volunteering in africa essay

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African Union Youth Volunteer Corps

African Union Youth Volunteer Corps ... a wind of change! AU-YVC is a continental development program that recruits and works with youth volunteers, to work in all 54 countries across the African Union.

AU-YVC promotes volunteering to deepen the status of young people in Africa as key participants in the delivery of Africa's human development targets and goals. It brings people together to share skills, knowledge, creativity and learning to build a more integrated Continent and by implication strengthen Africa's relevance in the globalized world. The concept is in line with the African Youth Charter as well as the Decision of AU Head of States and Governments in Assembly/AU/Dec.274 (XVI) January 2010, to set up a continental Volunteer initiative. AU-YVC was officially launched on the 3rd of December 2010 in Abuja, Nigeria, in the presence of H.E. President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ministers of Youth from across the AU, high level AU representatives, Partners and other Volunteer Organizations and Africa's Youth at large.

Objectives of the AU-YVC - Engage Africa's Youth in the Continent's development through meaningful youth participation by providing Service for their Continent; - Provide opportunities to Young Africans to serve and gain crucial professional experience, soft skills, social competence, international exposure and leadership skills; - Promote shared values and Pan-Africanism among the upcoming generation.

The Power of Service Assisting development: Imagine, a young woman or man volunteering in a community applying her/his skills and knowledge (teaching mathematics and English in a rural high school, or assisting in a local health center) for one year has delivered an average of 2,160 hours of service to the community. It is therefore needless to say the impact an army of youth volunteers can create within a foreseeable time.

For a long time, Inter-African missions have mainly been limited to sending of peace keeping troops to areas risking war or civil unrest. African soldiers have made a tremendous impact in securing peace and security for fellow brothers and sisters in their respective countries. AU-YVC seeks to replicate this momentum to a civilian setting, whereby African Youth can yet once again be deployed to provide their services in assisting development and attaining the common destiny of a prosperous and peaceful continent.

Empowering Youth:Volunteerism is not an easy task and demands qualities of a leader to attain once mission in a foreign country. AU-YVC devotes itself to producing a generation of African leaders, willing to serve their continent and its people, knowledgeable of African dynamics, and courageous to take charge and challenge themselves on a daring adventure of building themselves and their continent through service.

Promoting Pan Africanism: Upon the independence of African Sates, our heroic leaders including Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Jomo Kenyatta, Patrice Lumumba, Haile Selassie I, and Nalson Mandela among others, had one common dream for the continent - A Strong and United Africa! Volunteers travelling to a local community in a country outside of their own would not only be volunteering their service, but also be able to learn and exchange from their host country. This would create a life changing experience and perception returned volunteers would have about other African countries and their continent at large.

Areas of Focus

On the field, AU Youth Volunteers would serve primarily in the following fields:

Education Health and HIV/ AIDS Peace and Security Information and Communications Technology Business and Youth Entrepreneurship Agriculture and Environment

Typical Environment of Service AU-YVC volunteer are deployed strictly in non for profit settings where their impact and contributions can fill the gap for much needed skilled man power. This would typically be:

Rural Community Schools Hospitals and Health Centers Post Conflict Setting International Organizations Government Offices/ Ministries

How It Works

- Aspiring volunteers who fulfill all requirements should fill out the online application form and upload their CV. - Organizations wishing to deploy youth volunteers are required to fill out the online request form . Alternatively, organizations can send their request to [email protected] - Screening: Volunteer Applications and Volunteer Requests would now be screened for completeness through a vigorous and transparent process. Candidates whose application was not convincing, would be eliminated and notified. Volunteers are permitted to reapply a second time. - Matching: Applications of nominated volunteer candidates are matched with available vacancies according to the criteria specified by the requesting organization. - Selection: The AU-YVC would send multiple CVs (4-8) of matched volunteers to requesting organization to make final selection. - Volunteer Training: Prior to their deployment volunteers would be trained for a period of 2 to 3 weeks by the AU-YVC unit to enhance volunteers professional, interpersonal and life skills. The training aims to prepare volunteers for their country of deployment and/or enhance their capacity. - Deployment: selected volunteers would now sign a tri-partite agreement with their host organization and the AUC which shall guide the terms of deployment. - Progress Assessment: volunteers are expected to provide regular reports on their activities and address challenges to the AU-YVC unit.

please go to https://auyvc.africa-union.org to apply and become African Union Youth Volunteer (AU-YV)

Let the people have a say

Who gets involved? Insights on civic engagement in Africa and implications for fostering volunteerism

Originally published on the UN Volunteers site. 

