Volunteer Abroad in Lusaka - Zambia: Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Abroad in Lusaka: Lusaka is the colorful capital city that maintains a unique sense of African charm. The lively urban area is spread out over 30 miles with growing suburbs, shanty towns and large markets that are a hive of activity. The city has thousands of market stalls with fruit, fish, nuts, African art and clothing. Although the unemployment rate in the city is quite high, over 60%, there are few beggars and street crime.. Most people try to make an honest living, selling their wares or services and are polite and friendly.

In Lusaka you can experience true Africa; large outdoor markets, notable historical and cultural sites; and nearby game reserves which are less than a day’s trip away from the city.

Because many villagers come to the city to seek a better life for their families, there is an extremely high number of street children, either orphaned or neglected. Children on the street lack access to food, protection, health care and education. This lack of education had debilitating effects on the community – children are not equipped with the tools to escape poverty and disease because they were unable to read, write, and calculate simple sums. In addition, youth are lacking the encouragement, competition, and social structure provided in school that allows them to maximize their human potential and realize their dreams.

We offer volunteer placements working in orphanages, community centers, medical health clinics working against the spread of HIV/Aids. With our volunteer program we allow you to discover the wonders of southern Africa, while doing meaningful and rewarding community work. This is a great opportunity to explore real life in Africa, live and work amongst the locals and realize one person can make a difference.

We offer the following programs in and around Lusaka:

Orphanage / Child Care Assistance

Volunteer are needed to help at a local children’s home on the outskirts of Lusaka. Each orphanage we support houses, feeds and supports 30-40 youngsters. The children are all ages from infants to teenagers. These children have lost parents to Aids, some have been abandoned, and they know abuse, hunger and fear. The orphanage strives to provide a better future for some of the most vulnerable children in Zambia. As a volunteer, you will primarily assist with the daily care of the kids; including bathing, feeding and clothing. You can play games, arrange activities, create arts & crafts projects and share your time and caring with these wonderful children.  Prior experience not necessary, volunteers should have a lot of patience, an open mind and a sense of compassion.

Health Care Program

Volunteers with medical experience are needed to work in a local community health clinic. Most clinics are very busy, understaffed; with limited medical supplies.  There is a wide variety of cases but disease such as malaria, HIV/Aids, tuberculosis and syphilis, as well as childbirth/maternity needs are most common.

Volunteers with medical training; doctors, nurses, paramedics, lab technicians participate in direct patient care such as diagnosing, injections, IV starts and lab work..  Nursing and medical students are welcome and assist with tasks like dressing wounds, record and immunization chart keeping, helping dispense medications, helping to screen and organize patients and assisting with administrative needs or seminars. *Medical volunteers must submit a copy of their credentials or nursing certificate. 

HIV / Aids Prevention Program

Volunteers work with a local organization that is providing HIV/AIDS prevention education and support to communities throughout Lusaka. Some of the non-medical activities for volunteers include:  Promoting safer sex through education, home and school visits, assisting with home-based care for victims with HIV/Aids, supporting woman empowerment projects for surviving widows of the community, and most especially rural outreach programs to those in need  with food distribution, assistance with activities of daily living and providing words of encouragement. Experience in this field is not required, although volunteers with prior medical, HIV/Aid training, or pre-med students are preferred.. Volunteers with a strong interest in making a difference are welcome. 

Program Includes:

Accommodation with a local host family. Meals included daily. Airport pick up and drop off on arrival and departure. Our local Project Coordinator provide an orientation briefing, project placement, transport to the work site, introduction at the project site and to the local host family. They provide 24/7hr support , and supervision while in Zambia. They can assist with in-country trip planning and provide travel advice.

Location Page: Lusaka Zambia

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