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Orphanage Volunteer Program in Zimbabwe

Are you prepared to make a difference in the lives of orphaned children in Africa? Have you envisioned immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Zimbabwe? Your commitment to this project will not only provide invaluable life experiences but also contribute to making the world a better place.

Zimbabwe, a captivating destination, boasts natural wonders like Victoria Falls and Matobo National Park, offering diverse landscapes and wildlife encounters. Beyond its breathtaking scenery, the country holds a rich cultural

heritage, seamlessly blending ancient traditions with modern city life. Explore Zimbabwe for a unique fusion of awe-inspiring nature and vibrant cultural experiences.

Yet, Zimbabwe grapples with significant challenges, including extreme poverty, HIV/AIDS, and limited opportunities, leading to a growing population of orphans. Orphanages in Zimbabwe face resource and manpower shortages, highlighting a critical need for volunteers to provide essential care to these children. This presents an opportunity for you to make a meaningful difference.

Your participation in the Zimbabwe Orphanage project can leave a lasting impact on a society confronting numerous hardships. Joining this volunteer initiative is a wonderful way to share your love, passion, and efforts with those in desperate need.

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

Skills and Qualifications:

No specific training or prior experience is required to participate in the orphanage volunteering program in Zimbabwe. IFRE welcomes applications from individuals regardless of formal qualifications. The key attributes sought are flexibility and patience, particularly in working closely with children. A strong passion and affection for children, coupled with a genuine desire to enhance their lives and serve as a positive role model, are essential qualities for prospective volunteers.


Volunteer Responsibilities and Impact

The Orphanage in Zimbabwe is a compassionate haven for vulnerable children affected by poverty, disease, and parental loss. International volunteers have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of these children by offering their time, skills, and support. Activities include teaching, organizing educational and recreational events, providing emotional support, and assisting with daily chores.

Volunteers also contribute to various activities like cooking, laundry, play/story time, cleaning, yard work, and farm-related tasks such as planting, ploughing, weeding, and watering on Saturdays. This comprehensive approach aims to positively impact the children's physical, emotional, and educational development.


First Day: Your journey in the Zimbabwe orphanage project begins with an informative introduction to your placement by a local coordinator. This day allows you to acquaint yourself with the orphanage staff, fellow volunteers, and the children under your care.

Weekdays: The official volunteering work commences on the second day of the project, and while daily activities may vary, a standard day in a Zimbabwe orphanage typically follows this schedule:

7:00 to 7:30 AM: Begin your day with a delightful Zimbabwean breakfast.

7:45 AM: After breakfast, embark on your journey to the orphanage. The nature of your tasks and the duration will depend on the specific needs of your assigned project.

12:00 PM: Take a break around noon for lunch, enjoying this time with the staff and children at the orphanage.

3:00 PM: Volunteer hours typically conclude by this time, giving you the flexibility to return to your host family, prepare for the next day, or explore the town for shopping, sightseeing, and relaxation.


Volunteer in Zimbabwe : Dates and Fees

Program Dates

IFRE’s Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe volunteer programs begin every Monday year-round. If you have travel constraints, you can still start your chosen program on any day of the year.

Our Fees

IFRE is the most trusted and respected volunteer abroad organization in the world, and also the most affordable. We’re dedicated to providing the highest quality volunteer programs at the lowest fees, which make it possible for everyone, especially students, to travel internationally and make a positive impact in the lives of others.

We believe in 100% transparency. Rest assured; we never use middlemen. Your one-time registration fee of $299 covers our administrative costs. The low weekly program fee goes directly to your host family, and includes housing, food, project donation and minor expenses. IFRE is a non-profit organization, so your program fees are tax deductible.

Volunteer Program Fee (US$)

Duration Orphanage Project
  1 week   $285
  2 Weeks   $385
  3 Weeks   $462
  4 Weeks   $660
  5 Weeks   $770
  6 Weeks   $924
  7 Weeks   $1,078
  8 Weeks   $1,232
  9 Weeks   $1,386
  10 Weeks   $1,540
  11 Weeks   $1,694
  12 Weeks   $1,848

Comprehensive Travel Insurance $3.49/day »

How your fee is allocated?

Program Fees Cover:

  • Meals i.e breakfast, lunch and dinner provided Monday to Friday. Breakfast only will be provided Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Accommodation at our Volunteer House.
  • Project based transport.
  • Return airport transfers.
  • Orientation upon arrival.
  • 24/7 emergency in country staff support.
  • Internet access.

Program Fees Exclude:

  • Lunches and dinners Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Laundry services charged at USD$10.00 per bag upon request.
  • Bottled water and any beverages.
  • Leisure activities which can be arranged separately.
  • Medical or Health insurance cover.
  • Flights

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

Accommodation and Meal

During your volunteer program in Victoria Falls Town, you will be accommodated in our comfortable volunteer house. Situated in a safe and quiet neighborhood, the house provides easy access, with a 5-minute walk to the nearest store and a 20-minute walk to the town center. With a capacity for up to 20 volunteers, the house is equipped with various amenities, including western-style toilets, air conditioning, cable TV, Wi-Fi, and a laundry service available at a reasonable rate of $5 per bag.

