Teaching English & Community Support in Zanzibar
VOLUNTEER
TEACHING
Classrooms, community, and island life
Spend your days in colourful classrooms and your afternoons by the ocean in the coastal village of Jambiani, where volunteering fits naturally into daily life. Your role supports local teachers by making English lessons more engaging and accessible, helping both children and adults build confidence using the language in practical situations.
Your days follow an easy rhythm of lessons, time by the ocean, shared meals, and getting to know the area beyond the tourist spots. Evenings and weekends leave space to swim, explore the island, and enjoy the slower pace of coastal life.
Project highlights
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Spend mornings in nursery classrooms
Songs, games and creative lessons keep young learners engaged.
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Lead practical English lessons with adults
Help students practise speaking, reading, writing, and communication skills.
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Immerse yourself in a community
Become part of a small and welcoming community.
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Relax on the beach and explore the island
Swim, try local food, and enjoy free time after teaching.
Available: May – Oct
Duration: 2 Weeks+
Price From $1,950 This cost covers your accommodation, meals, project fees, transfers, 24/7 support and in-country orientation.
What you’ll do as a volunteer
This project blends classroom support, practical teaching, and involvement in everyday community life. You’ll work alongside local educators while learning how education connects to confidence, independence, and long-term opportunity.
COMMUNITY
Foundations for Early Learning at Nursery Schools
Your mornings are spent in local nursery schools supporting young children at the start of their learning journey. Lessons are active and creative, using songs, games, crafts, and movement to introduce basic English vocabulary in ways children can understand and enjoy. Alongside language learning, you’ll help encourage positive daily habits such as hand washing, tooth brushing, and keeping spaces clean. These routines are woven into school activities and help build confidence, structure, and well-being for young learners. You’ll work with guidance from local teachers, supporting rather than replacing them, and helping create a classroom environment where learning feels fun and accessible.
U.N. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Quality Education | No Poverty | Good Health & Wellbeing
Quality Education | No Poverty | Good Health & Wellbeing
COMMUNITY
Building Opportunities Through English for Adults
Afternoons focus on adult education. Many learners join classes to improve employment prospects, especially in tourism and hospitality, where English is often essential. You’ll help deliver structured lessons following a clear curriculum that covers grammar, reading, writing, and speaking. Sessions are practical and discussion-based, often centred around real-life situations like job interviews, customer service, or everyday communication. Adult learners are typically highly motivated, and classes often become lively, collaborative spaces where everyone learns together.
U.N. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Quality Education | No Poverty | Good Health & Wellbeing
Quality Education | No Poverty | Good Health & Wellbeing
COMMUNITY
Community Life & Local Projects
Beyond the classroom, you’ll take part in wider community initiatives that support local priorities. This could include school improvement activities, clean-ups, or creative projects that improve shared spaces. You’ll also experience community life in simple, everyday ways – greeting students outside school, walking through the village to work, and sharing meals or conversations with local teachers. Once a week, volunteers are invited to dinner at a local teacher’s home, offering insight into daily life while supporting household income. These moments give context to your work, helping you understand how education fits into family life, culture, and opportunity.
U.N. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Quality Education | No Poverty | Good Health & Wellbeing
Quality Education | No Poverty | Good Health & Wellbeing
What You'll Take Home
Why This Project Suits You
This education volunteer program is a practical teaching experience for people who want to understand how education can shape confidence and opportunity, and who are curious about everyday life in a coastal community. It suits patient, open-minded volunteers who enjoy working with people of different ages and backgrounds. You don’t need teaching experience; you’ll be guided along the way by expert local educators.
Throughout this volunteering experience, you’ll gain:
Classroom experience working with children and adult learners
Communication skills across age groups and cultures
Confidence in leading activities and supporting learning
A clearer understanding of how education links to opportunity
Shared experiences and friendships built through daily teamwork
Example Weekly Schedule
Monday
Breakfast
06:30 – 07:30
Morning
08:00 – 09:00 | General Induction
An introduction to Zanzibar and your accommodation, guidelines on living with the local community, and a safety briefing
09:30 – 10.30 | Teaching Induction
In-depth look at the project, covering goals and daily schedules. This includes a handover for the lessons prepared for that week.
