Volunteer Teaching & Community Project In Zanzibar Highlights

The highlights

• Gain teaching experience in various nursery schools and a tourism training institute
• Teach English to not only children and scholars, but also teachers and other community leaders
• Assist in improving educational facilities in the community
• Enjoy some cycling to and from your volunteer projects
• Developmental games with pre-primary school children & sport-afternoons on the beach
• Playing a role in keeping the beach and village environment clean
• Get a glimpse of life on the island, and have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in a community
• Get a taste of the Zanzibar culture; learn a bit of Kiswahili!
• A great platform to not only explore other areas of the archipelago and try your hand at some water sports, but also to experience some of the finest safari destinations on the continent.

Optional activities and excursions

Travel Highlights: Safari Options

Zanzibar and Tanzania offer a variety of tours and safari options, which are perfect for a week-end getaway, or a post/pre-project safari.

Our office in Zanzibar is able to put together a number of different getaways/safaris according to your preference, which include trips to various parts of the archipelago (Spice tours, Historical tours, Jozani Forest etc) and even into Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, the famous Serengeti National Park, the unique Ngorongoro Crater and climbing the mighty Kilimanjaro! And much more…!

Available options are typically all-inclusive: transport, transfers, full-board accommodation, services of driver/guide, park entry fees etc. Please contact our Zanzibar office or your Destination Manager should you require more information on any tour/safari that you are considering.

Where will I sleep?

During your time on the project you will be staying in Jambiani at the project base in shared accommodation with other volunteers. You will be based in beach bungalows in the local village. The bungalows are set just off the beach, but one can see the ocean from the front door and the beach/sea is literally on the doorstep. Volunteers will room with 2 to 3 others and each bungalow has a bathroom en suite. Rooms are comfortable but basic. They are furnished with shelves to put your clothes on and you will be sleeping on bunk beds. We have mosquito nets and fans in the rooms.

You will be able to sit outside at the tables in the back yard in the shade for meal times. Three cooks work on site to prepare regular meals in our kitchen, which will be enjoyed at a communal outside eating area overlooking the sea. You will have housekeeping and laundry done on a regular basis. Bedding will be provided but you should bring your own towel.

Our Project Manager will be living on the premises and the office will also be based there. There will also be a resource room to keep items needed for project work and this can be used as a great space for lesson preparation. With the added backyard space you will be able to sleep outside on the beach recliners on really hot evenings should you wish to do so. You will get some amazing star gazing opportunities!

Please Note: There is NO HOT WATER for showering in; most places in Zanzibar do not have hot water.

And Meals? You will be provided with three nutritional meals a day. Breakfast is on a help-yourself basis and usually consists of cereals/porridge, toast, fruit, tea and coffee. Please advise should you have any food allergies, or do not eat seafood in particular. Please note that vegetarians who also do not eat fish may find the diet quite restricted, we therefore, highly recommend that you bring food items that provide enough protien for your diet.

How do I get there and travel around?

You will need to fly directly into Zanzibar International Airport in Stone Town, Zanzibar, where you will be met by one of our experienced company taxi drivers. There are direct flights from Europe, the United States and South Africa to either Nairobi (Kenya) or Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania) and then easy connections on to Zanzibar Island. Please contact us for any suggestions on airlines.

What does the cost include?

• Project Fee: this entails financing that goes directly back into the project that you are involved with. This project fee facilitates funding for items such as building materials, equipment, supplies, foodstuffs, etc. Project fees are also used to buy vehicles/equipment and for developing new housing for volunteers to provide for the expansion of the project.
• All airport transfers to and from Zanzibar Airport / Ferry Port.
• Orientation program
• Any daily transport that might be required as part of the project during your stay
• Full board and lodging which includes 3 meals a day in Jambiani at your African Impact Base (exception of one night at a local restaurant).
• Weekly laundry service during your stay
• Assistance in your projects by various African Impact staff and volunteer coordinators
• Full support from African Impact and your coordinator throughout your time on your Zanzibar placement

• Personal travel insurance for the duration of your placement which must include cover for repatriation
• All transport by air to Zanzibar Island
• All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing (work and other)
• Email/Internet and telephone calls
• Soft drinks, wines and spirits
• All visas for border crossings
• Any excursions over and above your planned itinerary in Zanzibar and Tanzania
• Transportation that is not related to the project

Do I need experience, is there orientation?

Some previous bicycle riding experience will be helpful, but is not essential.

Upon your arrival in Zanzibar you will be met by an African Impact representative, who will escort you to your new 'home'. Once you have settled in, you will be briefed on the itinerary of the orientation program. You will receive a detailed Welcome Pack, which will contain all the important information you may need.

Support: Throughout your stay at your placement you will have the support and guidance of experienced field-workers and coordinators. They are part of our greater African Impact support team, and will provide you with competent 24-hour field support and assistance.

A day in the life

An example of a typical volunteering day in Zanzibar Monday to Friday

• 06:00 Get up and join your Project Manager for a sunrise jog on the beach - its worth it we promise!
• 07:30 Breakfast at African Impact Base - fruit, eggs and toast.
• 08:45 Cycle to adult English class at Jambiani Tourism Training Institute.
• 10:30 Start work at one of our local nursery schools
• 12:00 Leave school and cycle back to our African Impact base for some sun and time out
• 13:00 Lunch break
• 15:00 Time for some manual labour, (painting, gardening, litter pickups and repairing) or some community English teaching in small groups, such as working with the women in the Kanga shop or the teachers from one of the nursery schools.
• 17:30 You will make your way back to your base just a few minutes away. Now you will be able to cool down with a swim, find a cold drink, visit the internet café, socialize with the locals/other volunteers or just relax and unwind on the beach.

In the evenings volunteers discuss their day amongst each other whilst having supper together and prepare for the project the next day. You will have Saturdays and Sundays “off” to do any tourist activities or to rest from your week of volunteering.