The Gender Equality
Working Holiday
One of the best community projects in Southern Africa.
Gender Equality
Work with young ladies in Livingstone, Zambia
This project supports young girls and teens as they build confidence, explore possibilities and develop life skills. Through group workshops, activities and mentoring sessions, you’ll help create safe spaces where girls feel valued, heard and inspired to reach their potential.
At the same time, the programme brings boys into positive discussions that encourage respect, fairness and healthy relationships in the wider community.
Overview of the Gender Equality Project
The goal is to help young people, especially girls to make them feel confident and knowledgeable about themselves and their futures. Sessions explore topics like personal wellbeing, education, teamwork, safety and positive relationships.
You’ll help guide group activities, support discussions, and assist with confidence-building exercises that encourage young people to think broadly about their goals and dreams.
This is a chance to make everyday moments meaningful, whether in a classroom, community centre, or informal group setting.
Project Highlights
- Guide group sessions that build confidence and life skills
- Help facilitate discussions on health, safety and self-worth
- Support activities that encourage teamwork and leadership
- Take part in inclusive programmes for young boys and girls
- Strengthen community connections and cultural understanding
- Gain experience in community engagement and youth support
Example of your Weekly Schedule
Monday
07:40 – 11:00 | Lesson Preparation & Admin
Monday mornings are dedicated to preparing lesson plans and organising materials for the week ahead. Volunteers work alongside the project coordinator to ensure all data from the previous week, such as attendance and testing records, is completed. Each session is planned to include a fun icebreaker, and volunteers review their specific roles for upcoming lessons.
11:00 – 12:00 | Breaktime
Take a short break to relax, catch up on reading, run errands, or simply unwind before lunch.
12:00 – 12:30 | Lunch
12:30 – 13:00 | Afternoon Preparation
Volunteers get ready for the afternoon sessions with staff support. This may include finalising lesson materials, preparing refreshments such as juice or snacks for the students, and ensuring everyone understands their role.
13:00 – 16:00 | Girl Impact Project
Each session focuses on one group of girls, as each class participates in Girl Impact once per week. Sessions start with attendance, include icebreakers, and move on to the main lesson, which may cover confidence, health, or leadership skills. The session concludes with refreshments for the students.
16:30 – 18:00 | Volunteer House & Team Meeting
Back at the volunteer house, the team gathers for introductions, reviews the week’s schedule, and shares announcements or important updates.
18:00 – 18:30 | Dinner
18:30 onwards | Free Time
A relaxed evening for volunteers to unwind, get to know each other, or enjoy some quiet time before the week begins.
Tuesday
07:00 – 07:40 | Breakfast
07:40 – 08:00 | Preparation Time
Volunteers prepare juice and sandwiches for the morning sessions and finalise any last-minute lesson materials. Once ready, the group departs for the project site.
08:00 – 11:00 | Girl Impact Project
Each morning session is with a different class, as every group participates once per week. Lessons begin with attendance and an icebreaker before moving into the main activities, which may include discussions, confidence-building exercises, or health education. Sessions end with refreshments for the students.
11:00 – 12:00 | Back at the Volunteer House
Volunteers return to the house for a short activities briefing, including information on upcoming weekend excursions and optional trips in and around Victoria Falls.
12:00 – 12:30 | Lunch
12:30 – 13:00 | Afternoon Preparation
The team prepares for the afternoon session, reviewing lesson plans and ensuring all materials are ready. Volunteers may also prepare snacks and juice for the students.
13:00 – 16:00 | Girl Impact Project
Another class session takes place in the afternoon. Like the morning, lessons include attendance, an icebreaker, the main educational session, and conclude with snacks for the students.
16:30 – 18:00 | Back at the Volunteer House
Volunteers have free time to relax, shower, or socialise before dinner.
18:00 – 18:30 | Dinner
18:30 onwards | Movie Night
Volunteers enjoy a relaxed evening with a group movie night at the volunteer house, a great chance to unwind and bond with fellow participants.
Wednesday
07:00 – 07:40 | Breakfast
07:40 – 08:00 | Preparation Time
Volunteers prepare juice and sandwiches for the morning sessions and finalise any last-minute lesson materials. Once ready, the group departs for the project site.
08:00 – 11:00 | Girl Impact Project
Each morning session is with a different class, as every group participates once per week. Lessons begin with attendance and an icebreaker before moving into the main activities, which may include discussions, confidence-building exercises, or health education. Sessions finish with snacks and juice for the students.
11:00 – 12:00 | Language Lesson
Back at the volunteer house, volunteers take part in a short Nyanja language session, learning useful phrases to help communicate with students and the local community.
12:00 – 12:30 | Lunch
12:30 – 13:00 | Afternoon Preparation
Volunteers get ready for the afternoon session with staff support. This may include reviewing lesson plans, preparing materials, and making snacks and juice for the students.
