My Program Manager was amazing and so helpful! I was very impressed with the accommodation and the staff were lovely.
Childcare Volunteer Program in Zambia - Livingstone
Purpose
Provide a safe space for children to learn
Start dates
Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 1-16 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Accommodation
Dormitory-style volunteer house
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Energetic volunteers who enjoy working with younger children and want to make a meaningful difference to their futures. You’ll be volunteering with the support of local staff, so don’t need to have prior childcare experience.
Project details
Eager to be a Childcare volunteer in Zambia? International Volunteer HQ’s Childcare project is a wonderful opportunity for volunteers to assist at early childhood facilities that cater to a large number of children who live below the poverty line. Volunteers gain childcare experience while helping provide essential care, individual attention, education and development support that are crucial to helping these children build better futures for themselves and their families.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
A large number of children in Zambia suffer from poor hygiene, inadequate education, insufficient food and little healthcare. Individual attention and a focus on early development and education are considered crucial to breaking the cycle of poverty. The help of international volunteers is vital to ensuring it happens.
As a volunteer in kindergartens in Zambia, you’ll provide extra assistance to local staff, for children aged between 2 and 6 years old. You can expect to teach basic English and math, helping to develop children’s confidence which encourages their future education.
In addition to teaching, you can also help with:
- Mentoring
- Homework
- Preparing meals
- Arranging activities
- Cleaning
- The general running of the center
You are also encouraged to bring your creativity to the classroom to help stimulate the children’s learning.
Please note that there are three official school holidays in Zambia which are usually in April, August and December. During this time, volunteers still have the opportunity to work with children within the kindergarten, however there will be fewer children in attendance.
Why do Childcare volunteering in Livingstone with IVHQ?
When you volunteer with children in Zambia you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving early childhood education for vulnerable children
- Helping students develop life skills in a safe place
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining childcare experience
- Immersing yourself in Zambia’s culture
- Discovering Africa’s incredible wildlife
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
- All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Zambia photo gallery
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Elderly Care project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Elderly Care project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ volunteer orientation
Exploring Zambia on the weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
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Frankie May-Plush
16 Aug 2024
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Niamh Carey
16 Aug 2024
Just go for it, it was the most amazing experience and probably the best thing I will ever do in my life. It’s daunting at first but you quickly adapt and you will not want to leave. I will 100% be back in less than 5 years. I miss everything about it already and I have only been home one day. You meet some amazing people and grow as a person.
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Erin White
02 Aug 2024
I would strongly advise any one who is considering volunteering not to hesitate about doing it through IVHQ! Every aspect of the program is so well organised and there is always some one available to help with any reservations or questions you may have. The experience of the volunteer placement will be so eye opening and rewarding and it personally taught me so many things about the world and myself.
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Nicole Watt
24 Apr 2024
I have loved every moment of it. I cannot wait to start looking to plan the next trip. I have no words that can explain how thankful I am to the IVHQ team, the local hosts, the children we met along the way, and the school staff. Not forgetting the amazing locals and other volunteers we met and became friends with along the way. I have gained an insight into how others live and it’s made me more appreciative of what I have at home. I am so glad I have had this experience to help change others lives, and I hope to stay in contact with some of those I have met on my journey. Thank you all so much for making this possible for me. You are all amazing.
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Alisha Thompsett
19 Jul 2023
I’ve now completed 3 volunteer trips with IVHQ this year and after each one I leave with a sense of pride knowing not only have I enjoyed a new culture and experience but I have done so making a difference to those in the local community.
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MR
Mihrab Randhawa
16 Jul 2023
Everything was so well organized and the IVHQ team was so helpful with any questions that I had. The local team was absolutely amazing! They made us feel so comfortable and safe. They helped us every step of the way throughout my stay. I loved my time at school, spending time with the children. I was so inspired being around a group of people that all left their lives behind to volunteer in Africa.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditRecommended online TEFL course
Recommended online TEFL course
We encourage volunteers on IVHQ’s Teaching and Childcare projects to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Although formal teaching qualifications are not required on these projects as volunteers are supported by local staff, taking a TEFL course enables you to gain more from the experience. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.
Get TEFL certified onlineLocation
Location
The IVHQ Zambia volunteer program is based in the laid-back tourist town of Livingstone, named after the famous colonial explorer who was thought to be the first European to see and name the nearby Victoria Falls. Set in the southern edge of Zambia, Livingstone borders Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls - the world’s biggest and most breathtaking waterfall. The area is lush with national parks, abundant wildlife and the Zambezi River which provides an exciting array of outdoor activities for adventurous volunteers.
