Volunteer and Teach with IVHQ in Zambia

Volunteering in Zambia in childcare was an amazing experience and I learnt so much. Incredible people and children as well as observing Africa’s beauty. It has given me such a deep appreciation for the world around us.

Both the online team and local team were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. It was my first solo trip, and their guidance made it as easy as possible, and when I did have an issue, they could help give advice and sort it out. The accommodation was lovely, with brilliant staff and delicious local food. The other volunteers were wonderful, all like-minded people of all ages from around the world. All excursions could be organised through the local team, who gave us a good price and sorted everything, normally with pick up and drop off to our accommodation.

I volunteered in Livingstone, Zambia with IVHQ, and I truly loved every moment of it. The volunteer community there was wonderful and made my experience even better. We did so many fun activities together — safaris, bungee jumping, and visiting Victoria Falls. The local team was super helpful and kind. The food was tasty and more than enough, and the accommodation was good. There are also some new buildings that were just recently completed, and there’s a good chance you’ll be placed in one of them. It takes a bit of time to find your rhythm at your placement, and in my opinion, you really need to figure out on your own how to make an impact. The teachers were very friendly and supportive, and they let you focus on the areas you’re best at. There was no pressure at all, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable.

I really enjoyed going to school every morning and having the kids running to my taxi excited to see me. It was pure happiness that I would always keep in my heart. Seeing their face waiting for me every day, made my whole day better. Also, when the new tables arrived, the kids and teachers were so thankful. It showed me how even the little things matter. It's amazing to see how people can be happy with the little things they have and how people live happily and do not have anything to compare with. It was a reality that I haven't seen before, by the poorest they can be, they still take the most of it. It is not like in the USA where everyone compares each other, and everyone is stressed about things that maybe will not happen. This is a unique experience that will change your life. Seeing that there is another side of the world that we are not used to see, and do not know how it actually is. Helps you to be thankful, to be kind, to learn, to share, and to see that sometimes our problems are not as bad as we see them.

Thoroughly enjoyed our time in Zambia at the school. People were amazing, kids were amazing and the accommodation was all that we needed. The smiles on the children’s faces, sports day, homework club, spending time with the other volunteers. We don’t need much to be happy. I need to keep myself fit and healthy to ensure I can continue doing these trips. Do it! It will be the best thing you ever did.

My Program Manager was very helpful and always replied quickly to any questions that I had. I felt quite well prepared after reading the program guide. Everyone from the local team was very nice and friendly and always stopped to talk to us when they saw us. I had an amazing time volunteering at the school and was very sad to leave. The accommodation was very nice and I felt comfortable there for 3 weeks. Food was all very tasty and there was plenty of it. Hard to choose only one best moment as there were so many but I always looked forward to walking into my class in the morning as all the children would run up and give me a big hug which was so cute. Getting to experience a new culture and make friendships with people from all around the world was priceless. Just go for it, it’ll be the best thing you do and you won’t regret it!

Everything about Zambia is incredible, especially the people! They have been the nicest people I’ve ever met and definitely some of the best days of my life. There’s a lot of great things to do and see too. I am so thankful with IVHQ for letting me have this opportunity and I am looking forward to go back again someday!

The three and a half months I spent in Zambia were the best three and a half months of my life! I immediately fell in love with everything about Livingstone and encourage everyone to go. I was on the teaching project and had the joy of teaching a Grade 6 class in the mornings and teaching kids of all ages at an after school program. To say this experience changed my life is an understatement.

You simply MUST go to Zambia. The country, the landscape, the people here are something one has to see, has to experience. IVHQ volunteer program was the ideal set-up for me to be there at an acceptable cost, to meet local (and other volunteers) people, to be able to join a project helping children. While the primary goal was to help them, I could also do some touristic activities in the free-time. ANY help is more than welcome, sometimes simply your presence is important for them. Children are incredibly friendly and they really want to learn from you.

This is my 2nd time volunteering and I believe you learn when you travel and I believe you grow when you help others. Volunteering in Livingstone, Zambia was a unforgettable experience for me. I was told by people who previously volunteered that I am going to fall in love with Zambia. To be completely honest, I was terrified of volunteering again. I volunteered in Ubud, Bali last year and I unfortunately got into a really bad accident. I managed to finish the program I was in and had a amazing time. As soon as I finished that program I told myself I am going to build my confidence and give it another try. This time I chose to go to Zambia, Africa. I can't even put it into words on how beautiful this Country and people are. Livingstone is a beautiful safe place to visit. I was there for the teaching program and definitely grew a bond with the entire school. The kids are the most authentic children I have ever met. They carry real big smiles on their face and greet you as you walk by them. I would recommend this program to the whole world! if you have a big heart and want to volunteer at a very humble place this is the way to go! The coordinators are 100% helpful in every way.They make you feel like you are at home. The food is absolutely delicious as well ! Not to mention, Victoria Falls is your backyard ! Most beautiful country I've been to. I recommend it to the whole world ! I am going to return in just a couple of months ! :)

Photos

When I got home from Zambia, people asked me how it felt to be back from my "once in a life-time trip". Well when someone asks a question like that, there isn't a very good way to respond. "uh, pretty depressing?" because they aren't wrong about how lucky I am to have had experienced a place like this for four months. My trip was amazing. Everything about it; from teaching my unbelievably wonderful class of 18 children in Zambia, going on safari in Botswana, trekking through the desert of Namibia or going skydiving in Cape Town. It WAS once in a lifetime. I thought I was coming to Zambia to help and volunteer my time but I was given so much more than what I gave. I learned about a culture that I have the utmost respect for, made friends that I will know in 50 years and am counting down the days until I have the chance to go back. And I know it will be soon since IVHQ does an amazing job pairing solid local organizations up with their campaign to create an unforgettable experience with any volunteer. On top of it all, I lived 15 minutes away from Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Photos