The program
Acknowledging the huge need for supporting the children and youth of the Victoria Falls area, a Child Center was developed in 2012 specifically to offer this support and empower those in need. The Center is run by our program partner, a non-governmental, non-profit organization which works to target those in greatest need and offer programs and activities to encourage greater educational opportunities, self-development, confidence and skills. The Center acts as a recreational hub for children and youth to spend time in positive activity and away from anti-social behavior which is a risk for those marginalized in society and with a lack of entertainment and employment opportunities. With the ongoing success of the project, an additional center is currently under construction in Sizinda, a rural community 17kms outside of Victoria Falls. The credibility of the program is highlighted by the amazing support from international organizations, with the construction of the center funded through the Elisabeth Foundation and the Roger Federer Foundation. Volunteers are now essential to help run the work of the program in both centers and help these local youths into brighter futures.
Goals of this Project:
How you can help
Volunteers play an integral role in achieving the goals of this project, facilitating the day-to- day running of the activities and ensuring that those attending have a positive educational and recreational experience. It is only through volunteer labor that the program can operate and offer a safe, welcoming and positive hub for children and youth to learn and play.
Volunteers contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
A volunteer’s work day on this project will generally last between 4 and 6 hours and while we ask all volunteers to be flexible in this regard, a typical daily schedule is likely to go something like this:
8:00am Breakfast at the host family accommodation
8:30am Walk or bus to project site
9:00am Pre-start meeting with project supervisor
9:15am VOLUNTEERING DUTIES START
A tea break and lunch break will be fitted in during the day, but often the timing of breaks will change based on the needs of the local staff and number of volunteers on hand.
3:00pm VOLUNTEERING DUTIES END
3:15pm Debrief with project supervisor
3:30pm Walk or bus back to host family accommodation
Evenings Free time to relax and have dinner with your host family or explore the sights and sounds of Victoria Falls!
Upon your arrival in Victoria Falls, you will be collected at the airport by a representative of the local project team and delivered to your host family accommodation. Here you will receive an orientation to help you settle in, find out about your volunteering placement, the local surroundings and meet your fellow volunteers. A representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
Volunteers joining our team in Victoria Falls are accommodated with one of our carefully selected local host families - which are perfectly located in the safe and convenient suburbs of Chinotimba and Mkhosana in the heart of the Victoria Falls township, within convenient access to local restaurants, internet cafes and shops and of course the UNESCO world heritage site of the majestic Victoria Falls! In most case they provide the volunteer with a private room, but during busy periods you may need to share with other volunteers. The families are experienced in hosting international volunteers and will take very good care of you.
Staying with a local Zimbabwean family is a great way to be truly immersed in the local culture. All families have been fully vetted by our local team and have plenty of experience in hosting international volunteers. Plus, transport to and from the project site is provided daily (included in program fee).
On working days, volunteers are provided two meals (breakfast and dinner) on a daily basis while at their home stay house, while lunch will be provided at the partner office on weekdays. Lunch will be taken at home on the weekend. If you’re working over your lunch break you can take a packed lunch with you.
For those social occasions with your fellow volunteers, Victoria Falls has a sprinkling of top class restaurants, several African buffets and a few coffee shops, sandwich shops, and fast food options. Easy!
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 4 weeks to 12 weeks. Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
This program is paused due to COVID-19
Child and Youth Supporter
Improve the future prospects of the children of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
$338/week
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