Gender Issues Volunteering in Zambia

I enjoyed some of the activites , but not others. The rivre walk and the walk to the koppies was 10/10. No intrenet was challenging , so 7/10. Jane , Precious , Patrick and Lucas were 10/10. I woul recommend this project to anyone who needs a detox from Social media.

New culture, new people, New Life. When we exchange our perspectives, ideas and plans to make a world better place for everyone. It's good to go different places it helps me view life in many directions

Hice 5 años en haiti, me se su idioma, se toda su cultura, me gustaría volver y apoyarlos en todas las dificultades que tienen, ya que ameritan mucha ayuda de todos nosotros, para ellos poder sobrevivir

I would really like to volunteer. I am passionate about charity and showing kindness to the world. Please, give me a chance. Kindly provide Certificate of sponsorship too since I'm not able to provide for myself at the moment. Kindly put my request into consideration.

I am beyond grateful for my 1-month volunteer experience with African Impact in Cape Town. From the moment I arrived, the warmth and professionalism of the team made it unforgettable. When I first arrived at the airport, Thulani, the program manager, was already waiting, and ready to give us an engaging introduction to the history and scenery of Cape Town. After a 20+ min drive we arrived at The Lenox hostel. The Lenox became my home for the month, and the staff made sure it felt that way. Everyone was very kind and welcoming at all time. I got a bunk bed in a shared room with four amazing fellow volunteers from different countries. The room was very spacious and comfortable. The facilities were bright and welcoming, with breathtaking views of Lion’s Head and Table Mountain from the lounge balcony. I joined the Early Education program, which I highly recommend if you love working with children and creating engaging learning experiences. Through this program I worked with four different nonprofits located in Khayelitsha, their work is centered around fostering children and youth development. Our schedule was almost the same every day; breakfast with all the volunteers, then going out to support an org. in the morning, coming back to the Lenox for lunch (amazing fresh and delicious food by the way) and then going back to support another org. in the afternoon. Our day concluded around 5 pm, after documenting our experiences, and preparing for the next day. Then dinner time, a great time to get to know the other volunteers and share stories. The rest of the afternoon was free time for us to unwind and enjoy visiting places around Cape Town or do a sightseeing activity planned by the staff. The most rewarding part was getting to work directly with nonprofits like Ikasi Soccer School and foster care homes like Fikelele. My favorite task while on project was to sing and play with the kids. Witnessing the impact of our efforts and the joy on the children’s faces are core memories from this experience. I don’t think I can put into words how fulfilling this experience was for me. This experience taught me so much about collaboration, creativity, and the joy of giving back. Volunteering with African Impact was life changing. It’s a core memory filled with friendships, personal growth, and unforgettable moments. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone looking to make a difference while exploring the vibrant culture of Cape Town.

African Impact responded to this reviewDecember 30, 2024

Love your video Maria! Really captures the essence of volunteering with us in Cape Town :)

This an increasingly popular way for individuals to make a meaningful impact in communities around the world. With numerous organizations offering volunteer programs, it's essential to review and research these opportunities to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. *Pros:* 1. *Cultural Immersion*: Living and working with local communities provides an immersive cultural experience. 2. *Skill Development*: Volunteers can develop new skills and gain experience in areas such as teaching, conservation, and community development. 3. *Networking Opportunities*: Volunteers can connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. 4. *Personal Growth*: Volunteering abroad can be a transformative experience, fostering personal growth and self-awareness. *Cons:* 1. *Cost*: Many volunteer programs come with a hefty price tag, which can be a barrier for some. 2. *Safety Concerns*: Volunteers may face safety risks, such as health concerns or political instability, depending on the destination. 3. *Cultural Differences*: Adapting to local customs and way of life can be challenging for some volunteers. 4. *Quality of Programs*: Some volunteer programs may lack structure, support, or meaningful work, leading to a disappointing experience. *Recommendations:* 1. *Research Thoroughly*: Investigate the organization, program, and destination to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. 2. *Read Reviews*: Look for reviews from past volunteers to gain insight into the program's quality and challenges. 3. *Choose a Reputable Organization*: Select an organization with a proven track record, transparent policies, and adequate support for volunteers. 4. *Prepare Yourself*: Culturally, emotionally, and physically prepare yourself for the experience to ensure a smooth transition. By being aware of the pros and cons, doing thorough research, and choosing a reputable organization, volunteers can have a safe, rewarding, and life-changing experience abroad.

As a Social worker i often meet with clients to assess their needs, provide counseling, and develop individualized plans to address their challenges. This could involve sessions with individuals, families, or groups.

