Teaching English & Community Support in Zanzibar
VOLUNTEER
TEACHING
Uplift the Community with English Lessons for Adults & Children
Poverty and a lack of qualified teachers have resulted in a great need for increased levels of education in rural Zanzibar. Students are unable to achieve basic educational requirements for higher level education and career development. African Impact supports local schools in providing free, structured, interactive, and creative English and Maths classes in the village of Jambiani. This teaching project provides classes to all levels of students, of any age and gender.
Prepare to be swept away by Zanzibar, an island paradise nestled off the coast of Tanzania, where mesmerising landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture intertwine to create an unforgettable adventure. Immerse yourself in the heart of this captivating destination, where teaching and community support seamlessly blend with personal growth and unforgettable experiences. Your daily commute as a volunteer will involve a stroll (or cycle) along the beautiful island beaches.
Project highlights
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Nursery Schools
Promote positive early childhood development and ignite young minds.
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Tropical Paradise
Live in a tropical setting of white sands, crystal clear waters and dolphins.
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Adult Classes
Teach English to local adults and empower them to find employment.
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Community Integration
Become part of a welcoming beach community, experiencing local life and culture.
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Develop Educational Facilities
Help improve the learning environment for children in the community.
Available: May – Oct
Duration: 2 Weeks+
Price From £1,560 This cost covers your accommodation, meals, project fees, transfers, 24/7 support and in-country orientation.
Project impact areas
Here’s how you will create significant impact through the Teaching & Community Support project in Zanzibar.
TEACHING
Teach in local schools
Working alongside experienced local teachers to create vibrant and engaging learning environments, your expertise will be instrumental in developing their English vocabulary, handwriting skills, and teamwork abilities, while fostering essential motor skills and nurturing their artistic talents. If you are looking for an introduction to teaching or want to get some real life experience on your resumé then this is what you’ve been looking for.
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals
1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Quality education
4. Gender equality
TEACHING
Adult classes
As a teaching volunteer in Zanzibar, you’ll become an integral part of our English language program, crafting engaging lessons that cater to all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced speakers. With tourism offering the highest job potential in Zanzibar, we teach English and provide adults with skills for employment in the sector. This initiative aims to reduce poverty, improve education, empower youth, address gender inequality, and promote environmental responsibility. This is more than volunteering; it’s an unforgettable journey of shared learning, cultural exchange, and lasting impact.
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals
1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Quality education
4. Gender equality
COMMUNITY
Beyond the classroom
We work closely with the local community meaning there are opportunities outside the academics of education. Volunteers actively participate in community programmes within the village. This includes assisting with repairs and maintenance at local schools and African Impact’s community education centre. By improving educational facilities, volunteers help create a better learning environment for students and support the community’s long-term development goals.
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals
1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Quality education
4. Gender equality
Example Daily Schedule
Monday - Friday
Morning
07:45 – 11:00
Teaching at Local Schools
11:00 – 12.00
Free time
Lunch
12:00 – 12:30
Afternoon
12:30 – 13:00
Preparation for Afternoon Activities
13:30 – 16:00
Community Development Activities (Dependent on Community Needs)
Dinner
18:30 – 19:00
Evening
19:00 – 21:00
Free time, games night or movie night
Accommodation & Meals
Jambiani, Zanzibar
Your home away from home in Zanzibar is a secure modern beachfront property with comfortable shared facilities.
Volunteers will stay in gender-specific rooms, with a maximum of four people per room. Each room includes bunk beds, a private bathroom, linens, mosquito nets, a ceiling fan, and air conditioning. The property also features a pool and social areas, plus a dedicated Project Room and office space.
Zanzibar is a melting pot of cultures and flavours, offering one of Africa’s richest and most diverse culinary scenes, shaped by centuries of trading and migration. The seafood is incredibly fresh and delicious, but there are also plenty of options for non-seafood eaters. Local favourites include Zanzibar pizza (more like a savoury crepe), biryani, pilau, mishkaki (meat skewers), and mandazi (Swahili doughnuts). A local chef will prepare fresh meals for you every weekday!
Life at the Base
Jambiana, Zanzibar
Picture yourself amidst the turquoise waters and endless white-sand beaches of this East African gem. Our base in Zanzibar is located in the heart of Jambiani, a picturesque fishing village on the island’s southeastern coast. We’re all about embracing island life, and each week we spend an evening with a local family so you get to taste the real Zanzibar; just imagine incredible homemade dishes after a day of teaching in the community!
