and more individual attention for eager learners, so that they can develop the skills needed to create a successful future.

GoEco is a frequent recipient of awards and accolades, including recognition as 2018’s Top Volunteer Organization from GoAbroad. Programs are designed with a focus on sustainability, affordability, and responsibility. When you choose GoEco’s Teaching and Sports Facilitation project, your days will be spent teaching and coaching children on a variety of skills. You will work with students who live in rural villages at the southern end of Lake Malawi. With your help, they will enjoy the benefits of teamwork, fitness, and increased self-confidence.

Frontier always works to create volunteer experiences that are specifically tailored to your interests. The Malawi Teaching Adventure is no different. You will gain experience designing and delivering lessons, and you can create activities that allow you to share your passions with students. Some volunteers have directed a school play, while others have put together sports teams. No matter how you choose to contribute, you can be sure your effects will be deeply appreciated.

Spend off-hours at Majete Wildlife Reserve, where you will see an array of native wildlife. Bring your camera to capture images of the Big Five – elephants, lions, rhino, buffalo, and leopards – along with sable antelope, impala, and hundreds of other birds and mammals.

Volunteer In Morocco

Morocco’s vibrant culture and convenient location has 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.

Cross-Cultural Solutions is one of the volunteer abroad organizations that has come forward to effect change in Morocco, and the results have been impressive. By joining the Volunteer in Morocco Child Education project, you can transform the lives of underprivileged Moroccan students while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

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 Rwanda

If you loved Gorillas in the Mist, Rwanda is an ideal choice for your volunteer or intern abroad experience. When you aren’t sharing your skills with members of the community, you can visit the Volcanoes National Park to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Akagera National Park is another prime location for wildlife viewing, as it is home to elephants, hippos, crocodiles, leopards, and hyenas. Sadly, despite the idyllic setting, Rwanda’s history is fraught with violence. In 1994, between 500,000–1,000,000 people died in an act of genocide. The nation is still recovering from this dark chapter, and students desperately need your help.

Love Volunteers operates a program designed to ensure that even the poorest students have the items they need to attend school, including uniforms and shoes. When you participate in the Education Support project, you will see the results of this program firsthand. Better still, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping children improve their English language skills, which are crucial to their future employment.

Alternatively, you can choose A Broader View’s Volunteer in Rwanda: Teaching Missionsproject, which places you in a community school that serves students age 3 – 21. In addition to providing English lessons or vocational training, you can assist with activities designed to encourage social harmony.

During your off-hours, set aside time to visit Nyungwe Forest where – if you are quiet enough – you might catch a glimpse of chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and colobus monkeys. If you prefer to spend your free time at the beach, there are opportunities for water sports at Lake Kivu, which is known for its views of the active Nyiragongo volcano.

Volunteer In Senegal

The West African nation of Senegal may be on the smaller side, but it packs rich culture and history into every corner. During your visit, you can experience all of the ecological diversity you would expect from a larger country, including gorgeous beaches, bustling cities, easily accessible islands, rolling plains, and tropical forests.

Children between the ages of 7 and 13 are required by law to attend school, but sadly, many families simply don’t have the resources to comply with this requirement. Worse, a large percentage of underprivileged communities don’t have the facilities, teachers, and supplies necessary to provide quality education. As a result, illiteracy among adults is estimated to be as high as 63 percent – and most of the people affected are girls and women.

Frontier is committed to offering opportunities for children of both genders to get the education they deserve. Through the Senegal Teaching project, you can be part of the solution. The support you provide makes it possible for your students to pursue employment in the country’s tourism industry, which can transform the future prospects of students themselves, as well as their families and their communities.

The primary language is French, which makes the area a popular destination for French citizens. However, travelers from other nations have largely overlooked this country. That works out well for you, because you won’t face tourists during your weekend trips. Instead, you can immerse yourself in Senegal’s vibrant wild places, traditional arts, and unparalleled cuisine with the warm and friendly Senegalese people you meet along the way. Expect to spend some time partaking in the ceremonial attaya tea ritual, in which tea is brewed in three rounds: first, “bitter like death”, second, “soft like love”, and third, “sweet like friendship”.

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 Outsdhoorn – 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 operates a strong Computer Training program in the Cape Town suburb of Muizenberg. In the mornings, you can teach your students to use technology, and in the afternoons, they can teach you to surf.

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.

Of course, technology and computer skills aren’t the only education gaps in South Africa. One of the most alarming is a large disparity in the education levels of girls versus boys. More than half of South African women did not complete primary school, and many have the responsibilities of motherhood before they even reach adulthood.

GoEco’s Cape Town Girl Empowerment project is designed to combat the challenges faced by women. In addition to basic education such as English and mathematics, this program offers girls information on job readiness, family planning, and more.

