How to Volunteer Safely in Africa

In the 15 years that African Impact has been working within communities living with HIV, TB, and other diseases, we have always maintained strong health and safety protocols. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have reviewed these protocols and enhanced and adjusted them accordingly.

Your safety and wellbeing, alongside the safety of our project teams and the communities we work with has, and always will be, our top priority. Strong health and safety procedures are in place for the duration of your African adventure, from start to finish.

Get to Know Our Improved Health and Safety Standards

Our local and international team members have been trained on new standards of cleanliness, as well as internationally recommended norms and behaviours.
A designated African Impact team member (Health Officer) will provide a thorough Induction and Orientation upon arrival. This will cover specific COVID-19 safety protocols, information, and procedures.
All volunteers will be required to provide proof of having taken a COVID-19 test prior to joining a project (preferably within 72 hours of arrival). A test may be required by your country of residence, airline or at any airport, you depart, transit through or arrive in.
The maximum number of volunteers allowed on our projects has been reduced to allow for adequate social distancing, both on projects and in the volunteer houses.
Sleeping and living arrangements within our volunteer houses have been adjusted to allow for adequate social distancing. It is possible to upgrade to a private room at some of our locations. If you would prefer this option please talk to your Destination Manager.
Everyone will be required to wear face masks (wherever possible), wash hands frequently with sanitizer or soap, and to respect social distancing at all times.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer will always be available in the volunteer houses, in vehicles, and at project sites.
Our cleaning team has increased the frequency of disinfecting public areas, bedrooms, and bathrooms, as well as vehicles and project resources.
Our chefs follow strict health and safety guidelines during the preparation and presentation of meals.

Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to reduce COVID-19 transmission. We are in this together and everyone needs to take personal responsibility for their own health as well as the safety of others. We truly value our travellers and know it is possible to make a valuable impact in a post-COVID-19 world.

Our health and safety policies and protocols will be reviewed continuously, in line with local and international best practices. Rest assured, our priority is the health and safety of all involved.

We challenge ourselves to never stop learning and consistently look at ways to improve so we can offer the most rewarding and unforgettable experiences. In light of COVID-19, questions specific to health and wellbeing have been added to our feedback forms to ensure we excel in this area. We want you to return home knowing you have made a difference, felt immersed in the beauty of Africa, and are in good health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if I feel ill before my trip?

A: If you decide not to travel due to experiencing COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms in the two weeks before your departure (supported by a medical certificate), we will offer you a full credit note to delay and rebook your trip to a later date, once you are feeling better. African Impact will not be responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your delayed start date.

Q: Do I need to bring anything with me?

A: All volunteers and interns are requested to bring sufficient face masks and alcohol-based hand sanitizer for the full duration of your stay. To reduce waste we recommend bringing cloth face masks that can be reused. Washing facilities will be available.

Q: What if I feel ill during or after my trip?

A: If you feel ill or show any COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms during your stay with us our project team and designated Health Officer will be on hand to ensure isolation procedures are followed and necessary medical support is provided. Clear guidelines have been put in place in the instance of a positive COVID-19 case at a project and all team members are trained on the procedures to follow. Our on-site project teams have extensive local knowledge and will be available 24/7 if you have any questions or concerns.

Likewise, if an African Impact team member shows COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms they will not be allowed to attend work until a medical doctor has approved their return.

We will try our best to implement these procedures, however, should a government ruling require alternative actions (e.g. the use of government isolation centres), we will have to adhere to these regulations and will support you throughout.

If you experience COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms within two weeks of leaving the project, please contact the project team or your Placement Manager immediately so we can disinfect the premises and inform anyone else you were in contact with during your stay.

Q: How are you keeping communities safe?

A: It is our joint responsibility to minimise the risk of spreading any infections into the vulnerable communities we work with. Everyone’s temperature will be taken each morning and face masks will be compulsory at all times within the community. Anyone showing COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms will not be allowed on the project until approval is received from a medical doctor. In light of this, there are many tasks that help to make an impact and can be done from the volunteer house.

Training and education on COVID-19 and associated health and safety procedures will be provided to our community partners. Together with the African Impact Foundation, we are providing sanitisation kits and back-to-school packs throughout the pandemic to help those we can.