Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
People with an energetic and caring nature, who love working with children and are passionate about supporting early childhood development. You’ll be volunteering with the support of local staff, so no prior childcare experience is required.
Interested in being a Childcare volunteer in Zanzibar? International Volunteer HQ’s Childcare project is a wonderful opportunity for volunteers to assist at local kindergartens and primary schools that cater to large numbers of children, but are often under-resourced. In addition to gaining childcare experience, volunteers help provide the critical care, one-on-one attention, education, and developmental support that these children need for a brighter future.
In Zanzibar, there is a shortage of kindergartens and schools due to a lack of resources in the public school system, preventing it from offering all pupils access to an education. As a result, there are too many students in each class, with not enough teachers, and poor structure. There are numerous private kindergartens and schools to make up for these deficiencies in Zanzibar, mostly operated by NGOs, churches, or private organizations. Children from low-income families typically only pay nominal fees to schools since they are unable to pay the whole cost. Given their limited funding, these kindergartens and schools have a genuine need for volunteers.
As a Childcare volunteer, you’ll be based in a local kindergarten or primary school where you’ll assist local staff teach children aged 2-6 in a playful and informal way.
Childcare volunteer work varies depending on where you are placed, but often includes:
You are welcome to bring books, games, toys, or other interactive resources that will aid your lessons, and you are also encouraged to use your creativity to help enhance the children’s learning in the classroom.
Please note that Ramadan significantly affects project operations in Stone Town. During this period, placements will be closed and no volunteer work will be available.
Ramadan dates:
In addition, school holidays and mid-term breaks - which vary each year - may cause disruptions to volunteer schedules. During these periods, volunteers should expect reduced working hours (approximately three hours per day) or, in some cases (Christmas and New Year holidays), no volunteer work. Accommodation and other services will remain available throughout.
Expected school holiday and mid-term break periods:
As a Childcare volunteer in Zanzibar you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program, are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their start date, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead.
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
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 credit
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 online
Zanzibar is a tropical archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, renowned for its pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant history.
On the main island, Unguja, project placements are based in Zanzibar City and its surrounding areas, including Fuoni and Stone Town. These locations offer a dynamic mix of urban and semi-urban settings, providing insight into local life beyond the island’s tourist hotspots.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town stands as a historic and cultural gem. Known for its labyrinthine streets, bustling markets, and a unique fusion of African, Arab, Persian, and European influences, Stone Town reflects Zanzibar’s legacy as a global trade hub and the heart of Swahili culture.
With a warm, tropical climate year-round, Zanzibar offers a laid-back atmosphere enriched by lively music, traditional dhow sailing, and a vibrant culinary scene that blends local and international flavors.
Volunteers need to arrive in Zanzibar on their Wednesday start date, with access to bedrooms available from 2pm onwards. Volunteers arriving earlier will still be taken to the accommodation and can relax in the accommodation common area. Orientation will take place on the Wednesday afternoon and/or the following day.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and a return airport transfer is provided at the end of your program. If you are traveling in Zanzibar prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up from another location in Stone Town or nearby on your start date.
Orientation is hosted by our local team at the volunteer accommodation. Orientation begins on the Wednesday afternoon and/or the Thursday morning after your chosen start date. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Zanzibar – an introduction to Zanzibar, Zanzibar customs, rules and expectations, language lessons (Kiunguja), safety, free time opportunities in Zanzibar, as well as an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers.
First Day
On the first day of the volunteering placement, you will be escorted to the project by our local staff and introduced to the staff at the placement you will be working with.
Weekdays - A typical day would be as follows:
| 7:00 - 8:00 AM | Breakfast at volunteer house. |
| 8:30 AM | Volunteers travel to their placement. |
| 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Lunch break. |
| 1:00 PM | Volunteers resume work for the afternoon. |
| 3:00 - 5:00 PM | Volunteer placement ends for the day. |
| 6:30 - 7:30 PM | Dinner at the volunteer house. |
Please note that the schedule may occasionally change due to weather, public or school holidays, or other unforeseen events that could affect your placement. We recommend checking in advance whether your intended travel dates coincide with any public or school holidays.
Weekends
Volunteers have free time on the weekends and are able to make the most of the gorgeous beaches, explore Zanzibar’s historic Stone Town and other villages, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a range of adventure and outdoor activities including snorkeling, diving, swimming, wildlife viewing, and fishing. If you’re staying for a while, you may also like to fly back to mainland Tanzania or other parts of Africa where you can go on safari or otherwise explore.
Looking for more ideas of things to do in Zanzibar? Check out our Zanzibar Tours & Experiences!