The papers in this anthology show how the diversity of volunteering practices around the world make complex and context-specific contributions to the 2030 Agenda, and demonstrate some innovative ways of measuring these contributions. The anthology is divided into three sections:

• Part I: Exploring alternative sources of data on volunteering and the 2030 Agenda.  Given the lack of official national statistics on volunteering, particularly in the global South, two teams of innovators used alternative data sources to analyse patterns of volunteering and what they mean for its contributions. Afrobarometer drew on its unique cross-country survey data from 27 countries in Africa to link civic engagement and volunteerism, while Tesfaye Yimer analysed time use survey data to understand patterns of volunteering in Ethiopia.
• Part II: Capturing the intrinsic value of volunteering.  Not only is volunteering beneficial in terms of its impacts, it is also valuable in its own right. The El-Pikir Center for Public Opinion Study and Forecasting in Kyrgyzstan provides insights on national volunteering practices via its pioneering nationally representative survey on volunteering. Similarly, Global Change provides a unique framework not only to capture the voice of volunteers in their contribution to SDG16+ to create peaceful, just and inclusive societies, but also to celebrate their contributions. Finally, State of Life uses United Kingdom survey data to examine the relationships between volunteering and well-being and the potential insights the survey data can offer other countries around the world.
• Part III: Measuring the support of volunteering for service delivery.  The final papers show the instrumental value of volunteering to delivering the 2030 Agenda more directly. The National Volunteer Agency in Togo (ANVT) explores the measurement of volunteering contributions to health and education outcomes. Similarly, Usitawi Consultants Africa builds a model to assess the contributions of community health workers to national health commitments and the health indicators of the SDGs in Kenya.

Carolyn is the director of analysis and capacity building at Afrobarometer.

Josephine is Afrobarometer's acting director of communications.

Kangwook Han is an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy at Jeonbuk National University, South Korea.

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GETTING THE WORD OUT VOLUNTEERING IN AFRICA IAVE AFRICA REGIONAL MEETING NATIONAL VOLUNTEER NETWORK TRUST

This report gives an overview of volunteering in Africa, legislative and legal frameworks as well as areas where volunteers work in selected countries.

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Leila Patel

Ruth Prince

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A couple of months ago, I wrote a blog entry on the LSE Careers site about my experience volunteering for Lively Minds in Uganda, particularly about what led me to volunteer and why.

Ndangwa Noyoo

Dr. Sara Compion

VOLUNTEERING AND DEMOCRATIZATION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA: A STRUCTURAL AND CULTURAL ANALYSIS This dissertation examines the practices and social constructions of volunteering in Southern Africa. Grounded in structural and cultural theory, I focus on volunteering as the product, rather than the raw material, of political processes. My approach stresses the volunteers’ perspectives, yet centers on critiques of dominance. In doing so, I destabilize the view of volunteering as inherently pro-social behavior, or as intrinsically characteristic of deepening democratic systems. Combining evidence from Afrobarometer surveys and twelve months of ethnographic fieldwork in South Africa and Zambia I show how meanings and practices, not just resources and capital, shape the socially constructed nature of volunteering given specific historic, economic and political conjunctures. The findings reveal that contemporary practices of volunteering in Southern Africa are a consequence of poverty, paternalist...

International Journal of Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Development

ABSTRACT This paper is on the place of volunteerism in Social Development of Nigeria. Effort has been made to espouse the concept of volunteerism which came to have a special recognition following the proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly in November 20, 1997 that 2001 he observed as International Year of Volunteers. The characteristics of volunteerism have equally been explained leading to the benefits derivable from it. The social situation existing in Nigeria for and which volunteerism is given special projection has been fully analyzed and the way youths can be enlisted as volunteers to tackle the numerous social problems are fully explained. Keywords: Volunteerism, Social Development, Youth, Unemployment, HIV/AIDS

This research report explores two different models of youth volunteer exchange programmes in the southern and eastern African regions that contribute to development goals and integration. It provides good practices of youth volunteering programming so as to promote these models in the region and elements that can be improved in the program design of similar initiatives. Applying the collaborative inquiry and social engagement techniques embodied in the Social Analysis Systems (SAS2) methodology, the study was a comparative study of Canada World Youth south-to-south Youth Leaders in Action exchange programmes (between South Africa and Mozambique, Kenya and Tanzania) and Southern Africa Trust’s SayXchange programme in South Africa and Mozambique. Three areas of impacts were identified: impacts on volunteers, host communities and host organizations. This research contributes to an emerging body of literature that seeks to address volunteering as a key element to realize the potential o...

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Unicef south africa's volunteer programme aims to improve the lives of children and youth across south africa..

Become a volunteer for every child

UNICEF South Africa’s Volunteer Programme is a new initiative deploying the actions, ideas and power of people to improve the lives of children everywhere. We're building a global network of volunteers that play a crucial role in realising UNICEF's objectives to give every child a chance.

When communities take the time to work together for the benefit of children, the results are real and lasting. Local knowledge and networks — merged with the skills, stories and energy of UNICEF volunteers — creates a powerful combination for change. This combination of people and resources is indispensable in amplifying the impact of our work.

