Zambia Volunteer Programs from $22/day | Most Affordable & Trusted

My wife and I recently spent a month teaching through IVHQ in Livingstone, Zambia. Their local contact, the charity Dream Livingstone, provided safe accommodation and all the support we needed (as well as providing our placements they helped us distribute items in nearby orphanages). 'Sunbird' hosted a diverse and friendly group of volunteers - people of all ages and a variety of nationalities. Everyone took an interest in each others placements, as well as 'extra curricula' activities with local children set up by the volunteers, such as running and football (soccer) clubs. Volunteers also found the opportunity to help local children in a variety of other ways - one even setting up a school. Those of us teaching were in a wide variety of schools, all of them needing support, and we all felt that we were both making a difference and appreciated. There was a lot of scope for changing a placement if need be to find the correct one for you.
One thing that I would add relates to age. There can be a perception that much of this type of volunteering is done by those in their early twenties or even late teens. While we were there this was true but it should not put off those who are older. Everyone was there with the right motivation and one of the real bonuses was mixing, and sharing stories and inspiration, with those of all ages including those of an age you might not normally socialise with at home.
Livingstone is a friendly and laid back place - I never heard of a volunteer being nervous, never mind having any trouble. The only 'crime' we heard of was of a baboon taking someone's mobile phone from a bag at Victoria Falls. It is also an intriguing place - the old colonial capital now adapting to new times. It is authentically Zambian, the feel of it essentially untouched by all the tourist activities centred on the falls. Those activities are endless and easily arranged. It is also very well located for excursions elsewhere (be they in Botswana, Namibia or Zimbabwe).
Before we did this we imagined that, if we enjoyed it, we would volunteer again but in a different location to see somewhere new. We made so many friends and contacts, however, that we hope to return again next year. There are a lot of people (especially children) who have benefitted by what the IVHQ volunteers have done. If you are thinking of going - do!

In August my boyfriend and I participated in the Childcare program with IVHQ in Zambia. We originally signed up for childcare, however once we arrived they really needed more teachers, so we agreed to help out and do the teaching program! What a great decision this was. We were placed at a small school where class is held in a woman's backyard. She started up this school so she could help educate the local children who's families cannot afford to send their kids away to school. We taught in her back yard and the kids happily sat on a floor mat while we tried to teach them everything we know. We did not have a lesson plan to follow, we were only instructed to teach them anything we think they need to know. This was such a broad spectrum but left the floor really open for creative ideas. Being open to whatever comes your way is essential on a program like this!

We walked 2 miles to school and 2 miles back to the volunteer house each day. Along our walk we always felt extremely safe, and loved getting to see the friendly locals each morning greeting us. We managed after four weeks of being in Zambia to meet so many people that we passed each day to and from school. The walk became one of our favourite times of day.

At our school we were teaching children from ages 2-13. One of the most rewarding things was to see them growing. We were at this school for four weeks, and in four weeks so much can happen. Kids who could barely write when we first arrived were starting to be able to write their names. They were learning new words in english, they were learning games and songs, they were learning how to read. It was such a great experience. The school is in need of so many things, and I would say that is the hardest part. Knowing that they need so much, but you can't give them everything. You have to just do the best you can with what you have. Showing them attention and encouragement was something that goes such a long way. They had the most fun when we played games with them, or danced with them. They laughed, yelled and sang.

One awesome experience we had was when the owner of our school decided to make us lunch one day, so she showed up with a live chicken and a horse hoof. She went to so much work to prepare a meal for us to say thank you for our help. She even hand made us traditional African attire to wear at the lunch, while her and her family also dressed in their traditional wear. This is the kind of kindness the people of Zambia have to offer. Their smile and way of life is infectious!

I was expecting to teach the kids so much during this trip, but they taught me much more valuable lessons than I could have ever imagined. Zambia is peaceful place, it is very safe and very friendly. This is great place to come if it is your first time traveling away, they are such kind and welcoming people.

My husband and I have been volunteering with IVHQ for the past 2 years. We will soon be completing our 5th project with them. As "boomers" we have found their staff and other volunteers incredibly supportive and engaged. Age, nationality and other differences seem to merge with the common goal of volunteering and hoping to make a difference. We love it!

Most recently, at my husband's assignment, Linda Farm in Livingstone, Zambia, he was only there a week when he decided he wanted to make a sustained impact in memory of his sister, Francine, who died of cancer earlier this year. With the help of our local coordinator, Dream Livingstone, we identified a painting project at the farm, where we could arrange to patch and paint 10 of the 12 houses for the community of 90 people. The houses had been neglected for 30+ years and our efforts were welcomed by the elders in the community we asked. This way, the new school where my husband was helping finish, would not be the only nice building for the children to come to know. A sense of pride would be instilled by all. By the time we returned to the USA, the project got off the ground and as I type, we await pictures of the refreshed community!!

We couldn't be happier, and suggest memorials, dedications and honorariums are yet another way, on top of the specific volunteer assignment that you can consider to make a difference. IVHQ has a Booster Grant program that could help fund similar efforts if a volunteer is unable to make the contribution him/herself. In our case, the local organization agreed to match our contribution as well as manage the project.