| Starting days | Start and end days are Mondays |
| Minimum Requirements | 2 weeks and longer subject to visa requirements. A minimum age of 18 years old and older. Criminal background check for helping with children |
| Cost | £600 for 2 weeks and £150 for each additional week |
| What is included | Meeting you at the airport in Livingstone on arrival, airport transfers, shared accommodation at the volunteer house, a letter of support for visa if needed, pre-departure admin and support, orientation and induction, in-country staff with 24/7 support, food, a t-shirt, a volunteer card, a bicycle to commute to the school and back and any additional running costs. |
| What is not included | Flights, visa costs, travel insurance, laundry and spending money for recreational activities. |
| Best for | Career breakers, teaching students and retired education professionals, gap year students who are interested in the field of education, those wanting to make a difference and experience the real life in Africa |
Project description
We work with two fantastic primary schools in Livingstone, Zambia, where the learners’ mother tongue is Chitonga, the local language. The children are lively, curious, well-mannered, and truly a joy to volunteer with.
Each grade has one to two classes, typically with around 45 learners per class. However, in one of the more under-resourced schools, class sizes can reach up to 70. The schools have between 500 to 700 learners, and both the principals and teachers are enthusiastic about welcoming volunteers to assist across a variety of areas — from classroom support and after-school clubs to adult education, depending on the school’s needs.
The government primary schools provide free education for learners, and they are also fed a basic lunch of maize meal porridge and beans- or similar- for lunch which volunteers can also assist with.
Subjects that volunteers can help teach include English, Mathematics, Social Science, Natural Science, Home Economics, Business Studies, Computer Studies, and even Early Childhood Education (Grade R). Volunteers are encouraged to follow the Zambian curriculum while also contributing lesson ideas and creative approaches that can inspire both learners and teachers alike.
There’s also great opportunity to run after-school clubs in areas such as sports, art, drama, and environmental education — all of which are welcomed and appreciated.
We recommend that volunteers plan their stay for the beginning or middle of the school term, rather than the end, as the final weeks are typically reserved for exams and assessments.
One of the primary schools is within walking distance of the volunteer house, while the other — located in a more under-resourced area — is a 4km cycle ride away. Bicycles are provided for volunteers, and the area is safe to cycle. This second school is also the most overcrowded and in greatest need of support, but volunteer placements will be based on where help is most needed at the time.
Volunteer duties
As a School Support volunteer, you’ll work alongside dedicated local teachers to assist with daily lessons, provide one-on-one support to learners who need extra help, and bring your own energy and ideas into the classroom. Duties may include:
- Assisting teachers with English, maths, social science, natural science, computer studies, business studies and other subjects
- Working with small groups of learners to boost their conversational English, literacy and numeracy
- Helping with classroom management and supervision
- Help with the Grade R students in the foundation phase
- Organising fun and educational activities like art, games, and music
- Supporting students who are struggling or need extra encouragement
- Taking part in school clean-up and improvement projects if needed
- At one of the schools, volunteers can also assist with adult education especially with literacy with some of the parents
- Initiate after-school clubs with sports, art, drama or environmental for extra fun.
- Volunteers are welcome to assist with the school learners lunch if they choose
School terms
First term: 13th of January to the 11th of April 2025
Second term: 12th of May to the 8th of August 2025
Third term: 8th of September to the 5th of December 2025
2026 school term dates to be confirmed
Daily schedule
Volunteers assist Monday to Friday – shifts can change depending on the school as some do two shifts a day
Daily estimated schedule which can be slightly different depending on the primary school you are assigned too:
06h45- wake up, have a quick shower, help yourself to breakfast and make a packed lunch to take with and some bottled water.
07h00- leave for the school foot or by bicycle for a leisurely ride.
07h30- arrive at the school to start the day.
13h00 depending on the school-short break for lunch
15h30- head back to the volunteer house
17h30 – enjoy some time with a good book, take a stroll into town, socialise with other volunteers or visit a local market. Or just catch up on laundry.
18h30 – time for dinner and a chance to watch a little TV or Netflix and catch up with the other volunteers on how their day was.
Please be aware though as you are in Africa, things might run at a slight slower pace than what you are used too.
