Volunteer work in Zambia with TravelWorks

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Volunteer work in Zambia

The Republic of Zambia will immediately cast its magical charm upon you – the landlocked country at the heart of South Africa offers a rich wildlife and landscapes, a fascinating culture and the warmness of its people will make you want to stay forever. The South Luangwa National Park takes over 9000 km² of Zambia – experts call it “the greatest wildlife sanctuary in the world” and is home to 400 kinds of birds and 60 different animal species.

Victoria Falls is one of the country’s world-famous attractions. As rich as the country is in terms of culture, flora and fauna – it is still immensely poor when considering its development and debt ratio. All the more reason to pitch in and get Zambia’s name back on the map!

Volunteer work in Zambia: your destination

At a glance

Age: 18 years and above
Duration: 4 or 8 weeks
Language: Good knowledge of English
Starting dates: Every 1st Monday of the month

The country is in urgent need of infrastructure and medical care. Chronic malnutrition, child labour and increasing migration into cities are only a few of the pressing problems here. As a volunteer in Zambia, you will not just be providing help where it is urgently needed, but will also be returning to your home country enriched by what you have experienced!

Your temporary home will be Livingstone, also called Maramba, with over 80,000 inhabitants. The city is mainly known for its proximity to the world-famous Victoria Falls on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Here, the Zambezi river falls down into a pit of 100 m; a natural spectacle as we know it!

Volunteer work in Zambia

Orientation days and accommodation in Zambia

Your stay in Zambia will begin with some orientation days, during which you will be exploring Livingstone and Mukuni village, a traditional Zambian village. The most important reason for the introduction is, as well as settling you in, getting to know the project facilities and local ways of working. Our partners will visit the projects with you. In this way, you can gain an impression of the various jobs you can do. At the same time, you will get to know other volunteers and make contacts.

Some language lessons are included in the programme. Even if you can only speak a few words of the local Bantus language, it will be far easier for you and will certainly be more fun to speak to the people.

Accommodation in Zambia

Together with other volunteers from all over the world, you will be accommodated in shared rooms in volunteer houses. The houses are equipped with:

Comfortable living rooms
Spacious kitchens
A large garden

A cook ensures that you are well catered for by providing your midday and evening meals. Breakfast is also included in the programme, but each house resident can prepare it themselves.

Volunteer work in Zambia

Activities: Depending on the project and on your previous experience. You will be working in various wards in the clinic, mostly during the mornings. You will be working approximately 40 hours per week, Mondays to Fridays, and Saturday mornings.
Time off: Generally Saturday afternoons and Sundays.
Duration: 4 or 8 weeks.
Application: At least 2-3 months before departure. We are happy to receive applications much earlier than this.
Programme start: Every 1st Monday of the month. The rainy season is from October to April.
Practical experience: Not mandatory for most of the projects, but it would certainly make your stay easier. If you are doing or have completed your studies or training in the field of medicine/nursing, you may be able to take on assignments with a higher level of responsibility in the hospital after presentation of suitable certification.
Other: Patience, self-sufficiency, flexibility, adaptability and own initiative are essential, as well as the ability to deal with living in very basic living and working conditions. Travel experience is an advantage.