On the weekends, you can try your hand at kitesurfing, scuba diving and snorkelling on the coral reefs that are teeming with marine life, sea fishing or just a leisurely boat trip on one of the local Dhow boats which dot the horizon each evening.
SIM cards can be purchased from most shops or at the airport with various packages allowing for phone calls and/or data usage. Our accommodation offers free WiFi that enables you to make contact with home. Power and electricity supply can be intermittent in Zanzibar and its surrounds so do bring your power banks and embrace patience if you encounter an outage. TIP: Ensure your cellphone is enabled to allow for a foreign SIM card if you intend to use one.
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.
Amir, our Teaching and Community Development Coordinator, hails from Jambiani, the very community in Zanzibar where we operate. His journey exemplifies the success of our teaching project – over a decade ago, he was a student in our adult English program. After a career in professional football, Amir transitioned to the development sector, working as an English teacher and project manager.
In February 2023, he joined our team as the leader of our teaching initiatives. Since then, Amir has been an inspiration to both our students and volunteers, embodying the transformative power of education and community engagement.
At our Zanzibar base, safety is paramount in every aspect of our operations. On land, we prioritize sun protection and hydration, especially during outdoor activities. When engaging with local communities, we strictly follow child protection policies and emphasize respect for local customs. Transportation safety extends to our bicycle program, with predetermined safe routes and provided safety gear.
Our base is secured by 24/7 patrols, and our staff undergo continuous safety training. We conduct regular risk assessments, maintain a live incident reporting system, and have crisis management teams ready for any eventuality. Fire safety, evacuation plans, and emergency communication systems are in place. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a thorough safety induction to ensure you’re well-prepared for your volunteer experience.
Project Destination
Picture yourself amidst the turquoise waters and endless white-sand beaches of this East African gem. Our base in Zanzibar is located in the heart of Jambiani, a picturesque fishing village on the island’s southeastern coast. We’re all about embracing island life, and each week we spend an evening with a local family so you get to taste the real Zanzibar; just imagine incredible homemade dishes after a day of teaching in the community!
On the weekends, you can try your hand at kitesurfing, scuba diving and snorkelling on the coral reefs that are teeming with marine life, sea fishing or just a leisurely boat trip on one of the local Dhow boats which dot the horizon each evening.
Communication
SIM cards can be purchased from most shops or at the airport with various packages allowing for phone calls and/or data usage. Our accommodation offers free WiFi that enables you to make contact with home. Power and electricity supply can be intermittent in Zanzibar and its surrounds so do bring your power banks and embrace patience if you encounter an outage. TIP: Ensure your cellphone is enabled to allow for a foreign SIM card if you intend to use one.
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.
Staff
Amir, our Teaching and Community Development Coordinator, hails from Jambiani, the very community in Zanzibar where we operate. His journey exemplifies the success of our teaching project – over a decade ago, he was a student in our adult English program. After a career in professional football, Amir transitioned to the development sector, working as an English teacher and project manager.
In February 2023, he joined our team as the leader of our teaching initiatives. Since then, Amir has been an inspiration to both our students and volunteers, embodying the transformative power of education and community engagement.
Safety
At our Zanzibar base, safety is paramount in every aspect of our operations. On land, we prioritize sun protection and hydration, especially during outdoor activities. When engaging with local communities, we strictly follow child protection policies and emphasize respect for local customs. Transportation safety extends to our bicycle program, with predetermined safe routes and provided safety gear.
Our base is secured by 24/7 patrols, and our staff undergo continuous safety training. We conduct regular risk assessments, maintain a live incident reporting system, and have crisis management teams ready for any eventuality. Fire safety, evacuation plans, and emergency communication systems are in place. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a thorough safety induction to ensure you’re well-prepared for your volunteer experience.
...the joy of making a real impact...
“Working with both the children and adults in this wonderful community has been incredibly rewarding – their enthusiasm for learning and genuine kindness are heartening. What sets this experience apart is not just the meaningful work within the project but also the exceptional staff who have made this journey seamless.”
Katie McNutt, 21, Scotland
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
Requirements
- The minimum age to join this project is 18 years old
- The minimum stay for this project is 2 weeks
Award-winning Volunteer and Internship Projects Since 2004
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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!
