As a childcare volunteer in Zanzibar, you’ll play an important role in brightening the daily lives of young children. Working in daycare centres in Paje, you’ll support local staff by organising fun, educational activities and games, while helping with day-to-day tasks to ensure children receive the care and attention they deserve.
BACKGROUND TO THE CHILDCARE PROGRAM
Zanzibar faces ongoing challenges including HIV, malaria, dengue, and schistosomiasis, alongside widespread poverty and limited access to state welfare. These factors mean many families struggle to access reliable childcare. Local daycare centres in Paje work to address this need by providing safe, supportive environments for young children.
The centres you’ll support care for children from single-parent and low-income families who cannot afford private childcare. By offering early education and daily care, these projects allow parents to work and support their families, while helping children prepare for school—an opportunity many would not otherwise have.
Children attend the centres during the day and return to their families or caregivers in the afternoon. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting these daycare centres, and their energy and commitment make a lasting difference for both the children and the wider community.
CHILDCARE VOLUNTEER PLACEMENT EXAMPLES
Space Day Care - Located in the Paje area of Zanzibar, Space Day Care is just a 15-minute walk from volunteer accommodation and provides a safe, welcoming space for play and early learning. The centre supports around 30 preschool children aged 2–6, who attend weekday nursery classes before returning home in the afternoons.
The centre is run by a small team of local staff, including nursery teachers and support workers. Volunteers work alongside the team to lead activities, support daily routines, and help ease the workload, ensuring every child receives attentive care.
Sunrise Kindergarten - Situated just behind the main coastal road in Paje, Sunrise Kindergarten helps prepare young children for formal schooling. Many children in Zanzibar start school later than recommended due to financial barriers, making early education especially important.
The kindergarten offers an affordable, supportive environment where children can build confidence and basic skills. Volunteers contribute by helping introduce English at an early age, an increasingly valuable skill as tourism continues to grow across the island.
Zanzibar Daycare Centre - Established in 2018, Zanzibar Daycare Centre was created to support young families by providing reliable childcare while parents seek work, particularly in the tourism sector. The centre is located in Jambiani, around a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride from volunteer accommodation, and cares for children aged 6 months to 4 years.
Jambiani is a quieter, more residential area where access to services and employment can be limited. Volunteers help strengthen the staff team, allowing the centre to support more children and families each day.
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN WORKING WITH CHILDREN IN ZANZIBAR
Return Airport Transfers - Your return airport transfers are not included as standard, but the local team can help arrange transport to the airport or onward destinations. Organising this once in Zanzibar offers more flexibility, especially if plans change or you’re travelling with others. Costs vary depending on transport and destination and may be shared with fellow participants. Public transport and tuk-tuks are not recommended for airport transfers due to safety and convenience concerns.
Resources - At childcare projects in Zanzibar can be limited. Volunteers are encouraged to bring simple materials to support daily activities and maximise their impact. Preparing ahead of time will help you get the most out of your childcare experience.
Project Locations - Some childcare and teaching placements may be based at the same site, making it easy for participants to travel together. Childcare volunteers usually work with preschool-aged children, while teaching volunteers support slightly older age groups. Although similar, each role follows a different daily schedule and focus.
Yellow Fever – Tanzanian and Zanzibar Island authorities have updated their Yellow Fever Vaccination requirements. The vaccination is only legally required for:
• Travellers arriving from countries with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission
• Travellers transiting through at-risk countries for 12 hours or more
Despite this, some travellers who do not fall within these criteria have still been asked to show proof of vaccination on arrival. To avoid confusion or potential entry issues, it’s recommended to obtain the Yellow Fever vaccination before travelling and allow enough time to plan ahead. Although requirements can vary and remain subject to discussion, proof of vaccination is often requested on arrival, so having it in advance can help prevent complications.
Mandatory ZIC Insurance - All visitors to Zanzibar are required to purchase separate travel insurance through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) for the duration of their stay. This insurance must be arranged before travelling, or entry may be denied.
Placement Settings - Volunteer placements are not offered in orphanages. Research has shown that orphanage volunteering can unintentionally place children at risk by separating them from their families. Instead, childcare placements operate on a day-care basis, where children attend during the day and return home each afternoon. These settings are carefully selected to ensure child safety while allowing volunteers to provide meaningful support to local staff.
Weekends - Your project work in Tanzania runs from Monday-Friday and weekends are free. You are welcome to relax and hang out at the volunteer accommodation but most participants will use this time to travel and explore the country. As a result, you can check out our Tanzania Weekend Travel Guide for top tips on how to spend your weekend.
