SPORTS & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT VOLUNTEERING IN ZAMBIA

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Home | Sports Volunteering Program in Zambia
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Impact:
Sports
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Destination:
Livingstone, Zambia
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Duration:
10 Days+
Rates icon
Rates: From $1,260 per week
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SDG’s:
SDG 3 logoSDG 5 logo

Facilitate Sports Lessons that Build Confidence in Youth

Sports enthusiasts, here’s your chance to make a difference! Rural Zambian school children lack physical education in their curriculum, missing out on the joys and benefits of active play. As a sports volunteer in Zambia, you can fill this gap by introducing engaging activities that promote teamwork, boost self-confidence, and instil a love for exercise.

Your role will be crucial in fostering both mental and physical well-being among these children. By leading fun and interactive sports sessions, you’ll help develop essential life skills and potentially transform futures. This opportunity allows you to share your passion for sports while making a lasting impact on young lives, witnessing firsthand the positive changes that come from introducing physical activity into their daily routines.

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Project Highlights

Here are some top highlights from this project.

SPORTS CLASS DESIGN

Create innovative sports classes, including games and fitness challenges.

AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS

Use your skills to assist with various after-school clubs and programs.

DYNAMIC PE SESSIONS

Assist local coaches and inspire young minds.

ORGANIZE ACTIVITIES

Set up games, obstacle courses, and coach sports like football and hockey.

EMPOWER ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

Bring fresh ideas to help children enjoy physical activity.

DYNAMIC PE SESSIONS

Assist local coaches and inspire young minds.

SPORTS CLASS DESIGN

Create innovative sports classes, including games and fitness challenges.

AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS

Use your skills to assist with various after-school clubs and programs.

ORGANIZE ACTIVITIES

Set up games, obstacle courses, and coach sports like football and hockey.

EMPOWER ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

Bring fresh ideas to help children enjoy physical activity.

Project Destination

Livingstone is a vibrant, soulful town with a friendly atmosphere. It is known as the adventure capital of Africa, situated close to Victoria Falls. Adventure isn’t all that awaits sports volunteers in Zambia – Livingstone’s heart beats with the rhythm of a rich culture and history. Enjoy dinner overlooking the Zambezi river and take in the most spectacular sunsets you’ve ever seen.

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Project Impact Areas

Here’s how you will create significant impact through the Sports Volunteering Program in Zambia.

Physical Education (PE) Lessons

You’ll work as a sports volunteer across a number of different community schools, leading engaging classes, introducing new games, and crafting innovative lessons that blend theory and practice, fostering deeper understanding and skill development. These sports coaching sessions will be your opportunity to unleash your creativity and initiative, perhaps relating them to exciting events like the Olympics or sharing your expertise in a specific sport.

UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

SDG 3 logoSDG 5 logo

After-School & Holiday Clubs

Join other community volunteers in Livingstone in running after-school and holiday clubs school vacations, offering a safe environment for students to catch up on learning and have fun. Combine educational lessons with recreational activities, emphasizing healthy lifestyles. You’ll lead 2-hour sessions that cater to around 20 students, giving you the change to transform important education, health and safety topics into engaging, interactive lessons. We encourage your unique insights and welcome suggestions for new topics to explore!

UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

SDG 3 logoSDG 5 logo

Sports Education

If you have any particular sports and outdoor hobbies you would like to share, we would love to try and accommodate them! The children at the schools are always keen to learn new activities. We can set up a class for you to teach netball, yoga, athletics, cricket, baseball, or whatever your interest is during your time as a sports volunteer in Zambia. Equipment is very difficult to come by, so please keep that in mind; if you are able to acquire donated sporting equipment, the community will greatly appreciate it.

UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

SDG 3 logoSDG 5 logo

Important Logistics and Ground Support

Everything you need to know about this project in one place!

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Flights & Arrivals

Arrive at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula (Livingstone) International Airport (LVI) on your Monday start date, landing between 9am and 6pm in order to make the complimentary transfer service. Look for the African Impact sign – a friendly face will be there to welcome you!

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Location

Our base in situated in the heart of Livingstone. You will be staying in a comfortable, private house within the vibrant Victoria Falls Backpackers. Volunteers have access to all facilities, including a dining area, bar, swimming pool, and rock-climbing wall. The Backpackers is just a 5-minute walk from Livingstone’s town centre, with grocery stores, cafes, bars, and restaurants.

