Rural Teaching and Community Project
Despite being one of the Indian Ocean's most renowned tropical paradises, Zanzibar's local communities are severely affected by poverty, lack of education & training and unemployment. There are many possibilities to impact the lives of those affected by these problems, by getting involved in the local nursery, primary and secondary schools, tourism training schools and local environmental programmes to aid community development.
Project Location: Lonely Planet Zanzibar Town, known to with its old Stone Town (declared a world heritage site by UNESCO), is the capital of the archipelago. With a unique mix of Indian, Arab, and African mainland influences, its mesmerising culture permeates the main islands. The old Stone Town, with its narrow alleys winding amongst bustling markets and mosques, boasts amazingly crafted large wooden doors, which can be admired for hours. Jambiani, where you will spend most of your time as a volunteer, is a village located on the southern part of Zanzibar's beautiful and quiet east coast. About an hour's drive from Stone Town, Jambiani is a long village stretched along the coastline, with stunning and long white-sand beaches where it will seem like you can walk forever. Here you will find a community operating at a leisurely pace amidst the sunny, tropical climate. You will witness incredible sunrises and enjoy the warm waters, but more importantly gain a deep insight into life on the island and an array of experiences you will treasure for a long time.
Project Age Limit: Minimum 18 years, maximum decided on potential participants' health.
Project Highlights:
Gain teaching experience in various schools and a tourism training institute
Assist in the teaching of English to not only children and scholars, but also teachers and other community leaders through our Adult Literacy programmes
Assist in improving and building educational facilities in the community
Developmental games with pre-primary school children & sport-afternoons on the beach
Playing a role in keeping the beach/marine and village environment clean and protected
Get a glimpse of life on the island, and have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in a largely poor 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
Volunteer involvement in local Pre-schools
There are 4 pre-schools in Jambiani. Volunteers support the local teachers in educating and playing with children. They get involved in:
Primary and secondary schools
Working in the primary and secondary schools, with too many children to accommodate at one time, and shortages of staff and facilities, often two school sessions are run per day. You will find that most of the schools have meagre and ill-equipped facilities, but a wealth of children with a desire to learn. As a volunteer, you will assist teachers and contribute to our effort of providing children with a better education, especially by aiding them in the English language.
These are the ways in which you will assist in the schools:
Teach English in the classes
Arrange for and conduct extra English classes before/after classes for scholars & teachers
Assist teachers in the science faculties (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology)
Teach teachers & scholars in basic computer skills
Organise and coordinate sport afternoons with the scholars
Help maintain and even re-build the schools' facilities, most of which are quite run down
School holidays are set for June 14 - June 22, therefore, projects will be slightly less structured but still just as exciting and as busy as during the term time.
Tourism Training Centre - Jambiani Training Institute
In general tourism is considered to be the sector of activity with the most potential in Zanzibar. There is a drive through the tourism sector to deal with the issues of poverty reduction, education, youth, gender and the environment amongst others. The Jambiani Training Institute was established to address these problems and to tackle the issue of many ‘foreigners' (mainly from Tanzania mainland and Kenya) being employed in the local tourism sector, instead of local villagers. The training school aims to train local villagers from Jambiani until they are themselves able to gain employment at nearby hotels and tourism facilities. Volunteers get involved in multiple areas to help with the training of these aspirants:
Teaching English
Life-skills teaching
Training students in basic administrative tasks
Training students in basic computer skills e.g. CV writing
Assist and supervise students in cooking classes and food & beverage management
Assist and supervise students in practical classes ('role-play', handling money, etc)
Please Note: The Tourism Training Centre is seasonal and does not run all year round!
Environmental programme - JAMABEKO (Jambiani Marine and Beach Conservation)
The community of Jambiani is very reliant on its natural resources available to them, especially the ocean (fish, crabs, seaweed etc) and partly local crops that can be grown in the area. JAMABEKO is a locally run NGO that African Impact partners with to help sustain the marine and land environment in Jambiani. Volunteer involvement often depends on current projects on the go in the village, and it can often be hard, but very rewarding work. Activities can include:
Litter clean-ups along the beach and within the village
Planting trees
Malaria project
Water project
Project Typical Day:
Here is how a typical day in the life of a Zanzibar volunteer might take shape. Please note that your itineraries may differ from this, depending on your own experience/interests and the number of other volunteers on the placement at the same time. It will also depend on current projects on the go, school roster (e.g. school holidays) and tidal patterns (environmental work on the beach).
Monday to Friday
6:45 Get up and start getting ready for your project
7:15 Breakfast at African Impact Base
7:45 Head off on foot to your project placement
8:00 Start work at your allocated placement - Pre-primary, primary or secondary school; Jambiani Training Institute
12:30 Lunch break. You will be picked up from your project, and taken to your volunteer house, where lunch is prepared and waiting for you.
14:00 Return to your placement or your allocated ward - Pre-primary, primary or secondary school; Jambiani Training Institute; or general Community work
17:00 - Home Time 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, socialise with the locals/other volunteers or just relax and unwind on the beach.
Evenings are very sociable affairs. Generally, volunteers discuss their days amongst each other whilst having supper together, prepare for the project the next day and enjoy sundowners at one of the many beachside café's or hotels...