In South Africa, our Volunteer Programme was launched on several university campuses during 2018 and 2019.

Why do we need volunteers?

We engage young people as volunteers to advise UNICEF South Africa on their priorities, their initiatives, and about the role UNICEF could play in making their aspirations and dreams come true.

What does it mean to volunteer with UNICEF?

• A chance to get actively involved in setting the agenda for children and young people in South Africa.
• An excellent opportunity to learn about and help implement national programmes aimed at children and young people's development.
• It is completely voluntary.
• It is not a paid job.

Volunteering opportunities

#onmymind campaign.

The #OnMyMind campaign aims to break the stigma around mental health and to advocate for increased resources to support young people’s mental health.

#OnMyMind aims to empower youth, parents and teachers to speak out and act when they or someone they know needs help. It will foster connection, support and de-stigmatize mental health to encourage decision makers to invest in and act on mental health.

Zwakala campaign

Share the Zwakala campaign assets on your social media accounts and encourage your family and friends to participate in the campaign.

The Zwalaka Campaign aims to foster greater willingness of young people to adhere to COVID-19 prevention measures, by reframing the narrative around precautionary measures from behaviours that keep you and those you love safe from Covid-19.

Join the #TippyTapChallenge!

Join the #TippyTapChallenge and earn Zlto rewards by building a Tippy Tap for households/community without access to running water or where people need it most.

Handwashing with soap is one of our best defences against COVID-19 but not everyone has access to running water. A Tippy Tap is an easy to build hand washing solution and is a great way to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Register the elderly at home and in your community for a COVID-19 vaccine

Youth have an important role in South Africa’s vaccine rollout drive in helping the elderly register for vaccines and ultimately, saving lives.

For many of the elderly, smartphones can be challenging and they need help to register on the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) in order to receive a vaccine. The more people registered and vaccinated, the sooner we can hold our loved ones.

#TakeYourShot

We are looking for photos and videos showing South African youth receiving the vaccine and asking peers to follow suit.

As the 18+ age group can now get the COVID-19 vaccine in South Africa, we look to our volunteers who would want to lead by example. We are looking for photos and videos showing SA youth receiving the vaccine and asking peers to follow suit.

Join the #MythOrVax challenge

TikTok in partnership with ONE, the African Union and UNICEF are launching a trendy campaign to counter-false information.

Joining the challenge Volunteers can counter-false information by joining the quiz which provides factual information in the public domain surrounding vaccination across Southern Africa , Kenya and Nigeria.

My body, my health: my wealth

Informing, inspiring and empowering young people to make healthier choices about their diet and physical activity, as well as their mental health.

Resources for volunteers

Volunteering handbook of UNICEF South Africa

Files available for download (1).

Starting a UNICEF South Africa campus club

U-Report South Africa

Youth advocacy guide.

Peacebuilding Dialogues Production Guide

Reimagine our Future Declaration

UNICEF’s Tippy Tap Challenge - Field demonstration guide

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Imparting life skills and fostering personal development

Young people spend a weekend learning to go ‘Back2Basics’ through sports and facilitation

From waste to livelihoods

‘ReChas’ take recycling to the next level

Healthy eating habits – it’s possible!

Tips on adopting a healthy diet

Let’s talk about obesity and... food marketing

Little healthy habits that can make a big difference

Every child deserves a fair chance – and you can help to make that chance a reality.

Your donation will help UNICEF make a difference to the lives of children in South Africa!

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The Pros & Cons of Volunteering in South Africa

Julia is an avid traveler, lifelong artist, theater geek, interior designer, future author, and o...

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• Sub-Saharan Africa
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For those with an adventurous mind, big heart, and sense of philanthropy, volunteering in South Africa is the perfect combination of thrill and education in any season. Not only do you get invaluable new perspectives, daily feasts that will make even the lions jealous, and a paradisiacal backdrop, but you get to step outside the box and observe firsthand the beautiful circle of daily life.

When you volunteer in South Africa you will be surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountains.

Volunteer programs in South Africa have been around for decades and are rising in popularity every day. That means that volunteers have the safety of working with well-established organizations and experiencing the magic of South Africa during its biggest economic boom in history, all while having the Africa continent’s beauty and adventure at their doorstep.

Sure, it’s not the easiest place in the world to pursue altruistic involvement, but the obstacles just make the satisfaction that much more savory. Plus, the treasures you’ll dig up will outweigh any pesky inconveniences . Zip up your mosquito net, pull up your safari socks, and read forth for the pros and cons of volunteer programs in South Africa. ( And then check out your best options! )

9 pros and cons of South Africa volunteering

1. pro: the views.