Transportation to and from your project site is inclusive, ensuring your convenience. As part of your program fee, you will also receive three nutritious meals each day, shared with fellow volunteers. This mealtime offers a wonderful opportunity to connect and build friendships with like-minded individuals from around the world.

Learn more about accommodation and meal in Zimbabwe.


Free Time and Weekends:

While volunteering in Zimbabwe, your evenings and weekends are your own to explore the wonders of the Victoria Falls area. Embrace the opportunity to indulge in various recreational activities, ranging from the serene Zambezi River Sunset Cruise to the adrenaline-pumping Bungee Jump or Victoria Falls Gorge Swing. Support ethical wildlife tourism with an Elephant Encounter, embark on a Zip-Line Canopy Tour, or enjoy the cultural experience of a Boma Dinner with an African dance show.

The options are diverse, including a Helicopter Flight Over Falls, a Zambezi Canoe Tour, and thrilling White-water Rafting. Whether you seek adventure, wildlife encounters, or cultural immersion, the Victoria Falls region offers a myriad of choices for you to make the most of your free time and create lasting memories.


Safety and in Country Support

Your safety while volunteering in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is our first priority. We have carefully vetted every single aspect of your trip. We offer pre-trip guidance, select safe destinations for our volunteers, only work with trusted local partners, and help you every step of the way.

We have an amazing in-country team that is right there on the ground in Zimbabwe to help ensure you have the most amazing experience abroad possible. Our team is comprised of dedicated humanitarians working hard to make the world a better place, and they’ll offer you unparalleled guidance and support.

Learn more about our safety arrangements and in-country support.

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions- FAQ

There’s a lot that goes into planning a successful volunteer trip to Zimbabwe, and IFRE is here to help you every step of the way. We answer questions from prospective volunteers like you every day, so we’ve compiled some of the most commonly asked about subjects and put them in one convenient place for you here.

Arrival and departure

Victoria Falls Town has its own international airport, so you’ll fly straight to your destination. Provide your flight details to our in-country coordinator after you book, and we’ll have someone waiting for you when you land. They’ll be holding a sign with your name on it and will take you safely to your accommodations.

When you are done volunteering in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, you will need to book your own departure transportation. Just chat with the local project staff, and they will offer you advice on booking a taxi to the airport.

Visa

You will need to apply for a business visa, not a tourist visa, for your volunteer work. The requirements for this will vary based on your home country, so please do some research based on your nationality and apply several weeks in advance of your travel. Some nationalities may be eligible for an e-visa.

We advise you getting a double-entry stamp, as you will likely take an overnight trip to Chobe, Botswana for

To learn more about visa requirements, visit Zimbabwe’s official immigration website.

Vaccination

Africa has high rates of epidemics and communicable diseases, so make sure you get vaccinated and also take proper precautions once you are there. Before volunteering in Zimbabwe, make an appointment with your doctor and get up to date on your vaccines.

Recommended vaccines to travel to this destination include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. You can also find information on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Global Health Canada or in Travelers' Health United Kingdom.

Why Volunteer in the Orphanage Project in Zimbabwe?

Create a Secure Haven for Thriving Lives:

Volunteers engaged in our Zimbabwe orphanage project play a crucial role in establishing a safe and nurturing environment, allowing orphaned children to flourish. Your contributions not only positively impact these children's lives but also bring profound changes to your own.

Devote Your Time to Humanitarian Endeavors:

This volunteer initiative provides you with the opportunity to wholeheartedly dedicate your time and energy to making a meaningful difference in the lives of orphaned children. By providing guidance, support, and nurturing care, you contribute to their development under healthy and purposeful conditions.

Active Engagement in Daily Activities:

Volunteers play an integral part in the daily routines of orphans in Zimbabwe, addressing resource limitations. From tasks like cooking and cleaning to providing mentorship and teaching, your active involvement significantly enhances the quality of life for these children.

Cultivate Enduring Relationships:

The attention, care, and guidance you extend lay the groundwork for orphans to feel loved and thrive as individuals. Your volunteer work cultivates a secure childhood, imparting essential soft skills that positively shape their lives.

Supporting Orphanages in Their Mission:

Your participation directly aids struggling orphanages in Zimbabwe. Whether by reaching out to more children in need or offering assistance, your efforts empower these orphanages to provide proper care to a greater number of deprived children, ensuring a more normal childhood and a brighter future.

Teaching Life Skills for Enhanced Futures:

In the orphanage volunteer projects, your creativity and unique skills contribute to program enhancement. Organizing activities such as games, music, art, and crafts provides children with outlets for self-expression and accomplishment, offering valuable life skills for a brighter future.

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

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