10:30 – 12.00 | Jambiani Village Tour
Embark on a tour of the local village, discover important shops and landmarks in your beautiful new home. Volunteers are be able to get sim cards, and meet some of the local community members.
Lunch
12:30 – 13:30
Afternoon
14:00 – 15:30 | Adult English Classes
Join African Impact staff and volunteers in our Community Center to observe your first lessons for adults. Feel free to get as involved as you feel comfortable with, you can observe or jump right in.
15:30 – 16:30 | Extra Adult Classes
After your regular English lessons, you’ll help organise additional writing or speaking classes open to all levels, giving students extra time to practice. If you speak other languages, you may also lead classes in those languages.
16:30 – 18:30 | Free Time
Head into town, enjoy a swim in the pool or simply relax on the beach before dinner.
Dinner
18:30 – 19:00
Evening
19:00 – 20:00 | Monday Night Meeting
Meet and greet with new and old volunteers, sharing our highs and lows if the past week and looking over the week’s schedule.
20:00 | Free Time
Tuesday
Breakfast
06:30 – 07:30
Morning
08:00 – 12:00 | Teaching at Kikadini Nursery School
Join African Impact staff and volunteers at your first nursery school lessons. Feel free to get as involved as you feel comfortable with.
Lunch
12:30 – 13:00
Afternoon
13:00 – 14:00 | Swahili Language Lesson
Twice a week, you’ll have a short 20-minute Swahili lesson to help you communicate more easily with your students and the local community, and learn more about Zanzibari culture along the way.
14:00 – 15:30 | Adult English Classes
Join African Impact staff and volunteers and head to our Community Center to conduct English lessons for your adult students. Tuesdays are typically centered around reading practice, and the students are separated into different groups depending on their English level.
15:30 – 16:30 | Extra Adult Classes
After your regular English lessons, you’ll help organise additional writing or speaking classes open to all levels, giving students extra time to practice. If you speak other languages, you may also lead classes in those languages.
16:30 – 17:30 | Maasai Presentation
The Maasai people are known for their rich cultural heritage and distinctive way of life, which they have preserved over centuries despite modern influences. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about their traditions and lifestyle, as well as joining in the traditional “Adamu” jumping dance.
Dinner
18:30 – 19:30
Evening
19:30 | Free Time
Relax and spend time with your fellow volunteers before heading off to bed.
Wednesday
Breakfast
06:30 – 07:30
Morning
08:00 – 09:30 | Teaching at Sirajatil School
Join African Impact staff and volunteers for nursery class lessons. Follow the lesson plan, which includes tooth-brushing routines, singing songs, introducing new English words and engaging in fun activities.
09:30 – 12:30 | Nursery Classes Preparation
Head back to the base to work on lesson plans for the nursery classes you’ll be teaching, with support from the African Impact staff and your fellow volunteers.
Lunch
12:30 – 13:00
Afternoon
14:00 – 15:30 | Adult English Classes
Join African Impact staff and volunteers and head to our Community Center to conduct English lessons for your adult students. Wednesdays are typically centered around writing practice, and the students are separated into different groups depending on their English level.
15:30 – 16:30 | Extra Adult Classes
After your regular English lessons, you’ll help organise additional writing or speaking classes open to all levels, giving students extra time to practice. If you speak other languages, you may also lead classes in those languages.
Dinner
17:30 – 19:00 | Local Dining Experience
Enjoy a unique opportunity to visit a local home at get a behind the scenes look at traditional life in Jambiani. Become familiar with local traditions, like removing your shoes before entering the home and enjoying a delicious Swahili meal, eaten with your right hand as is customary.