Project Cost:
| GBP (£) | USD ($) | |
| 1 month placement | 1195 | 2390 |
Project Cost Includes:
Project Cost Excludes:
Optional Travel Highlights:
These are not included in your volunteering fee, but our project managers are able to assist you with making the necessary booking arrangements.
See further details on Safari options in our pre-departure information.
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.
Optional Travel Highlights Visit to the north coast (Nungwi / Kendwa): This is a must for anyone coming to Zanzibar - it really is very beautiful up there. Accommodation can be found from anything from USD25pp upwards. Safari Blue: This is an all-day snorkeling/sailing trip from Stone Town, with a big sea-food lunch on a deserted island in between (with lobster and everything!), and is a great day trip. Cost is currently USD55 per person, all-inclusive with drinks etc. Only transfers are additional. Diving/snorkeling: This is also highly recommended, and a good place to do it from is the north. Costs vary from where and how long you want to go etc. Stone Town: Would recommend having 2-3 nights in Stone Town to explore the old city, visit the markets, and do some souvenir shopping. It's a fascinating place to see. Cost for a room from USD25 pp upwards. Spice tour: Would also say this is a must! This is just very interesting, and gives you some insight into the culture, economy and history of Zanzibar. A great half-day trip. USD20pp. City/museum tour: Also very interesting and can be combined with Spice tour. Visits some of the old sites, museums and houses in Stone town, also really great to see. Gives you some further insight into the slave trade, history etc. About USD15 pp. Jozani Forest: This is a trip to go see the red-colobus monkeys, which are found nowhere else in the world. One can go explore in the forest, see some mangroves and visit a turtle centre. Also a really fun half-day trip. Cost about USD15pp, with transport to be added on top of this price. Dolphin trip: This is a trip that leaves in the morning and heads down to the south of the island. From here you go out by boat to see and find the dolphins that are often in that area. If/when found, if the dolphins are in a playful mood, one is allowed to jump in and swim with them. Can also be great fun! About USD50 pp. Safari in TZN mainland: Obviously a safari on the mainland is also another option (Mikumi National Park). Pemba Island: This is the second island that is part of Zanzibar. It is a lot less developed and touristy than Zanzibar, and a lot poorer too. It has great diving and snorkeling.
Project Orientation:
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.
Project 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.
Project Accommodation:
You will be staying in Jambiani at our African Impact base. There are 2 bungalow-type cottages, sleeping 4 people in each bungalow, each just a short walk from the beautiful beach. Each bungalow has its own bathroom. Internet and phone services are available in Jambiani village, just a short walk away.
You will be sharing a room with other volunteers (maximum of four in one room). Your room is fully furnished, and a cook will be provided to cook for you in our kitchen. Included are laundry and house keeping services on a regular basis. There is a great private stretch of sand and palm trees between our bungalows and the public beach. Meals will be enjoyed at a communal outside eating area overlooking the sea.
Please Note:
Zanzibar is a 95% Muslim society, and there are many locals that take offence at inappropriately dressed visitors. For this reason, women should avoid wearing revealing clothing in towns and villages and whilst doing project work. Women should try and wear long skirts or shorts (at least knee-length) and cover their shoulders. Men should keep their shirts on in the village/town area, and also wear at least knee-length shorts. Slacks are acceptable for both women and men. Usual beach attire on tourist beaches is absolutely fine e.g. near your volunteer base
Project Meals:
You will be provided with three wholesome meals a day.
Breakfast is on a help-yourself basis and usually consists of cereals/porridge, toast, fruit, tea and coffee.
Lunch and dinner are full meals, and will be provided for you.
Lunches may also be packed or may be local lunches at your placement.
Please advise should you have any food allergies, or do not eat seafood in particular.
Project Getting There:
You will need to fly directly into Zanzibar International Airport in Stone Town, Zanzibar, where you will be met by one of our experienced African Impact team.
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 onto Zanzibar Island. Please contact us for any suggestions on airlines.
We look forward to welcoming you to Zanzibar!!
www.happyafricafoundation.org
Regd UK Charity Number: 1123529
Pathfinders and The Happy Africa Foundation
Pathfinders is proud to have been instrumental in the establishment of The Happy Africa Foundation and continues to be one of the Foundations major supporters. Donations made to support our community and conservation initiatives by private donors as well as by Pathfinders as a voluntoursim company are managed and distributed on our behalf by The Happy Africa Foundation.
The mission of The Happy Africa Foundation is to empower the African people through the support of community and conservation based initiatives that operate at grass roots level.
Conservation Development:
The Happy Africa Foundation works together with local African communities to conserve and protect the environment, wildlife and cultures in areas where the Foundation is involved. Thus, the Foundation supports, financially or logistically (or both), local and international organizations that operate projects supporting conservation education and research at a grass roots level.
Community Development:
The Happy Africa Foundation strives to initiate, facilitate and support community development projects that are sustainable. As such, The Happy Africa Foundation makes every effort to ensure and takes relevant measures in assessing, planning and monitoring community development projects for the benefit of local African communities.
The Happy Africa Foundation provides travellers, volunteers and other donors with a chance to give back to the communities they visit or volunteer in on their African journeys, or that they wish to support remotely through donations.