If your goal is to spend your volunteer time with some of South Africa’s littlest citizens, or you prefer to work in a more rural area of the country, Naturally Africa’s Community Pre-Schoolproject might be a perfect fit. You will be placed in a rural community on South Africa’s Eastern Cape, where you will partner with a local organization to care for tiny learners who are newborn to age 6. These children are from the country’s poorest families, and the support you provide ensures they get the best possible start.

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 Swaziland

You probably don’t know anyone who has been to the Kingdom of Swaziland, renamed Eswatini in 2018. The truth is, most people pass right through on their way to another destination. However, if you choose a project in Swaziland, you will discover what residents already know – this tiny nation has a lot to offer.

Swaziland is one of the safest African nations, and its people are warm and welcoming. Traditional celebrations and ceremonies are a constant part of the lifestyle, and you can count on coming away with knowledge of native culture. When you aren’t working, there is wildlife to photograph, mountains to explore, and whitewater to raft.

The citizens of Swaziland know how critically important a good education is, but unfortunately, deep poverty has made school attendance impossible for many children. Some estimates indicate that only 5 percent of the students who are eligible for secondary school actually attend.

Frontier’s Swaziland Teaching and Adventure project is designed to put education in reach for children of the most impoverished communities. Your skills will be put to good use in schools that are overcrowded and severely underfunded.

Afternoons and weekends are yours to fill as you please, and the possibilities are endless. Birdwatch at Mlawula Nature Reserve or try for a glimpse of black rhinos at Mkhaya Game Reserve. Those new to rock climbing can participate in non-technical hikes up Sibebe Rock, while experienced climbers challenge their skills on the sheer walls.

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 underprivileged children.

A number of other organizations operate programs on the Tanzanian mainland. For example, Plan My Gap Year’s English Teaching Volunteers Programme offers projects in settings like private schools and orphanages. Your placement is most likely to be with younger students, unless you make a specific request to work in secondary education.

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.

Formal teaching isn’t for everyone, but there are still plenty of ways you can share critical skills without getting up in front of a classroom. For example, Naturally Africa Volunteers operates the Tanzania Street Kids Sports Volunteer Project in the port city of Mwanza. You can coach athletic activities, provide one-on-one tutoring, and otherwise support children who rely on the Mwanza street kids’ center to meet their basic needs.

Volunteer In Uganda

Though Uganda doesn’t attract large crowds of tourists, those who do visit are astonished by the beauty and diversity of this Central African nation. Uganda doesn’t have an ocean border, but there is still plenty of access to water as Lake Victoria makes up the country’s southeast corner.

Uganda’s primary claim to fame is its population of mountain gorillas. There are fewer than 1,000 remaining on the planet, and half live in the Ugandan Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Many visitors come for the sole purpose of seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat.

Uganda has a wealth of flora and fauna, but unfortunately, this doesn’t translate into the necessary resources for creating the infrastructure necessary to support the country’s health and education needs. That’s where you come in. Two top-rated organizations have partnered with local communities to design and build schools, medical clinics, and other important – and sorely needed – structures.

For one idea, you can participate in Frontier’s Uganda Build a School Programme. You will live and work in rural communities outside of the capital city of Kampala, partnering with local construction experts and other volunteers to build beautiful new schools. Once complete, the school buildings promise to transform the lives of students by providing safe spaces to develop lifelong skills in literacy, mathematics, social studies, and science.

When you aren’t working, you can participate in a boating safari, which gives you a unique vantage point to see elephants, buffalo, zebras, and more gather to splash and drink. If your passion is birdwatching, you can fill your bird book in Uganda, which boasts more than 1,000 individual specials.

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 Rural 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.

Volunteer In Zimbabwe

Though Zimbabwe doesn’t get the international attention that its northern neighbor Zambia receives, visitors to this African nation do have access to the majestic Victoria Falls. This legendary natural wonder creates a border between the two countries, but Zimbabwe has a significant advantage. Very few tourists choose the Zimbabwe side of the Falls, so you don’t have to worry about crowds during your visit. Love Volunteers is one of the few organizations with projects in Zimbabwe, so your skills are desperately needed. Far too many children are unable to get the education they need, because there simply aren’t enough teachers to go around.

When you choose the Education Support – Zimbabwe project, you will be placed in a village about 13 km away from Victoria Falls. You will assist teachers in developing and delivering lessons to students age 3 – 12. Math and English are the areas of focus, and no teaching experience is required. Whether this is your first time in front of a classroom, or you are an experienced professional, you can be sure your skills will be put to good use.

When you aren’t working, there are plenty of other places to explore in Zimbabwe. For example, there are marvelous national parks where you can view Africa’s Big Five. More important, you can immerse yourself in the culture of local tribes, which include the Ndebele and the Shona. You will quickly discover that those native to Zimbabwe are passionate about their homeland, and they are excited to share their treasures and traditions with you.

Ready To Travel?

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