Evening
19:30 | Free Time
Enjoy down-time, relaxing with your fellow volunteers and new friends before heading to bed.
Thursday
Breakfast
06:30 – 07:00
Morning
08:00 – 09:30 | Teaching at Mwendawima Nursery School
Join African Impact staff and volunteers at your first nursery school for the day. You’ll follow the prepared lesson plan, or occasionally teach a sports class.
09:30 – 12:00 | Teaching at Kikadini Nursery School
Join African Impact staff and your fellow volunteers at your second nursery school for the day, continuing with the same lesson plan as the previous class. You will also occasionally host a sports class.
Lunch
12:30 – 13:00
Afternoon
13:00 – 13:30 | Swahili Language Lesson
Twice a week, you’ll have a short 20-minute Swahili lesson to help you communicate more easily with your students and the local community, and learn more about Zanzibari culture along the way.
14:00 – 15:30 | Adult English Classes
Join African Impact staff and volunteers and head to our Community Center to conduct English lessons for your adult students. Wednesdays are typically centered around speaking and conversation practice, and the students are separated into different groups depending on their English level.
15:30 – 16:30 | Extra Adult Classes
After your regular English lessons, you’ll help organise additional writing or speaking classes open to all levels, giving students extra time to practice. If you speak other languages, you may also lead classes in those languages.
16:30 – 18:30 | Free Time
Head into town, enjoy a swim in the pool or simply relax on the beach before dinner.
Dinner
18:30 – 19:30
Evening
19:30 | Activity Night or Free Time
Enjoy a quiz night, games night or a movie with your fellow volunteers or get some down-time before heading to bed.
Friday
Breakfast
06:30 – 07:30
Morning
08:00 – 11:30 | Adult Class Preparation
Work on the lesson plans for the Adult English classes you’ll be teaching next week, with support from the African Impact staff and your fellow volunteers.
Lunch
12:30 – 13:30
Afternoon
13:30 – 15:00 | Community Project
Join the Marine team for a combined community project. This project varies every week, but is usually painting a local school or organising a beach/town clean up.
15:00 – 18:30 | Free Time
Take some time to explore the area, visit the beach, head into town or relax by the pool.
Dinner
18:30 – 19:30
Evening
19:30 | Free Time
Enjoy your Friday evening with your fellow volunteers.
Project Location
Jambiani, Zanzibar
Island Life on the Indian Ocean
The project is based in Jambiani, a coastal village on Zanzibar’s southeast shore. Life here follows the rhythm of the ocean: – early mornings, slower afternoons, and evenings spent along the beach as the day cools down. It’s a place where local life continues alongside volunteering, giving you a grounded sense of daily routines. In your free time, Zanzibar offers plenty to explore without feeling rushed.
Popular weekend activities include:
- Exploring Stone Town’s markets, history, and food
- Snorkelling or diving on nearby reefs
- Visiting spice farms or villages inland
- Trying kitesurfing or paddleboarding
- Relaxing on pristine beaches or sandbanks
Accommodation
Your Volunteer Home in Jambiani
You’ll stay in shared accommodation in the coastal village of Jambiani, just steps from the beach. African Impact is well established within the community, so you’ll feel right at home from the moment you arrive. The beach, local shops, schools, and football pitches are all nearby, making it easy to balance volunteering with downtime and the relaxed “pole pole” island lifestyle
Our accommodation offers everything you’ll need for a comfortable volunteering experience. You’ll stay in air-conditioned, en-suite shared rooms with a maximum of three other volunteers. Linens, mosquito nets, and fans are all provided. There are several communal spaces that give you room to relax, study, or spend time with your fellow volunteers. This setup encourages a strong team dynamic while still allowing space to unwind.
On weekdays, three meals a day will be freshly prepared for you by our local chefs. Expect fresh, filling dishes influenced by Swahili and East African cuisine, with an emphasis on rice, vegetables, fish, and seasonal ingredients. Dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with advance notice. Weekends are often a chance to eat out locally, or explore nearby cafés and beach restaurants.