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience teaching in Zambia. Things were organised well here and there was a good variety of after school activities but I felt the evening time could have been used more productively. I would have loved to spend an hour one/two evenings a week with the local elderly people perhaps at a care home. The group dynamic was good for the first half of my time here until all the original people left and 9 Italians joined. Although efforts were made by management to encourage them to be inclusive and to speak English, they didn’t comply. This created a split in the group and greatly affected the overall dynamic. The rooms are organised by gender but a girl and a boy were sharing a bed for the majority of the nights. This group were just highly disrespectful on a lot of levels. When I was sick, the staff on the ground were so attentive to me and guided me towards the correct medicine to purchase also. One thing that took me by surprise was when I asked about buying school supplies for the school I was volunteering in and leaving them with the principal for her to decide how best to use them. I had fundraised and gathered donations that I assumed I would have the liberty of deciding how my that money should be spent, to be told that any donations had to be left with African Impact and would be used as incentives/prizes for their projects. The staff were so lovely and I met a lot of lovely people. However, I think volunteers should be over the age of 18 as immaturity affects impact hugely.

I would recommend the Girl Impact programme in Livingstone, Zambia to anyone! It has really been the most fulfilling and incredible month. Teaching girl impact is really fascinating and i think that the girls in the communities really enjoy the sessions. It’s just incredible and I cannot wait to come back!

To write a short review on how incredible my time spent here in the greater Kruger area with this team has been, is impossible. This will forever be the greatest trip of my life. I have made incredible memories and ever more incredible friends. I have loved every second of my 12 weeks here and I wish I didn’t have to leave so soon.

This was a life changing experience. African Impact is the real deal and they are doing everything the correct way. They are leaving a lasting impression on the community in Livingstone. The staff is incredible. The food is amazing. The live is real.

Volunteering for African Impact in Zambia is an amazing experience! The staff are all so welcoming and helpful, and the programmes are so fun to be part of. There’s a really nice atmosphere at the base and there are so many activities/sessions on offer.

It was a wonderful experience where you get to interact and work with people from all over the world and get to dive deep into Zambian culture. Everyday I learned something new, from the staff, the como ties we worked with, and the other volunteers.

This experience has been incredibly enlightening for me. While learning about sustainable development goals, I realized how much Western culture has contributed to climate change and how unfairly Africa is suffering the consequences, even though they’ve contributed the least to the problem. In Zanzibar, I was struck by how happy the people are, despite having so few material possessions. They don't have the constant availability of clean water or electricity like we do, yet their joy and contentment are clear. It made me see that true happiness doesn't come from having lots of stuff. This trip taught me that money isn't everything. I’ve discovered that life feels richer and more meaningful when I'm connected to nature and living simply.

I had the best time with AI on the Girl Impact program. Barbs and the team were all brilliant at making sure we got exposure to a range of schools and topics to teach. I also had the opportunity to run a bespoke workshop with the woman’s group which was designed around my business experience and work I do at home.

The organization is absolutely wonderful and the staff in Zambia are incredible. The staff and other volunteers become your family after such short time that you feel right at home. The lessons that are taught during girl impact in Zambia are such great life lessons for the children and even I learn as I teach them! You truly get a real cultural experience in Livingstone working in the schools, having time to make connections in the community and being able to explore!

Amazing experience. Working with the most amazing kids and helped with the most incredible staff. My stay was one of the best experiences I have had. It is the most amazing experience. You learn on the job which I love and the people here are so kind. Also - bring a power bank!

I’m a 20 year old British girl who has been travelling for 10 months prior to coming to this volunteering program in Cape Town. I did 3 weeks in education visiting four different schools and then 2 weeks visiting four other schools. I have loved both of these projects so much but they have also been very different from one another. I feel like in education you have more of a bond/close relationship with the children as you work more closely with them whereas with sports they are all crazy and running around with their friends. Going into lots of different schools have really opened my eyes to different cultures and that each child has such different home life situations and backgrounds. The staff here at African Impact have really made my time here so enjoyable they are such a nice close team who are so welcoming and funny to be around. Being with people you don’t know for 5 weeks in such a close intimate living situation could be stressful if you don’t get on so I’m truly greatful to have such a lovely team around me making me feel right at home and have the most incredible time. If anyone is in the position to do this experience I would 1 million percent say to do it I have learnt so many things not just about myself but also my outlook on life.

The experience was very good: the staff friendly and knowledgeable;the accommodation comfortable;the weekend activities varied and interesting. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the experience of wildlife monitoring. The development of more in-depth skills, for example the use of GIS, would be a nice improvement to a programme that even now is good.

In this volunteering program, I not only spend my efforts to conservation, but also earn a lot of knowledge and skills on photography, ecological knowledge and conservation methods. Volunteers were mostly passionate and nice, and staff members were really kind and helpful. Sometimes there will be some wifi, water and electricity issues but it’s a remote area so that’s understandable.