Pretty much anywhere you go in South Africa, the landscape will take your breath away. Whether you’re interested in the Sahara, lush jungles, coral reefs, Baobabs, waterfalls, gorges, nature reserves, volcanic valleys, cliffs, beaches, or anything in between, there’s a spot in South Africa that will fill your needs with plenty of ooh and aah . 

As a South Africa volunteer, you will experience the beautiful colors of every mountain and sunset!

With over 20 national parks (including two of the world’s most famous wildlife reserves), South Africa is a playground for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. This also translates to a plethora of animal welfare , conservation , and reforestation volunteer programs in South Africa to preserve the incredible landscape!

2. Con: The airfare

While the price of living in South Africa is low, getting there is another story. Not exactly central or well-connected (although there are an increasing number of direct flights to both Europe and the US), this exotic country is going to have you racking up a lot of sky miles for future trips abroad. 

Volunteers in South Africa should look well in advance for plane tickets, ideally in low season (March) if you have the flexibility. London and Dubai are the most popular layover cities from the States, so check multiple-ticket flights to save a significant amount of money.

On the bright side, keep in mind that this is the biggest expense of the trip! Once in South Africa, you can gorge on all the braai and witblits imaginable for mere cents.

• What you can do: Start a FundMyTravel campaign! It’s the perfect way to bulk up your savings or pay off program fees.

3. Pro: The people

Hospitality seems to be a natural skill in South Africa. Almost any village you set foot in the locals are more than eager to welcome visitors, make friends with the guests, and open their homes and hearts to you.

You won’t feel too far away from home when you choose a volunteer program in South Africa.

Whether this means a long home-cooked dinner or an all-night dance-off, the community’s desire for genuine involvement shines in everything they do. With music and dance such a huge part of South Africa’s religions, the joy for life is loud and vibrates to include both locals and foreigners.

Kick off your shoes, hang up your straw hat, and experience the true gold of Africa in the course of a lazy evening among friends and family.

4. Con: Safety concerns

Although comparatively lesser than a few decades ago, there is still violence in some parts of South Africa. While most of the violence is among ethnic groups or local gangs, it’s best for tourists to practice basic safety precautions, just like anywhere else in the world (e.g. don’t walk by yourself after nightfall, know the areas to avoid when alone, stay alert, keep an eye on valuables, etc.).

Try to understand and research safety issues in South Africa as much as possible prior to departure. South Africa struggles with a lingering misogynistic mentality, so women in particular should stay in groups at night and practice common sense (don’t leave your drinks unattended when out and about, for example).

If these are issues you’re passionate about, consider South Africa volunteer opportunities in youth development and gender issues to spread a greater sense of acceptance and equality.

• What to do: Research safety precautions in the area you’ll be volunteering in, listen to the advice given by your program provider or local friends, and stay up-to-date with news and current events in South Africa.

5. Pro: The population diversity

South Africa is often referred to as the “Rainbow Nation” due to its sheer diversity of skin colors, cultures, and religions. Of its population of 52 million, ethnic groups include Nguni, Sotho, Shangaan-Tsonga, and Venda; white, Indian, and Asian populations are contributing their own threads to the colorful tapestry too.  

It’s an amazing opportunity to make new friends and you’ll be able to learn an immense amount from each other.

With countless ethnicities and 11 official languages (including English!), the variety of sounds, smells, tastes, and opinions experienced while you volunteer in South Africa is a rich basis for cultural exploration. South Africa is a great balance of tradition and modern influence, both impacted by its people and their practices. People like you only solidify the country’s pride in diversity!

6. Con: Potential health concerns

Malaria and certain diarrhoeal diseases are found in South Africa, and there have been recent reports of bubonic plague. We don’t mean to scare you, but those are definitely a few experiences that you don’t want to add to your South Africa volunteering days, right?

To maximize safety, get a thorough check-up before embarking and get up-to-date on all of your vaccinations. While abroad, avoid contact with infected regions if possible (if your volunteer placement is near or in one, you’ll receive plenty of information and cautionary advice!), carry a bottle of mosquito repellent and a net for sleeping, and pay particular attention to the food preparation.

While street food and backyard braais often smell the most delicious, prioritize health over tasty indulgences; be severe with sanitation, wash all food carefully, and drink bottled/filtered water only. If you are particularly interested in the health sector and would like to improve conditions, check out South Africa volunteer programs focused on health care , health education , and medicine !

• What you can do: Talk to your doctor about vaccinations you’ll need for South Africa and bring diarrhea medicine with you...just in case.

7. Pro: Pace of life

One of your best memories of volunteering in South Africa may be the time you spent doing nothing (or what just seems like nothing!). Conversations on the side of the street that last until the shadows lengthen, dinners that extend into nightcaps, public areas filled with sitting men and playing children...the tick of the clock in South Africa is slower than in most of the world.

Volunteering in South Africa means you’ll be able to savor each moment.