Wi-Fi is available at the accommodation, though please note that internet speeds can vary. Local SIM cards with data are inexpensive and widely used by volunteers. Power outages can occur occasionally (this is part of island life) so flexibility and preparation are encouraged. (A tip; ensure your cellphone is enabled to allow for a foreign SIM card if you intend to use one.)
You’ll be supported by an experienced team who manage day-to-day operations, training, and safety. They provide orientation on arrival, guide project activities, and are available throughout your stay for support and advice. The team also helps bridge cultural understanding and ensures the project aligns with local conservation priorities. For your teaching work, you’ll be supported by a team of local teachers, who have all experienced firsthand what kind of opportunities learning English can create. They are passionate educators and fully TEFL-certified.
Volunteer safety is a priority. You’ll receive a full induction covering marine safety, health precautions, and emergency procedures. When engaging with local communities, we strictly follow child protection policies and emphasize respect for local customs. Our accommodation has 24/7 security, and all staff are trained in first aid, and emergency support is available if needed. Transportation safety extends to our bicycle program, with predetermined safe routes and provided safety gear. In other words, you’ll be in good hands!
Accommodation
You’ll stay in shared accommodation in the coastal village of Jambiani, just steps from the beach. African Impact is well established within the community, so you’ll feel right at home from the moment you arrive. The beach, local shops, schools, and football pitches are all nearby, making it easy to balance volunteering with downtime and the relaxed “pole pole” island lifestyle.
Our accommodation offers everything you’ll need for a comfortable volunteering experience. You’ll stay in air-conditioned, en-suite shared rooms with a maximum of three other volunteers. Linens, mosquito nets, and fans are all provided. There are several communal spaces that give you room to relax, study, or spend time with your fellow volunteers. This setup encourages a strong team dynamic while still allowing space to unwind.
The Meals
On weekdays, three meals a day will be freshly prepared for you by our local chefs. Expect fresh, filling dishes influenced by Swahili and East African cuisine, with an emphasis on rice, vegetables, fish, and seasonal ingredients. Dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with advance notice. Weekends are often a chance to eat out locally, or explore nearby cafés and beach restaurants.
Support Team
You’ll be supported by an experienced team who manage day-to-day operations, training, and safety. They provide orientation on arrival, guide project activities, and are available throughout your stay for support and advice. The team also helps bridge cultural understanding and ensures the project aligns with local conservation priorities. For your teaching work, you’ll be supported by a team of local teachers, who have all experienced firsthand what kind of opportunities learning English can create. They are passionate educators and fully TEFL-certified.
Safety
Volunteer safety is a priority. You’ll receive a full induction covering marine safety, health precautions, and emergency procedures. When engaging with local communities, we strictly follow child protection policies and emphasize respect for local customs. Our accommodation has 24/7 security, and all staff are trained in first aid, and emergency support is available if needed. Transportation safety extends to our bicycle program, with predetermined safe routes and provided safety gear. In other words, you’ll be in good hands!
Connectivity
Wi-Fi is available at the accommodation, though please note that internet speeds can vary. Local SIM cards with data are inexpensive and widely used by volunteers. Power outages can occur occasionally (this is part of island life) so flexibility and preparation are encouraged. (A tip; ensure your cellphone is enabled to allow for a foreign SIM card if you intend to use one.)