Volunteer placements are located in Livingstone and surrounding rural areas. On the Rural Teaching project, volunteers are placed and accommodated in the Makumba village, which is located 40 miles from Livingstone.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month, and volunteers need to arrive in Livingstone on the Sunday before orientation. After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Livingstone. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Livingstone. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Zambia prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Livingstone on the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is hosted by our Zambia team at the volunteer house in Livingstone. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Zambia – an introduction to Zambia, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
On your first day of volunteering (the day after your orientation), you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays - A typical volunteer day is as follows:
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast at the volunteer house |
| 8:00 AM | Volunteers travel to their placements to join local placement staff and begin work on their project. |
| 12:30 PM | Work at the placement usually ends for the day and volunteers return to the volunteer house for lunch. |
| 1:30 PM | After lunch, volunteers may spend their free time as they wish or if they are looking for extra volunteering hours, there are alternatives available such as working at a homework club. |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner at the volunteer house. |
Weekends
During the weekend, volunteers in Zambia have an endless list of activities to join. The area’s major attraction, Victoria Falls, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the largest waterfalls in the world. In addition to the wealth of nearby national parks, nature lovers have the opportunity to experience a range of safaris and tours in Zambia, as well as in other neighboring countries, such as Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Thrill seekers are also well catered to in Zambia, with an abundance of activities, such as bungee jumping, devil’s pool, white water rafting, abseiling, gorge swinging, zip-lining and microlight flights. Within Livingstone itself, a range of restaurants, curio markets and various cultural activities offer a lot to take in for those wish to stay around town.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers are accommodated in a dormitory-style volunteer house, approximately 10 minutes from Livingstone town centre. You can expect to share a bedroom and bathroom with 2 to 5 other volunteers of the same gender. The volunteer house has electricity, running water, western bathrooms, and a communal lounge and garden area for relaxing and socializing. It is important to note that power cuts are common in Zambia in times of drought, which in turn affects the running water supply.
If you would like to keep connected during your stay, we recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card when you arrive in Zambia. The local team can assist you with purchasing a SIM card during your program orientation. You can also access WiFi from cafes and restaurants located within walking distance of the volunteer house.
Private rooms can be arranged at an additional cost (see upgrade options below) and are subject to availability. This can be arranged directly through the local team once you have registered for the program. Bed linens are provided and during the hot months, a sheet should be adequate cover in the evenings. During the cooler months, you may wish to bring a sleeping bag for an extra layer of warmth.
Volunteers are also asked to bring their own towels. The volunteer accommodation has a nighttime security guard and is located in a safe area protected by an electric fence. On-site staff clean the accommodation throughout the week, however volunteers are also required to keep their rooms and common areas tidy.
Upgrade to a private room with ensuite for the duration of your time on the program for only US$55 (approximately CA$78) per week. The local team have both double and twin rooms available, both with en suite bathrooms.
Extra nights of accommodation If you would like to arrive a day earlier than your recommended arrival date, or wish to spend a few extra nights after finishing your program, we can arrange extra nights of accommodation for you for US$35 (approximately CA$49) per person, per night, meals included, subject to availability. If you would like to arrange an upgrade or extra nights of accommodation, just contact your IVHQ Program Manager who will be happy to assist you.
Meals
Volunteers are served three meals per day, prepared by an on-site local cook. All meals will be a mix of western and traditional Zambian food.
Breakfast may include fruit, toast, spreads and cereal with tea, coffee and juice. Lunch is usually provided in the volunteer accommodation, although packed lunches of sandwiches and fruit are provided if requested for those who choose to remain at their placement. Dinners will commonly be a combination of meat, starches and vegetables.
The local staff are happy to accommodate special dietary requests (vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, gluten free etc). Please let an IVHQ staff member know of any special dietary requirements in advance, so we can ensure the local staff are prepared for you.
Volunteer accommodation
Typical volunteer living room
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer dinner
Volunteers serving food
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$329 (approximately CA$467), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately CA$467) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $385 Equivalent to $55/day |
| 2 weeks | $535 Equivalent to $38/day |
| 3 weeks | $715 Equivalent to $34/day |
| 4 weeks | $845 Equivalent to $30/day |
| 5 weeks | $985 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,115 Equivalent to $27/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,375 Equivalent to $25/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,635 Equivalent to $23/day |
| 12 weeks | $1,895 Equivalent to $23/day |
| 16 weeks | $2,415 Equivalent to $22/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately CA$467) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Volunteers staying for longer than 4 weeks will need to budget an extra US$400 (approximately) to obtain a temporary work permit from Zambian Immigration in order to stay up to 90 days.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Zambia generally find US$100 per week to be sufficient for expenses.
- Meals
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return airport transfer when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Free-time experiences & tours in Livingstone
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Livingstone! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Livingstone program.
Chobe Camping Safari (2 days, 1 night)
A memorable 2 day safari experience at the Chobe National Park, Botswana, known for its huge elephant herds.
CA$518
Rhino Game Drive
Experience Mosi-Oa-Tunya guided game drives, home of most of Zambia’s white rhino population.
CA$184
Bungee Jump Victoria Falls
Enjoy a scenic bungee jump off the Victoria Falls Bridge, located in Mosi Otunya Park.
CA$255
Check what's required to visit Zambia
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Lusaka |
| Population | 17.86 million |
| Languages | English, Nyanja, Lozi, Tonga |
| Currency | Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 |
Weather and climate
There are three seasons in Zambia: the dry season (mid-April to August), when temperatures drop at night, but the landscape is green and lush; the hot season (September to mid-November), when the best time to see wildlife as flora is sparse; and, the wet season (mid-November to mid-April), which is ideal for bird-watching.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
