Childcare & Children Volunteering in Zanzibar

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 :)

the teaching program is a 10/10 program, you get to fully know the place you stay in by doing lots of activities and getting to know the people all around the zone. Staff tries their best in making your stay as comfortable as possible and everyone is so friendly. There are a lot of chances to make friends and get to know the people you work with and the local teachers are really friendly. Also zanzibar is one of the best places i’ve ever seen, with lots of activities to do.

Overall my time in Zanzibar has been absolutely incredible, the experiences I have had the opportunity to enjoy has really been a blessing and I’m so thankful for all the people involved. I have learnt so much about the island and about myself and how I carry myself from day to day. I will value my time here so much and take back all my amazing lessons which will help me to appreciate everything we have at home. Overall this time has been amazing the location was incredible, the support from the staff was amazing and the hospitality was unbeatable

Staying in Zanzibar doing this volunteering was a dream come true, since I had always wanted to try working with children. It’s a great experience for all ages and types of persons. I have met amazing people from all over the world and I am really greatful to have been able to do this with african impact.

My overall experience was amazing at African Impact, it was my first solo travel and I was so nervous, since the moment I came I was welcomed instantly and very quickly became comfortable and got along with all the staff and volunteers. Life changing experience, so happy I chose African impact and would recommend it anyone. A massive thank you for the best experience, I will miss this place very much and will be returning in the future.

Volunteering in Zanzibar as an English teacher was an incredible experience. I found students who were motivated and eager to learn, and the welcome from the community was extraordinary. African Impact has done an excellent job providing support and resources to make our contribution meaningful. An experience that I recommend to anyone who wants to make a difference and discover a new culture!

Traveling to Stone, Zanzibar was a life-changing experience. Go Volunteer Africa gave me the opportunity to take a career break. I worked on a vulnerable children caring project in Zanzibar to help an Educate centre (an early childhood school) with its daily activities. I got to do what I love and the experience was amazing. The opportunity was simply what I was looking for! Not only did my work help young children in need but I forged lasting relationships with the school staff, Go Volunteer Africa staff, other volunteers, and my host family. I definitely recommend this project.

I am speechless, this trip has been a once in a life time experience and opportunity, the people I have met and the things I have learnt will stay with me forever and I am extremely grateful to African impact and all the people of Zanzibar for such amazing trip!

Wow not sure where to start! As an apprehensive middle aged volunteer attending with my daughter I cannot thank African Impact enough for the experience of community teaching - beautiful island setting with incredible staff at base camp who made us feel so supported and welcomed - always available to help with wonderful smiles. Fellow volunteers made the experience so fun. Students were amazing - two weeks is not enough! Would 100% recommend.

A experience I wouldn’t miss for the world, living in a new culture and new environment with the support from Suzie and others as well as our teachers efforts and planning we couldn’t of had a better time. We have all learned an incredible amount not even about life in Africa but about ourselves.

If you can deal with hot weather and insects, you may come out of this program a changed person, as I have. The dynamic between the diverse volunteers, the staff, and the locals (both adults and children) never gets old. There is a sense of community present in Zanzibar that you simply cannot find in western countries. There is no shortage of things to do and tours to take in your free time that will consistently leave you breathless. I cannot recommend the teaching program enough. If I could give advice, I would recommend staying at least 4 weeks. Anything less may not be worth it. I was there for 5 weeks and could have stayed another week or two!

I really enjoyed this Turing project as I learnt lots of new things for example the history of the island and the coral reefs. My favourite part was definitely snorkelling over the reef at pungume island as I’m very interested in marine life.

It was a unique and beautiful experience. Unfortunately, however, I encountered several problems that had not been mentioned before, for example having to dress all the time. Furthermore, the pace was too tight and the group activities were not very engaging. Finally, as Italians we experienced an unpleasant situation and we felt constantly criticized despite making the maximum effort to complete the activities, while other people behaved very badly and avoided completing the tasks. Overall, I had a good time also thanks to the group of Italian friends that was created and also with the person in charge of the volunteers.

We have travelled with students to engage in a volunteering programme teaching in Zanzibar. The information shared prior to the trip was outstanding with Kya the base manager joining a virtual meeting before to answer any questions. The team were there as planned to welcome us and we had contact details throughout for any support at all. The students were fully immersed in the local culture and the students awareness of other cultures has exceeded all expectations during our time here. They have grown so much as individuals too. The confidence it takes to teach a class English or hygiene skills with a language barrier demonstrates their growth. They have had a life changing experience with many students now wanting to volunteer abroad again, one even wants to live abroad and work as a teacher. They have learnt so many other skills such as travelling, dealing with customs, ensuring they have the correct documentation, meeting new people, and collaboration. I hope to organise this again in the future.

I had such a good time and felt so useful and fulfilled that I first prolonged from 5 to then 10 weeks, and now I'm already looking into how to return soon to Jambiani. From day one, I could tell that the project is run with a lot of love and roots in the community. The staff helped us volunteers ease into it a lot and were super kind and helpful to plan everything around work and free time. I hope to be back as soon as possible.

I've participated in the volunteering program in summer 2016 and fast forward to 2023, I'm still thinking about this experience with a smile on my face. In fact, the teaching experience inspired me to get TEFL certification. I highly recommend African Impact to everyone who has an adventurous nature and longs for travels where they will immerse in the local culture.

My volunteer trip to Zanzibar was my first time leaving my little country of New Zealand and it was best experience of my life! It was hard at times being so far away from home but the community and support from the team was worth it. I often reflect on the memories I made and the people I met and wish I could go back! I had every opportunity to experience everything I could in Zanzibar and would highly recommend this adventure to anyone who can do it. Not only does giving back feel good in general but giving back to a community that welcomes you with open arms and accepts you like one of their own is an entirely different feeling. This experience has certainly benefited my life! Thank you, African Impact!

My experience was amazing! The staff were extremely welcoming and friendly. We were immersed into the community and culture in many different aspects which I really enjoyed and appreciated. Despite never having taught before I felt comfortable in the classroom due to the prep from the team as well as having them to help me at all times. All together was an incredible experience

The staff are wonderful and provide volunteers with safety and security. The materials available are never ending and the freedom to be creative with lessons is encouraging. The meals are nutritious and wholesome. The activities are a great addition to the bonding experience and give volunteers something new to look forward to each week. Everyone should volunteer here and meet the wonderful people of Zanzibar.

From the moment I reached Zanzibar, I felt welcomed. The community and the African Impact team make you feel right at home. The volunteer experience was GREAT! The strong dedication and commitment to partner with the community is very evident. When I've volunteered in the past it has mostly been with youth so to teach English to adults who were choosing daily to elevate themselves was an incredible experience to be a part of. I hope to return to Zanzibar very soon.....and bring some friends!