Teaching in Zambia

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!