13:00 – 16:00 | Girl Impact Project
Afternoon sessions follow the same structure as the morning: attendance, icebreaker, main lesson, and refreshments for the students. Each class receives the programme once per week.
16:00 – 16:30 | Market Visit – Maramba Community
Volunteers visit the local Maramba market, known for its vibrant stalls and variety of goods. Chitenge fabrics are a popular choice, which can be custom-made into skirts, bags, or other items by local tailors.
18:00 – 18:30 | Dinner
18:30 onwards | Games Night
Volunteers enjoy a fun evening either playing games at the volunteer house or heading into town for a social activity such as a pub quiz.
Thursday
07:00 – 07:40 | Breakfast
07:40 – 08:00 | Preparation Time
Volunteers prepare juice and sandwiches for the morning sessions and complete any final preparations for the day’s lessons.
08:00 – 11:00 | Girl Impact Project
Each session is with a different class, as every group participates once per week. Lessons start with attendance and an icebreaker, followed by the main educational activities. Sessions conclude with refreshments for the students.
11:00 – 12:00 | Back at the Volunteer House
Volunteers have some free time to relax, read, or run errands such as visiting the supermarket.
12:30 – 13:00 | Lunch
13:00 – 16:00 | Village Tour / Community Project
Volunteers take part in the Village Tour, organised by the local women’s group. This is both an income-generating activity for the community and an opportunity for volunteers to experience local life in two different communities around Livingstone. Volunteers also get to taste traditional snacks.
If a volunteer has already joined the Village Tour, they instead take part in a community project such as a school or village initiative.
16:30 – 18:00 | Back at the Volunteer House
Return to the base and enjoy some downtime before dinner.
18:00 – 18:30 | Dinner
18:30 onwards | Free Night
A relaxed evening to unwind at the volunteer house. Volunteers can play games, socialise, or enjoy some quiet time reading or reflecting on the day.
Friday
07:00 – 07:40 | Breakfast
07:40 – 08:00 | Preparation Time
Volunteers prepare juice and sandwiches for the morning sessions and finalise any last-minute preparations before heading to the project site.
08:00 – 11:00 | Girl Impact Project
Each session is with a different class, as every group participates once per week. Lessons start with attendance and an icebreaker, followed by the main educational activities. Sessions conclude with refreshments for the students.
11:00 – 12:00 | Back at the Volunteer House
Free time to relax, read, or run errands such as visiting the local supermarket.
12:00 – 12:30 | Friday Check-In
Volunteers gather for a weekly check-in to provide feedback on the week, hear updates about the volunteer house, review weekend plans, and get briefed on any new arrivals.
12:30 – 13:30 | Cultural Meal
Enjoy a traditional Zambian lunch, often prepared in collaboration with local staff, giving volunteers a taste of local flavours and customs.
13:30 – 16:00 | Cultural Afternoon / Community Project
Volunteers participate in a cultural session at the backpackers’ boma, learning about Zambian life and traditions. Activities may include Q&A sessions, a “mock wedding” demonstration, and group drumming and dancing.
If a volunteer has already attended the cultural afternoon, they instead take part in a community project such as supporting a local school or village initiative.
18:30 – 19:30 | Dinner
19:30 onwards | Free Night
Relax at the volunteer house, play games, socialise, or enjoy some quiet time before the weekend.
Weekends
Weekends provide volunteers with a chance to relax, recharge, and explore the area around Livingstone. This is a perfect time to discover the local culture, nature, and attractions at your own pace.
Volunteers can choose from a range of optional activities such as visiting Victoria Falls, taking part in wildlife excursions, exploring local markets, or joining community tours. There are also plenty of opportunities to relax at the volunteer house, read, socialise, or enjoy games with fellow volunteers.
Please note: Additional Excursions are optional and to your own account. The schedule is flexible and the availability of excursions may vary depending on weather, local conditions, and group size.
Please note: This schedule is provided as a guideline to give an idea of a typical week. Activities, times, and locations may vary depending on weather, community needs, and other factors. Volunteers should remain flexible, and the project team will provide updates as needed.
About the Location
Livingstone, Zambia
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’ll live in shared housing in Livingstone, which includes:
- Shared bedrooms
- Communal areas for relaxing
- 3 prepared meals a day
- A swimming pool
- Wi-Fi
The house is friendly and comfortable, providing a great base for the community work you’ll be involved in.
Pricing & Start Dates
Starts at GBP £1802
Starts Every Monday
2 weeks – 12 weeks
Focus: Community
Information
Pricing & Duration
Project Starting Times
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.
Project Includes
The project includes 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.
And There’s More…
It was legendary explorer David Livingstone, who put Zambia on the map.
Travelling down the Zambezi river on foot, it was Livingstone who discovered the mighty Victoria Falls.
The Falls are named in honour of Queen Victoria.
Zambia became independent from Britain in 1964. The countries independence came ten months after the collapse of the Federation of Rhodesia & Nyasaland (Malawi,) with Northern Rhodesia becoming the republic of Zambia.
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.”