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Childcare Volunteering with IVHQ in Zambia logo

Childcare Volunteering with IVHQ in Zambia

by: International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

5 (2)VerifiedSince 2007

Volunteers help care for and support young children aged roughly two to six in daycare and early childhood education settings. You will assist local staff with daily routines including meal times, hygiene, supervised free play, basic learning activities and social development sessions designed to give children structure, safety and opportunities to grow. Volunteers often help organise simple educational or creative games, storytelling or early learning exercises that encourage cognitive, social and emotional development in young children. Your work supports families and communities by providing reliable childcare and early education services where options may be limited. By helping to run a safe, nurturing environment you make a direct contribution to children’s wellbeing and developmental opportunities during their early years. This program is open to volunteers aged 18 and above including families. Volunteering here offers the chance to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives, gain insight into community needs in Livingstone and experience the vibrant culture and natural beauty of southern Zambia.

Program Highlights

Programs start every Monday. Duration from 1 to 16 weeks. Volunteers typically commit three to five hours per day.

Includes airport pick up, orientation, volunteer accommodation in Livingstone, meals and 24/7 in-country support

Volunteer up to 4–5 hours per day working in kindergartens and early-education settings - tasks may include helping with classroom activities, teaching basic skills, playing games, arts and crafts.

Work with young children from local communities to help improve access to early childhood education and provide a supportive, caring environment

Opportunity to gain childcare and teaching experience, support community education, build cross-cultural communication skills and immerse yourself in Zambian community life

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Livingstone, Zambia
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • Alternative Spring Break
Age Requirement: 18-30
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Vacation Packages
Causes:
  • Childcare & Children
  • Education
  • English Teaching
Types:
  • Volunteering
Guidelines:
  • European
  • American
  • Canadian
  • Australian
  • South African
  • Irish
  • British
  • All Nationalities
  • Kiwi
  • Asian
See all program details
Last Updated: May 20, 2026

Awards

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 20252025 Finalist - Innovative Volunteer Abroad ProgramNotable Mention - GoAbroad Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Providers 2024Top Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer AbroadTop Rated Volunteer Abroad Organization 2022Zero CarbonNotable Mention 2021 - Volunteer Abroad

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

5

Total Reviews

2

The best experience of my life

July 23, 2025by: Nour Kandil - Brazil
5

I am so so happy that I chose IVHQ for my first volunteering trip. As a solo traveler, choosing IVHQ was a great choice that surprised me in so many ways. Their support online and through the local coordinators, their readiness to help, how organized they are, the accommodation that felt like home, the local team that felt more like a family… everything was perfect to be honest, way beyond my expectations. I am looking forward to going on more trips with them and have already invited so many of my friends to do so.

Volunteer in Zambia

May 02, 2018by: Alyssa Strong - United States
5

I loved volunteering with IVHQ! Their prices are affordable and they have programs all over the world to choose from. I had many questions before my trip, and they were prompt to respond to my emails and provided a lot of information on the website as well. I felt very prepared when I arrived at my program. While at my program they kept in touch with me to make sure I was enjoying it. They were willing to make any changes necessary to ensure I had a good experience. The program itself was incredible and I loved being able to work with the kids. After completing my project, they continued to thank me for my support and listened to my feedback. I hope that I can volunteer with IVHQ again someday!

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] logo
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] responded to this reviewMay 21, 2018

Thanks for your awesome review - I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed your entire experience with IVHQ and we would love to have you join the program again one day :) Feedback is an incredibly important tool for us as it helps us to ensure we are providing the best possible service to our volunteers. I wish you all the best and thanks for being a great IVHQ volunteer. ^Will - IVHQ Zambia Program Manager

A local boy

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Livingstone, Zambia

Types and Subjects

  • Adventure Types
  • Vacation Packages
  • Causes
  • Childcare & Children
  • Education
  • English Teaching
  • Types
  • Volunteering

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • Alternative Spring Break
Gap Year Timing:
  • After College
  • Career Break / Mid-Career
  • During College
  • During High School
  • Post High School

Age Requirement

18-30

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Couples, Families

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
  • In-Country Orientation
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
  • Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
  • Certificate of Completion

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Group living
  • Home-stays

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the Kindergarten in Livingstone volunteer programme?

    This programme places volunteers in early childhood or kindergarten centres in and around Livingstone, Zambia, where children aged approximately 2-6 years attend. You’ll help local staff provide care, learning activities and play to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

    When can I start the programme and how long can I volunteer?

    Start dates are set to provide structure while offering flexible stay lengths that fit different travel plans.

    Who is eligible to join the Kindergarten in Livingstone program?

    There are age, language and documentation requirements to ensure suitability and safety for this placement.

    Volunteers must be at least 18 years old on the start date; families may also apply.

    All volunteers must speak English and have valid volunteer travel insurance.

    Volunteers aged over 18 must provide a criminal background check; if aged 16-17, character references may be required instead and parental consent is needed.

    What kinds of tasks will I perform as a volunteer in this programme?

    Your daily tasks will revolve around supporting early childhood education, day-care routines and helping young children learn and play.

    What are the accommodation and living conditions like for this program

    Volunteers are fully hosted in a dormitory-style house near Livingstone, Zambia, with all key supports included so you can focus on your placement and cultural experience.

    International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

    International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

    5Verified

    Ready to Learn More?

    Volunteers help care for and support young children aged roughly two to six in daycare and early childhood education settings. You will assist local staff with daily routines including meal times, hygiene, supervised free play, basic learning activities and social development sessions designed to give children structure, safety and opportunities to grow. Volunteers often help organise simple educational or creative games, storytelling or early learning exercises that encourage cognitive, social and emotional development in young children. Your work supports families and communities by providing reliable childcare and early education services where options may be limited. By helping to run a safe, nurturing environment you make a direct contribution to children’s wellbeing and developmenta...

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