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Accommodation

All African Impact volunteers stay in a comfortable, private house located within the vibrant Victoria Falls Backpackers. Volunteers will have access to all the facilities, including a spacious dining area, bar, swimming pool, and even a rock-climbing wall! ​

The backpackers is conveniently located a short 5-minute walk away from the town centre of Livingstone, where you’ll find grocery stores, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Bedrooms sleep 4-8 people, with bunk beds in each room, and there are shared bathrooms with hot water showers.

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Meals

As an iconic tourist destination, Livingstone and its surrounds cater to international guests with a wide variety of food options. Enjoy authentic stews, local beers and of course – an open flame braai (barbeque). All of our projects cater for vegetarians, vegans and various food group intolerances with sufficient notice.

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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 Livingstone 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.

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Climate

Zambia is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, located to the east of Angola. There are two main climate seasons that affect the weather in Zambia, the rainy season (November to April), which is equivalent to summer, and the dry season (May or June to October or November), which corresponds to winter. The dry season is subdivided into the cool dry season (May/June to August) and the hot dry season (September to October/November).

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Staff

Our brilliant African Impact team, led by Base Manager Sander, will look after you during your time with us! Whichever project you choose, you’ll get to know everyone incredibly well both out on project and around the base. Our crew of changemakers are waiting to welcome you to Livingstone!

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Safety

Our projects are committed to safeguarding our volunteers, staff, the communities we work in, and the environment. Our base has outsourced security staff patrolling 24/7, and our team is trained in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) competencies. The base is equipped with fire safety equipment and evacuation plans. All vehicles are well-maintained, and our licensed drivers know safe routes in the townships, where projects occur in enclosed venues. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is provided for healthcare, litter collection, and construction projects, and working at heights or with power tools is prohibited. We have comprehensive policies, including child protection, to protect all participants. Upon arrival, trained staff will induct you on our policies, procedures, and code of conduct to ensure your safety and awareness.

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Our favourite weekend activities in Zambia

Africa’s adventure capital offers no shortage of ways to spend your weekends as a volunteer. There’s something for everyone – from the adrenaline junkie to culturally intrigued traveller.

Wildlife up close!

Safari Time

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offers a convenient safari where you can spot elephants, zebras and more, against beautiful backdrops of the Zambezi River. Chobe National Park, across the border in Botswana, is famed for its huge elephant population and an overnight safari is a popular weekend activity.

Adrenaline activities

Victoria Falls

The mighty Zambezi River beckons with exhilarating activities: cruise its vast expanse, battle the rapids on a white-water rafting expedition, or explore hidden waterways on a tranquil canoe trip. Feeling truly adventurous? Take the plunge with a heart-stopping bungee jump or soar through the gorge on a thrilling swing.

Time to shop!

Tours and Markets

Livingstone has a rich culture and you can embark on a walking or cycling village tour to a local African village, giving you further insight into the traditional way of life. You can also shop at some of the many markets and stock up on locally handmade goods for your loved ones back home or find interesting local foods to try.

Thrill-seekers paradise

Zambezi River

The mighty Zambezi River beckons with exhilarating activities: cruise its vast expanse, battle the rapids on a white-water rafting expedition, or explore hidden waterways on a tranquil canoe trip.

How to Apply

Choose a destination in Africa and a project then enquire to ask any questions.

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Connect with our advisors who can answer any questions you have.

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Once you are ready, head to our booking form, secure your place with a small deposit.

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Get ready to volunteer or intern abroad. Our team will support you at every step!

Project Enquiry

After completing the below project enquiry form, one of our Destination Specialists will get in touch to discuss your volunteer experience and any questions you may have. When you are ready to book, we can send you a booking form or you can book directly from this page too.

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STEP 1 - Personal Information

Let's collect some basic information to get started.
Name*

STEP 2 - When do you want to Volunteer or Intern?

Give us an idea of your travel plans, you can also choose ‘I’m not sure yet’ if you aren't sure about your preferred start dates.

STEP 3 - How long do you want to Volunteer or Intern for?

Select your preferred duration.
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Project Booking

Please complete the details below in order for us to provisionally hold a space on your preferred project. A deposit will be required to secure your position. By submitting these details you agree to our Terms and Conditions.