It is also more meaningful. There is no stress, rush, urgency, or anxiety to get things done — and yet (eventually), it all gets done. Relationships and simplicity rule the scene, which is great at decluttering the Western mind and opening eyes to the importance of the small moments of life.

8. Con: Pace of life (part 2)

On the other hand, the pace of life might be the source of no small amount of frustration while you volunteer in South Africa. Especially when dealing with bureaucratic matters or transportation, the sporadic opening hours, unorganized public bus routes, and unofficial businesses make getting anything done pretty complicated sometimes.

Things take time (a lot of time), the workers radiate more nonchalance than urgency, and options (for anything) might be limited at times. Stock up on patience and chant hakuna matata under your breath to survive attacks of exasperation. Keep in mind that not all cultures operate with punctuality or what might be your perception of efficiency; things will happen when they happen. Until then, learn the beauty of idle hours.

• Why it’s OK: Values and lifestyles differ around the world, right? That’s part of the beauty of traveling. We all need to slow down sometimes.

9. Pro: The impact

There’s no feeling more satisfying than knowing that your work has actually made a difference, both in your life and the lives of others. While you get the character growth, resume boost, expanded mind, new field knowledge, and plenty of original melodies to sing at work, South Africa gets the best parts of you that you left behind.

The amount of NGOs and volunteer opportunities in South Africa is huge , and they all genuinely need people who care to contribute their time and resources to a wide range of causes. Whether you teach the alphabet to one child or replant an entire forest, the many opportunities for meaningful, satisfying work are more than happy to have an adventurer like you onboard!

Get Matched with 5 South Africa Volunteer Programs for FREE!

Volunteering in south africa will be more than worth it.

You’ll never forget the moments you experience in South Africa.

Africa is predicted to be the next hot spot of the global economy, entertainment, and business fields, with South Africa one of the countries spearheading the movement to greatness. South Africa volunteers get to experience the beauty of ancient traditions while also being part of the wheel of innovation, equality, and opportunity driving the country to the top of various international statistics.

In other words, it’s the best of both worlds: authenticity and new ideas, cheap economy and high-quality products, traditional practices and a more open mind, a need for help and a desire for change. (And if you’re ready to take the plunge, check out these insider tips to volunteering in South Africa before you go!) 

When participating in a volunteer program in South Africa, you’ll help write history and shift the tide toward a brighter future. With a long story of persistence, the fiery spirit of a population eager for growth is the perfect place to plant the seeds of goodness. We ain’t lion — there’s a good reason why South Africa volunteering is the current darling of international philanthropy!

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Internships, group programs, the african impact way, community volunteer programs in africa, want to create impact in the community.

Africa is full of diverse and beautiful people. Unfortunately, as a result of poverty, there are many under-resourced communities in Africa that, on a daily basis, face unavoidable challenges. African Impact seeks to eliminate the majority of these challenges by implementing community based volunteering programs that focus on building a strong and solid foundation for community development in Africa. Create a positive impact on people’s lives, the places you’ll visit and meet like-minded volunteers on one of our community development projects in Africa. Perfectly designed for people who have a combined love for working with people while doing something meaningful, our volunteers get the chance to explore local neighborhoods and work directly with Africans to make an impact.

Community Volunteering Highlights

• Personal Development  — Uncover new skills and industry insights, whilst doing meaningful work on projects to help the community.
• Purpose — Be a part of purposeful work, and learn about the importance of volunteering in community development in Africa.
• Build Relationships — At your volunteer placement, immerse yourself in the culture of the area and build connections with locals.
• Networking — Share new experiences with the African Impact team, a group of committed volunteers based in Africa.
• Stunning Terrains — Whether you’re in East Africa or Southern Africa, you’re always in close proximity to something mesmerizing in the beauty of Africa’s landscape.

Types of Community Impact Projects

Teaching & Childcare

Sports Coaching

Medical and Healthcare

Gender Equality

Browse all community volunteering programs.

Improving the quality of life for those in under-resourced communities is one of the many benefits of volunteering in community development in Africa. Find the volunteer program that is right for you, whether it is to get involved in teaching English , coaching sports or working alongside healthcare professionals . Volunteering in the community through African Impact means you’ll get to discover more about how volunteering makes a difference on community development in Africa.

Community School Volunteer Project in Cape Town

From $900 per week

Sports Coaching Volunteer Project in Cape Town

Public Health & Community Volunteer Project in Zambia

From $1075 per week

Volunteer Teaching Project in Zambia

Female Empowerment Volunteer Project in Zambia

Teaching and Community Support in Zanzibar

Waste Reduction Volunteer Program in Zambia

Christmas Volunteering Project in Zambia

Sports & Community Development Volunteer Project in Zambia

Cape Town Hospice Volunteer Project

Africa highlights, culture & lifestyle.