Pricing
Rates
| Duration | Program Fee |
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $1,950 ($975 per week) |
| 3 weeks | $2,600 ($867 per week) |
| 4 weeks | $3,250 ($813 per week) |
| 5 weeks | $3,900 ($780 per week) |
| 6 weeks | $4,550 ($759 per week) |
| 8 weeks | $5,850 ($732 per week) |
| 10 weeks | $7,150 ($715 per week) |
| 12 weeks | $8,450 ($705 per week) |
| 2 weeks | £1,560 (£780 per week) |
| 3 weeks | £2,080 (£694 per week) |
| 4 weeks | £2,600 (£650 per week) |
| 5 weeks | £3,120 (£624 per week) |
| 6 weeks | £3,640 (£607 per week) |
| 8 weeks | £4,680 (£585 per week) |
| 10 weeks | £5,720 (£572 per week) |
| 12 weeks | £6,760 (£564 per week) |
| 2 weeks | €1,794 (€897 per week) |
| 3 weeks | €2,392 (€798 per week) |
| 4 weeks | €2,990 (€748 per week) |
| 5 weeks | €3,588 (€718 per week) |
| 6 weeks | €4,186 (€698 per week) |
| 8 weeks | €5,382 (€673 per week) |
| 10 weeks | €6,578 (€658 per week) |
| 12 weeks | €7,774 (€648 per week) |
| 2 weeks | $2,886 ($1,443 per week) |
| 3 weeks | $3,848 ($1,283 per week) |
| 4 weeks | $4,810 ($1,203 per week) |
| 5 weeks | $5,772 ($1,155 per week) |
| 6 weeks | $6,734 ($1,123 per week) |
| 8 weeks | $8,658 ($1,083 per week) |
| 10 weeks | $10,582 ($1,059 per week) |
| 12 weeks | $12,506 ($1,043 per week) |
Inclusions
- Backpacker style accommodation with swimming pool
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner (Mon - Fri)
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- All project transport, equipment and resources
- Support from experienced local and international African Impact staff
- Full orientation for responsible project contribution
Exclusions
- Flights
- Visas
- Mandatory travel insurance
- Weekend tours
- Personal expenses
Flights & Arrivals
Fly in to at Abeid Amani Karume (Zanzibar) International Airport (ZNZ) on your start date – always a Monday. We offer two convenient transfers – a morning transfer at 11am and an evening transfer at 5pm. Look for the African Impact sign, and our friendly team will be there to greet you with a warm welcome! Your pre-departure pack will contain important contacts numbers of our team in Zanzibar should you need to get hold of them directly.
Requirements
- The minimum age to join this project is 18 years old
- The minimum stay for this project is 2 weeks
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Volunteering in Africa means travelling with purpose- joining meaningful community or conservation projects, where you pay to cover your stay and project costs, turning your trip into an immersive, impactful experience rather than a traditional holiday.
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Project faqs
What’s it actually like to be a volunteer in Zanzibar?
While volunteering does involve contributing your time and skills, it’s also an incredible opportunity to explore Zanzibar and immerse yourself in the local culture. You’ll get to travel, meet new people, learn new things, and have amazing experiences all while making a positive impact. Think of it as an adventure with a purpose!
Is it safe to volunteer in Zanzibar?
If you’re wondering if safety is something you should prepare for, or if things like language barriers and cultural differences are a concern, don’t worry! We’ll provide pre-departure training, on-site support, and guidance on navigating safety concerns as well as language and cultural differences. Don’t let these concerns hold you back – volunteering with African Impact in Zanzibar comes with comprehensive support to ensure a safe and rewarding experience!
What kind of impact can I really make volunteering in Africa?
Your contribution, no matter how small it seems, can have a powerful impact on individuals and communities. Volunteering isn’t just about grand gestures; it’s about connecting with people, sharing your skills, and offering support where it’s needed.
Do I need to have any childcare or teaching experience?
No, volunteers don’t need to have any previous education or teaching experience to join. Before you begin your teaching program, you’ll go through an intensive training program with the local African Impact staff. This training program is an excellent opportunity for volunteers worldwide to connect before starting their project and learn all the information they’ll need to know to teach English in Africa.
Our favourite weekend activities in Zanzibar
Explore the vibrant markets and restaurants around the island on weekends. From forest walks to traditional safaris, kite surfing to spice markets, make the most of your free weekend time whilst in Zanzibar!