PRICE

From $1,260 per week

Your weekly cost will reduce if you stay for longer than 10 days, book with a friend or are a return volunteer.

Start Days: Every Monday in January – April and October – December

PROJECT FEE INCLUDES

  • 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

PROJECT FEE EXCLUDES

Price excludes flights, visas, insurance, weekend tours and personal expenses.

PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS

The minimum age requirement for participation is 17 if travelling alone, and 15 if travelling with a parent. Participants younger than 18 travelling alone are required to supply parental consent before arrival.

DO YOU NEED SUPPORT?

Our experienced African Impact team is here to support you.

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FAQs

Recent Reviews

“
Joe Chuter, 24, UKSports & Community Development, Zambia

“I didn’t really have any expectations of what I’d be experiencing before coming and I now don’t expect I’d experience better than my time in livingstone. Amazing staff all positive informative and caring. Project was making do a lot of the time but still effective, fun and safe. Great activities both fun and cultural. Overall was an amazing experience and will be imploring friends to do the same.”

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Justin Gates, AustraliaSports & Community Development, Zambia

“Overall, it was a great experience. I loved meeting and becoming friends with other volunteers who were all different ages and from different countries. Our coordinators were fun and approachable, and you could tell they were passionate about the different projects. Livingstone was awesome because I could ask to be on different projects, and they were very flexible and accommodating. The kids in the sport program were so quick at learning and a lot of fun to be around every day. I was able to make up my own activities and was trusted to run sessions with over 40 kids! Highly recommended!”

“
Sam Bishop, UKSports & Community Development, Zambia

“Volunteering with African Impact in Livingstone has been an incredible experience. Upon arrival, I could not have imagined that I would train with the Zambian national rugby team, walk with rhinos and zip-line across the falls before my stay was complete. The hands-on nature of the projects is a great way to develop useful skills for the future. On the sports project, we quickly became familiar with some useful phrases in nyanja (much to the amusement of the children) and days out like the village tour allowed us to experience the village way of life and taste the local delicacies. In short, we have met some incredible people in an incredible place, and have had an incredible time.”

“
Paul Cottle, 66, UKSports & Community Development, Zambia

“I greatly enjoyed the whole experience.”

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Vimala Donna Spence, 59, UKSports & Community Development, Zambia

“African Impact Livingstone is doing an incredible job in promoting sustainable and community development and empowerment. Their initiatives not only enhance local livelihoods but also offer cultural exchange and awareness. The dedication, hard work and research of the staff in supporting education, health, sports, conservation, medical, parenting and much more is truly inspiring. Volunteers have the opportunity of assisting, helping and getting stuck in /involved with a variety of projects. I volunteered to help children appreciate the benefits and attributes of sport, games and fitness. Team work, having fun and respecting the rules of sport. I’ve had the most precious experiences with over 100 school children of various Year Grades and ages. Resources and equipment is limited within every project so when volunteering don’t expect to use or have resources and materials, medical supplies & equipment as you may have in your home country.”

Other Programs in Zambia

Project FAQs

DO I NEED TO BE A PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE OR COACH TO VOLUNTEER?

While prior experience in sports coaching is a plus, it’s not essential to become a sports volunteer in Zambia. We welcome individuals with a passion for sports, a willingness to learn, and a desire to make a positive impact on young people’s lives. We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support throughout your sports coaching placement, equipping you with the necessary skills to effectively engage and motivate young athletes.

WHAT IMPACT WILL I HAVE ON THE YOUNG PEOPLE I COACH?

Beyond teaching them sports skills, you’ll be a positive role model and mentor, fostering teamwork, leadership, and essential life skills in a fun and engaging environment. Your dedication can inspire them to pursue their dreams, develop a healthy lifestyle, and become responsible members of their community. You’ll also contribute to creating a safe space for them to play, learn, and socialize, fostering positive development and well-being.

HOW WILL THIS EXPERIENCE BENEFIT ME PERSONALLY?

Volunteering as a sports coach in Zambia will be an enriching experience on both personal and professional levels. You’ll develop valuable leadership and communication skills, gain firsthand experience working in a cross-cultural environment, and broaden your understanding of global issues. Additionally, the joy of seeing young people grow and thrive through your coaching will leave a lasting impact on you!