Education and Community Development
Helping local communities in Livingstone, Zambia
Education and Community Development Volunteering
Volunteering in education and community development is amazing because it empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and creates lasting positive change, while also offering you the opportunity to gain new perspectives, develop valuable skills, and make meaningful connections.
Overview of the education and community Development
Livingstone, Zambia, a premier tourist destination in Southern Africa, attracts over 250,000 international visitors each year. They come to experience its vibrant wildlife, stunning landscapes, thrilling adventure activities, and the majestic Victoria Falls—one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Yet, despite the influx of foreign income, Livingstone faces significant social challenges, particularly in its educational system.
A severe lack of resources, such as classrooms and qualified teachers, has led to the implementation of a “hot-seating” system, where children can only attend school part-time, either in the morning or afternoon. Coupled with widespread poverty and the inability of many parents to afford school fees, this has resulted in numerous children being unable to complete their primary education.
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As a result, this has triggered a snowball effect, where the lack of education has led to a severe shortage of opportunities, causing poverty to escalate dramatically
Our volunteers play a vital role, providing one-on-one attention to students, assisting teachers with daily tasks, and ensuring no child is left behind. They also offer after-school lessons and adult literacy classes, making a profound impact on the community. Our mission is to ensure that everyone receives the quality education they deserve, and to achieve this, we need as many volunteers as possible. This is your opportunity to gain valuable teaching experience while helping children and adults advance their education and improve their quality of life
Project Highlights
ou will be acting as a teaching assistant at a primary school in rural Livingstone supporting and assisting the teacher of that class. This is where you’ll be based every morning and not only will you be working directly with the students but also with the teachers to share ideas or skills that you may have, to improve the current teaching methods.
Have the option to fill your weekends with adrenaline activities such as bungee jumping and white-water rafting. Take advantage of optional trips to wildlife havens like Botswana’s Chobe National Park or visit the amazing Victoria Falls.
In Zambia, while English serves as one of the official languages, the country is rich with 72 languages and dialects. Many locals, especially in rural areas surrounding Livingstone, primarily speak their mother tongue and face challenges when seeking employment, as more jobs require fluency in English. Illiteracy among adults compounds this issue, but many are eager to improve their prospects through better language skills. Our team and volunteers address this need through an Adult Literacy course featuring structured lesson plans, assessments, and a certificate of completion. This program has been incredibly rewarding, with numerous success stories.
In the afternoon you’ll have the chance of joining different after school projects. Our aim is to keep children safe and off the streets in the after school period as well as creating fun activities to further their development. We run games, sports and art activities as well as exercises to improve kids’ knowledge of the English language such as reading, singing and much more.
About the Location & Accommodation
Location
Livingstone holds some of Zambia’s most remote, untouched and pure wilderness with stunning wildlife. With unfenced parks and camps, all kinds of wild and exquisite game walk by the fireplace at night, right at your volunteer base.
Located in the centre of southern Africa and one of the exclusive 8 countries, with the mighty Zambezi River flowing through; Zambia is a unique destination. But Livingstone is the real gem. With the magnificent Victoria Falls as the main attraction
Accommodation
You will be living right in the vibrant hub of Livingstone, the Victoria Falls Backpackers Zambia. Voted the #1 hostel in the whole of Zambia, you will be a stone’s throw away from the actions of this lively town and close to one of the seven natural wonders of the world!
The hostel is equipped with a vibrant dining area and bar, a swimming pool to enjoy during your free time and even a rock-climbing wall! All this is just a short 5-minute walk from Livingstone’s town centre, lined with awesome cafes, bars and restaurants.
At your volunteer base, you will have 24-hour security and safe, lockable spaces for your valuables. You will be in rooms of 4-8 people with bunk beds in the rooms.
You won’t need to bring any bed linen with you, as this is all provided for you. Your rooms will be cleaned on a daily basis
Pricing & Start Dates
We can’t wait to meet you! All volunteers are required to arrive on a Monday to begin their projects.
Please verify specific dates with your sales agent.
Additionally, ensure you check with your sales agent regarding the recommended airport for your transfers.
And There’s More
Why not head to Botswana and visit Chobe National Park. Either one full day safari including boat cruise and game drives or a 2 day trip for experiencing camping out in the real bush.
Try devils Pool. This is the ultimate infinity pool and one of the most exciting and exhilarating experiences you can embark on.
Or try the terrifying bungee jump. The best thing in life! There are so many ways to describe the bungee jump but until you have experienced it, you can’t put it into words!
Victoria Falls creates the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and is locally known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” which translates to “smoke that thunders.”
Apply for this volunteering project
Pricing Starts
From $1800 for 2 weeks. Your weekly cost will be reduced if you stay for longer than 2 weeks, book with a friend or are a returning volunteer.
Quick Facts
Livingstone, Zambia
Starts Every Monday
4 weeks – 12 weeks
Focus: Community
Project Includes:
The project includes volunteer accommodation and full meals provided 7 days a week.
Airport transfers are available from a specific airport (please confirm with your sales agent).
All project-related transport, equipment, WIFI, and resources are included, along with support from our experienced 24-hour team.
Project Excludes:
The project package does not cover the following items: flights to the designated location, expenses related to obtaining a visa, insurance costs, optional additional excursions, and any personal expenses you may incur during your participation.
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