Weekends are the perfect time to take in some day trips to visit Chobe national park in Botswana, visit the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or see local Livingstone attractions.
Accommodation
The School Support volunteer accommodation is in a complex in the quiet residential suburb of Elaine Brittel in Livingstone just outside the main town centre. There is a security guard that keeps an eye on the complex. It is well situated allowing easy access to all the various project sites, shops and markets.
The volunteer house can accommodate up to 6 volunteers at one time with a kitchen, lounge, dining and several two bedrooms, a landing, one bathroom and a guest toilet shared with other volunteers.
Bedrooms are shared with two to three other volunteers of the same gender. Married couples can be accommodated as there are two double beds. Bed linen is provided. The bedrooms do lock and looking after your valuables is your responsibility. There is an electric fans for the summer in the lounge. There is a smart TV so if you have Netflix you can use it plus DSTV satellite channels if you do not. There is a dining room area too.
There is a cleaner once a week and if you do not want to use local laundromats or do your own handwashing, you can ask her to wash some of your clothes for a fee and there is a washing line to hang up washing.
The bathrooms are equipped with a western style toilets and a shower. Volunteers will need to bring their own towels and toiletries.
Food
Volunteers are provided with local basic food items to prepare their own meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). This will be a mixture of bread, fruit, vegetables, starch, dairy and meat products. Vegetarians can be accommodated and vegans provided volunteers do not expect high end expensive products. Before you arrive, we will ask you for a list of your likes and dislikes. For imported or high-end items which do not fall in our grocery budget, volunteers can also purchase the local grocery stores like Spar and Shoprite.
The staple starch diet of Zambians is rice and nshima (white maize meal) so you can ask Theresa to show you how to prepare it- it is very popular with School Support volunteers.
Location
Livingstone, Zambia is a vibrant and adventurous destination known as the gateway to the world-famous Victoria Falls—one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Nestled on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, Livingstone offers an unforgettable mix of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling activities. From white-water rafting and bungee jumping to serene river cruises and wildlife safaris, there’s something for every traveller. The town also boasts museums, local markets, traditional villages, and warm, welcoming locals, making it the perfect place to experience both the wild heart of Africa and its deeply rooted traditions.
The people of Livingstone, Zambia are known for being warm, welcoming, and friendly. Hospitality is a strong part of the culture, and volunteers often comment on how open and helpful the locals are.
Livingstone has a strong sense of community spirit, with people generally respectful, polite, and proud of their town’s history and cultural significance. Whether you’re walking through the markets, visiting a rural village, or eating at a local restaurant, you’re likely to be greeted with a smile and genuine curiosity about where you’re from. Volunteers are often made to feel not just like tourists, but like guests. We also encourage our School Support volunteers to try some of the tradtional meals available at tradtional restaurants around the town.
Livingstone has something for everyone—nature, culture, adventure, and relaxation.
- Victoria Falls & Devil’s Pool: View the stunning Mosi-oa-Tunya Falls or swim at the edge in Devil’s Pool (seasonal).
- Adrenaline Activities: Try bungee jumping, gorge swing, zip line, or bridge slide from the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge.
- River Adventures: Go white-water rafting or riverboarding in Batoka Gorge with expert guides.
- Scenic Flights: Enjoy breathtaking aerial views on a microlight or helicopter “Flight of Angels.”
- Safari & Wildlife: track rhinos on foot, view elephants and more wildlife on safari drives in Mosi-oa-Tunya or visit Chobe National Park nearby.
- Wildlife Encounters: Dine at the Elephant Café, visit crocodile parks, or track rhinos on foot.
- Museums: Explore Zambia’s past at the Livingstone and Railway Museums.
- Cultural Immersion: Visit Maramba Market, dine local-style, enjoy traditional performances, or spend a week in Mukuni village for a real tribal experience.
- Zambezi Cruises: Relax on a sunset cruise with the Lady Livingstone or African Queen, or join the lively Lion King boat with music and drumming.
- Offbeat Fun: Horseback riding, quad biking, tiger fishing, or fine dining aboard the Royal Livingstone Express.
For more information or to book, either fill in the contact form or please email info@volunteerinternationaladventures.com. You might also be interested in our Teach at Creches and Schools in Zanzibar