From South Africa to Kenya, the cultural roots in Africa run deep. There’s an amazing amount to learn if you are open and respectful to these values and beliefs while volunteering. Additionally, life in many African countries moves at a slower pace, it’s a great chance to unwind and experience a different pace of life.

African nations boast over 2000 different languages, each with its own local dialects. This can seem daunting, but it’s all part of the experience. Embrace the unfamiliar and challenge yourself to communicate in new ways. Who knows, you might even learn a new language or a few phrases!

From its rolling hills and verdant forests to its sun-kissed beaches and crystal-clear waters, the continent is a feast for the eyes. A visit to Africa is a chance to experience nature at its finest. The breathtaking beauty of Africa’s landscape is sure to leave a lasting impression. Our volunteer projects in Africa will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional life and witness a side of Africa that few get to see.

Weather & Climate

The weather patterns in Africa are diverse, from the hot and dry climate to the wet and humid equatorial regions. In coastal areas, the average temperatures remain warm throughout the year, while the interior experiences wide temperature variations, with hot summers and cool winters. The unique weather patterns and diverse landscapes of Africa offer something for every traveler.

The continent’s various ecosystems, ranging from savannas and deserts to wetlands and forests, provide habitats for a vast array of species, making it a prime destination for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts. African wildlife is renowned for its incredible diversity and abundance of species. A visit to Africa promises unforgettable experiences and encounters with some of the most awe-inspiring animals on the planet.

Free Time & Adventure Activities

You will work hard as a volunteer, but there will also be time to play hard. You will have your evenings and weekends free to explore all Africa has to offer and there’s no shortage of adventure on this continent! You might join a cultural tour, safari in nearby game reserves, visit historical landmarks, bungee jump over Victoria Falls , abseil down the side of Table Mountain or snorkel in Zanzibar’s coral reefs. Our project teams on the ground will help you book tours upon your arrival, so you can experience it all with your fellow volunteers. There’s so much to experience in Africa – and we can’t wait to share it with you!

Recent Volunteer Reviews

Frequently asked questions.

Every beginning of a new journey into the unknown is a determining factor to the outcome, and with us, you’ll be guided every step of the way! From the get-go, our goal is to offer volunteer community projects in Africa that are unique to your selected placement location and structured around how to cater to the most immediate needs within the region. We make sure we look at the bigger picture, but also have a focus on people, infrastructure and conservation. We carefully select and negotiate with local groups in areas where we believe we can make a sustainable impact on the community.

And that’s only half of the important work we do! In addition to our community volunteer programs, you can also explore tailored divisions of high impact, such as the Girl Impact Initiative . At African Impact, the importance of volunteering never goes unnoticed, and we can attest to the success of responsible volunteering in Africa for more than a decade.

Community development is a holistic approach that encourages growth within a given community, focusing within the areas of empowerment, human rights, inclusion, social justice, self-determination and collective action. At its core, this concept stands by the belief that there should be fair and equal access to health, well-being, wealth, justice and opportunity, for everyone. Ultimately, the combination of community with development aims to uplift people’s living standards in a community, and the end-result of success is dependent on how people work together.

Motivated by sustainable practices, your community development volunteer work will be a part of positive change in areas that lack opportunity for economic and social development in Africa. Here is a list of community development principles we follow at African Impact:

• Identify and address the problem area(s) within the community
• Identify stakeholders, and involve local citizens who are experiencing the problem(s)
• Identify innovative and alternative strategies whilst engaging in community discussion
• Identify resources that can benefit the community
• Implement the new strategies, and track the progress through regular evaluation

At African Impact, we have unlocked how volunteering helps the community through each and every program. If you’re thinking about getting involved, then you’re in the right place! During your stay, you will discover the many ways that you can create action out of your thoughts and ideas. If you’re interested in programs that contribute to things like improving confidence, gaining new skills, meeting new friends, or giving back to charitable causes, then you will experience first-hand how volunteering is not only a benefit to the community, but also to you, the volunteer!

Africa is the second largest continent, covering almost one fifth of the total land surface of the world, which means there are numerous opportunities to explore volunteer destinations in Africa . Here is a list of destinations where we offer community projects in Africa:

• South Africa

The first and most important step would be to read more about the program(s) you are more interested in! Our community volunteer opportunities are known to open doors to a plethora of new knowledge systems, social awareness, self-confidence, as well as creating direct access for you to use your skills and benefit the lives of people who are typically underrepresented.

Apply to one of our community volunteer programs today by selecting a program above! If you can’t decide, don’t worry, we have specialists to help you across all areas, from choosing a destination or impact area to understanding what accommodation suits you. Submit an enquiry now and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

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Teens & High School Volunteer Programs

Teens & High School Volunteer Programs! Teens volunteer programs are an excellent way for teens and high school students under 18 years to do something meaningful, build new interests, to polish their existing skills, meet new people and of course, to learn about other cultures.

