Info

Some of our orphanages in Livingstone are for very young children and babies and others for older children. You'll be able to help with all ages in this exciting location close to the awesome Victoria Falls.

This magnificent country in the heart of Africa is a haven for wildlife and has some spectacular scenery and natural wonders. It is fast developing into a must-see destination and your time there is bound to be a memorable one. Zambians are extremely welcoming and you will instantly be drawn in by the friendly locals.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

► An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa.
► The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them
► New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
► An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
► And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

LOCATION:

Livingstone is a major destination for travellers to Africa, giving great opportunities to travel around this beautiful country and its superb wildlife reserves. Livingstone is the capital of the Southern Province and is situated just north of the Zambezi River, which forms the border with Zimbabwe.

The spectacular Victoria Falls Bridge is only about 10km away from Livingstone, and the area surrounding the Falls and Livingstone town have given it the name of 'adrenalin capital of the World'. Local attractions include not only the impressive Victoria Falls, but also Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, located adjacent to Victoria Falls, and Livingstone Game Park.

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

We work with different orphanages in Zambia. Some are for very young children and babies and others are for older children. You'll help with all ages. At the orphanage for younger children and babies there are trained carers, so you are there to help them and give general support where needed.

By playing games with the children you help to build their confidence and encourage them to use English in an informal way. For many of the older children you are able to integrate education into games and also help with homework etc. Where children are not taught at the orphanage you will help these on their return from school in the afternoon.

Your work will be to help the carers with the day-to-day running of the centers, and general care of the children. You will also be asked to help clean equipment and various areas within the orphanage. The type of work you will be allocated will depend to an extent on your own abilities. Your hours may vary, but normally you will work from 9-5 Monday to Friday. However, you may sometimes work evenings or nights, sometimes over weekends, but you will have time off on other days instead.

The level of education of the children is generally very poor, and it will be up to you and the director to ascertain how best to use your skills. This may mean taking sport and games lessons or offering care for children, it may well be in the form of informal English or vocational teaching which is one of the biggest privileges to receive. You should be supervised all of the time while you are there, and you will be given help and directions.

Your work load will depend on yourself and your attitude, with more work becoming available as you grow in confidence. Your work may include...
► Preparing food for the children
► Helping the children eat
► Helping carers and caring for the children
► Occasionally taking the children to the hospital for immunisation, treatment etc.
► General cleaning of the compound and the orphanage
► Washing clothes and the children
► Teaching informal English, Arithmetic and sports to the children
► Organising and facilitating games and plays for the children

WHAT THE PROJECT WILL GAIN FROM YOUR EFFORTS:

► They will get an opportunity to interact with and learn about foreign cultures
► They will have access to free workforce and services
► They will have their knowledge and skills supplemented with initiatives from the volunteers
► The children will have access to love and care which is fundamental for their growth and development

TEACING FOOTBALL:

It is possible for you to coach football at various schools and orphanages, and with special arrangements it will also be possible to coach a local team. Children in Zambia really are a joy to teach; their enthusiasm for sports knows no bounds.

ACCOMMODATION:

You'll live in a small, modern and lively hostel in the centre of Livingstone. The hostel has a large private garden shaded with huge mango trees, and a crystal clear swimming pool. It also has a lively, sociable bar area where many activities are arranged.
Livingstone has a colonial feel to it and you will find a wide variety of restaurants, bars and shops. Your accommodation is ideally situated and can offer excellent trips to places such as Lusaka. You'll share a room with three or four other Travellers volunteers. At the time of writing, facilities at the hostel include a swimming pool, recreation room with TV, internet cafe, a dining and kitchen area where food can be stored and access to telephones. The hostel also has an in-house booking centre, where many local activities can be booked (wildlife safaris, river cruises, river gorges, bungy jumping, white water rafting, treks...).

Travellers' placements are very flexible and you can combine this project with any other Travellers project, either in the same country or in different countries.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

Talk to us - We're there to help you. Call +44 (0) 1903 502595

Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

It’s as easy as that.

Duration

Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Start Dates

Flexible start and finish dates you choose. Our placements are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences. For availability please contact the office.

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £845 for two weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.
Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).
You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.
Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Requirements

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.