Volunteers are accommodated in a dorm-style volunteer house near Stone Town and you can expect to share a room with 1-5 other volunteers. Rooms are typically separated by gender, though we cannot always guarantee this because of varied occupancy and booking circumstances.
Living is basic, but comfortable and bathrooms are shared, consisting of western showers and toilets. Bedding is provided, but volunteers are asked to bring their own towels. Volunteers need to be prepared for times where there may be no electricity as the supply can sometimes be disrupted on the island. The volunteer house is secure and has a security guard on-site 24/7.
Single and twin room upgrades can be requested, once you register for the program, at an additional cost and subject to availability.
If you would like to keep connected during your stay, free WiFi is provided at the volunteer house.
Volunteers are provided with two meals per day, featuring mostly local dishes. Breakfast typically includes bread, eggs, fruit, oats, peanut butter, jam, and honey, along with coffee and creamer. These items are available in the kitchen each morning, where volunteers can help themselves.
Dinner typically consists of plain or pilau rice (which is traditionally cooked in Zanzibar with cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves), chapati, cassava, plantains, legumes such as beans, pasta, and french fries with meat or vegetables (typically carrot, sweet potatoes, peas, or okra) cooked in a coconut sauce that contains some herbs and spices.
The meal plan aims to promote sustainable practices and healthy nutrition by using more plant-based foods. Volunteers can typically expect two meat dishes and three fish dishes per week. Please also note, meals can vary depending on seasonality.
Please note that while the local team can cater for vegetarians, they are not able to cater to other special dietary requirements or requests. You should not expect to eat as you normally do at home and there is the need to be flexible or prepared to supplement the food provided.
A drinking water filter machine is available at the accommodation and to help reduce plastic trash volunteers are asked to bring a refillable drinking bottle.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately $329) 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.
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Duration
|
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $590 Equivalent to $84/day |
| 2 weeks | $730 Equivalent to $52/day |
| 3 weeks | $870 Equivalent to $41/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,010 Equivalent to $36/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,150 Equivalent to $33/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,290 Equivalent to $31/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,570 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,850 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,130 Equivalent to $25/day |
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular tours and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Fuoni program.
A truly special and purpose-driven experience that lets you become part of ocean conservation in action!
This package combines two exciting and meaningful dives, usually taking place on Fridays: PADI Dive Against Debris ♻️ and PADI Underwater Naturalist Dive 🐠
Experience conservation in action with this unique add-on, featuring immersive eco-snorkeling and hands-on projects at our Matemwe Marine Conservation Camp
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
| Capital | Dodoma |
| Population | 58 million |
| Languages | Swahili and English |
| Currency | Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) |
| Time zone | UTC+03:00 |
Weather and climate
Zanzibar follows very similar weather patterns to that of mainland Tanzania but is always a little more humid and warm weather should be expected all year round. The island’s rainy season runs from March through May when humidity is high and afternoon downpours are common. The dry season occurs from June through October and rain is infrequent. During November and December there’s another short rainy season followed by a short dry season across January and February.
I gained awareness of Zanzibar culture outside the touristic places and cultural shades that make me grow. I felt I was making the difference, even for a small group of people, when speaking about how life is important and dreams are meant to be followed.
On my last day we all cried (me and the kids) and felt the love of that week together. It was fantastic.
This experience changed me in ways I never expected. From the moment I arrived, I knew it would be life-changing, but looking back, I can say it was the best experience of my life, and I'm only 22. The local team was truly incredible. I couldn't have asked for better people to work with, and I'm so glad to have met them and built real friendships along the way.
The children and the locals touched my heart so deeply that, after my volunteering hours ended, I decided to sponsor some of the children I spent time with from a distance. This experience opened my eyes to how much exists beyond my own borders, both the beautiful and the difficult. The people I met taught me how to smile, how to truly live, and above all, how to be grateful for what I have. Thanks to them, I now know what I want to devote my life to: helping others, giving back, and making people feel seen and valued.
If you are hesitant about joining, my advice is simple: don't hesitate for a second, and book it. I admit it can feel daunting. Before leaving, I was nervous about being in a foreign country, in a different hemisphere, surrounded by people I didn't know, and I worried about whether I would be able to adjust. But that fear turned out to be something I overcame far more easily than I imagined. Once you arrive with an open mind and an open heart, it becomes one of the best decisions you will ever make. The people I once considered strangers became an essential part of my journey and, most importantly, became my friends.
It’s a life changing and incredibly valuable experience. My son gained so much from it. He said it was the best experience he’d ever had. I also have such precious memories of my week with Mother Nature as well.
I gained awareness of their culture and I've learnt a lot about marine biology and what it would be like to be a marine biologist. If a friend was hesitant about joining this program, I would definitely recommend it if he wanted to learn more about marine biology and if he wanted to really live the culture of the place.
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