Go Volunteer Africa offers some of the most meaningful and life-changing teens and high school volunteering opportunities in Africa. Programs are available throughout the year and Spring break and summer vacations being the most popular travel period.

Go Volunteer Africa teen and high school volunteer programs focus on education, wildlife conservation, childcare, healthcare, HIV/AIDS, agriculture, environmental conservation, construction, community development, women’s empowerment, photography, arts, music and sport programs across Africa.

Regardless of which volunteer program and destination that you choose, you will undoubtedly be making a positive impact on the people and animals to which you dedicate your time, energy, and compassion.

Taking on a volunteering opportunity as a teen or high school student is one of the best ways to experience the outer world and gain confidence as well as other skills that help you with your future endeavors.

Go Volunteer Africa’s teens and high school volunteer projects combine hands-on experience in local communities with free-time spent exploring the surrounding areas and making friends for life.

Alongside the invaluable work done on teen volunteer programs, there is also the chance for cultural and language immersion, skills training, and supervised adventure activities. The main objective our teens volunteer programs and high school adventure holidays in Africa is to help more youth gain the life changing, life affirming experiences that volunteering and responsible tourism can give.

We are committed to enabling skill transfer, enabling projects in Africa to access different skill sets and to helping volunteers realize the value they can add using the skills they hold. Spend your high school vacation doing something worth talking about when school starts again. Choose one of our best volunteer programs for teens and high school students.

RWANDA HIGH SCHOOL VOLUNTEER PROJECTS 

Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda’s stunning scenery and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences in one of the most remarkable countries in Africa. It is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity, with incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest and sweeping plains.

Go Volunteer Africa has a number of unique and challenging volunteer placements in Rwanda for teens and high school students. Whether your passion is sustainable community development, sports & games, education empowerment, Agriculture or women support services, Go Volunteer Africa can offer you an unforgettable experience in Rwanda.  

KENYA TEENS VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 

Kenya is a country in East Africa with coastline on the Indian Ocean. It encompasses savannah, lake lands, the dramatic Great Rift Valley and mountain highlands. It’s also home to wildlife like lions, elephants and rhinos. From Nairobi, the capital, safaris visit the Maasai Mara Reserve, known for its annual wildebeest migrations, and Amboseli National Park, offering views of Tanzania’s 5,895m Mt. Kilimanjaro.

With our teens volunteer programs in Kenya we allow you to discover the wonders of  Kenya, while doing meaningful and rewarding community work. This is a great opportunity to explore life in cultural Kenya and rural  and semi-urban schools, live and work amongst the locals and realize one person can make a difference. 

TANZANIA TEENS VOLUNTEER PROJECTS 

More than almost any other destination, Tanzania is the land of safaris. Wildebeest stampede across the plains. Hippos jostle for space in muddy waterways. Elephants wander along seasonal migration routes and chimpanzees swing through the treetops. 

When you get involved in our teens volunteer projects in Tanzania, you will have the opportunity to try different roles and projects, dependent on your interests. These volunteer projects do not require specialized skills, and we accept participants for both short and long-term placements, all the year round. Volunteers certainly gain an amazing life experience from their participation in our volunteer projects in Tanzania. 

MALAWI HIGH SCHOOL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES 

Apart from the legendary Malawian friendliness, what captures you first about this vivid country is its geographical diversity. Slicing through the landscape in a trough formed by the Great Rift Valley is Africa’s third-largest lake: Lake Malawi, a shimmering mass of clear water, its depths swarming with colourful cichlid fish. Whether for diving, snorkelling, kayaking or chilling out on beaches and desert islands, a visit to the lake is a must.

One of the advantages of our high school volunteer opportunities in Malawi is that you are not limited to one job role and will have the opportunity to ‘sample’ other roles during your placement. To become involved in another projects simply inform a member of staff who will happily make any necessary arrangements. Volunteer work side by side the locals’ on-going community development projects. 

ZANZIBAR TEENS VOLUNTEER HOLIDAYS 

The allure of Zanzibar is timeless. White sands and turquoise waters ring the island, and African, Indian, Arabic and Persian influences intertwine in Stone Town to form a rich cultural backdrop. Whether as post-safari relaxation or as a stand-alone destination, the beaches on Zanzibar’s east coast and around its northern tip offer a quintessential tropical island paradise. 

Through our teens volunteer holidays in Zanzibar, you’ll be working with local people to make their lives better. It might be working with orphans to improve their standard of living, building a community school, or just participate in the community outreaches organized by our Coordinators or helping youth with their ventures. Whatever you do, your input will help to shape communities for the future and improve quality of life. 

UGANDA TEENS VOLUNTEERING PROGRAM

With a tapestry of landscapes, excellent wildlife watching and welcoming locals, Uganda packs a lot into one small country. It’s home to Africa’s tallest mountain range (the Rwenzoris), the source of the Nile, the world’s longest river and the continent’s largest lake. Rafting the Nile offers a world-class adrenaline adventure, but the country’s most iconic experience is tracking mountain gorillas in their misty habitat. And if you view the Big Five, you’ll see that nature – diverse and resplendent – looms large here.

We offer a vast variety of teens volunteering opportunities in Uganda including work with street children, Orphanage volunteering, Women Empowerment, Teaching English, Summer Volunteer Program, and much more. Volunteer work with Go Volunteer Africa gives you a rewarding travel experience that feeds your soul by knowing the Ugandan cultures and different ways of life across Uganda while giving a helping to communities and individuals in need.  

HOW TO APPLY

To start the process fill  Volunteer application form  and submit it for consideration and book your placement. For more information on how to get enrolled for the volunteering experience of a lifetime  contact us .  Or Give us a call | WhatsApp | Telegram | Viber | Imo at  +254-796-786292  to talk to a Program Specialist.

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Importance of Volunteerism Essay

Need to write an essay about volunteering? Community service is a truly hot topic! This argumentative essay about the importance of volunteerism contains everything necessary to inspire you!

Introduction

Importance of volunteering.

It is so disappointing that many people within our societies do not know, understand or value the importance of services in the community by volunteering. Serving society is very important in helping to solve many problems, especially those that have been neglected by the government and other social programs.

Volunteering to serve the community is not only beneficial to the individuals involved, but it is necessary in creating better societies for all. For instance, community members may volunteer to clean up a town near them or feeder roads.

This way, all members benefit by living in a clean environment that is free from illnesses related to sanitation. By cleaning the compounds surrounding them, society members help promote the health of their young ones who are always playing, during which time they can eat anything on the ground which would have otherwise caused them serious infections.

Community work does not always revolve around environmental work, but it is equally important for the fortunate members of society to help those who are less fortunate. Community members may volunteer to offer gifts and other services to help the less fortunate ones.

For example, people may contribute goods such as clothes and food to help the street children who have no homes or take them to children’s homes from where they can be provided for. This way, the members of society will have helped others live a more and better comfortable life.

Especially young children will feel the love that they never got from their parents. This is essential in the growth and development of a child, and the assistance and love they receive from society will surely help them grow to be better adults in society (Landry 1).

Volunteer work in our societies basically involves sharing and friendship through which people can find out what others need so that they can work on assisting them in all ways possible. Through volunteer work, many people’s lives are changed, be it through words or material assistance.

For instance, a community may volunteer to help young people addicted to drugs where they organize meetings with them, and doctors or psychiatrists volunteer to talk to them about the effects of drugs as the community helps them avoid the vise by giving them jobs to keep them busy.

Being responsive to the needs of other people makes us realize and appreciate humanity and spiritual being, as well as feeling good for changing someone’s life. This can even help shy people gain self-esteem. Volunteering in society work helps in promoting and building our social obligations as human beings.

Through community volunteer work, people are able to respect each because they work together without any discrimination. Volunteerism can be thought of as a social capital where everyone is concerned for the well-being of others. It also helps create trust and confidence between society members and brings society together (McHenry 1).

A society where people volunteer and work together always faces fewer problems since all the members tend to get along well and support each when they are in need.

The security of society is also improved, especially through the rehabilitation of street children and drug addicts who are more likely to cause insecurity in society. By supporting each other, society members can live in harmony and be happier than those societies that do not work together.

Importance of Volunteering: FAQ

• What Is Volunteer Work? Volunteering is unpaid work done by a person to benefit the community. In other words, volunteering means that someone is giving their time to help an individual, a group of people, or a non-profit organization.
• Why Is Volunteerism Important? Volunteer work develops and improves the community. Besides, it is helpful for the one who deals with it. Volunteering can improve one’s mental health, reduce stress, and give meaning to their life.
• How Does Volunteerism Benefit the Community? Volunteering is related to the need for people to participate in their community and be important to others. Imbued with such values as reciprocity, solidarity, and mutual trust, it significantly improves the quality of life.

Works Cited

Landry, L. “The importance of volunteering.” 2002. Web.

McHenry, W. “ The Importance of Community Service . ” 2000. Web.

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IvyPanda. (2023, October 29). Importance of Volunteerism Essay. https://ivypanda.com/essays/importance-of-volunteerism/

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IvyPanda . 2023. "Importance of Volunteerism Essay." October 29, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/importance-of-volunteerism/.

1. IvyPanda . "Importance of Volunteerism Essay." October 29, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/importance-of-volunteerism/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Importance of Volunteerism Essay." October 29, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/importance-of-volunteerism/.

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