Live the dream near to Zambia's Victoria Falls
All our projects are based in or near the attractive colonial town of Livingstone - yup, it’s named after the doctor - which is, handily, just a few miles from the Victoria Falls and three excellent game parks. It has a large passing population of Western travellers and good healthcare facilities. On its periphery, however, lie small, struggling communities who badly need help. We’ve spent time building up relationships with various projects that truly benefit the local communities.
What will I do in Zambia?
Jobs in Livingstone include:
- Community schools: These are run independently by local communities, rather than by the government. They are always delighted to welcome good English teachers, especially ones who are enthusiastic about other things, such as sport and art. Read our blog for more information.
- Adult literacy: Many local adults have never had a chance to learn to read and, in an increasingly global environment, are incredibly keen to do so. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their confidence and abilities increase. Read our blog for more information.
- Healthcare: You will work in a local AIDS/HIV education clinic, which focuses on basic healthcare programmes and women's groups. These organisations work hard to reduce poverty, corruption and disease. Read our blog for more information.
You can choose to work at more than one project, to make the best of your time and interests, and most of our volunteers comment on the fantastic community spirit and the friends they have made locally.
Getting there
We will see your group off at Heathrow Airport. Some hours later, you’ll be met by Kirsty at Livingstone Airport and driven into town. For your first couple of nights we provide central hostel accommodation in Livingstone where Kirsty will be able to run a short orientation course. After this she will get you settled into your placement and lodgings - generally rented accommodation.
Representative
Kirsty
Born and raised in the UK, Kirsty has spent much of her adult life working as a chartered surveyor in various parts of Africa. She lives on a farm outside Livingstone with her husband, two kids and a menagerie! She is involved in community projects in Livingstone and feels that Oyster volunteers can really make a difference in Zambia, where she has seen first-hand the effects of HIV/Aids and poverty.
Supporting you
Kirsty is very experienced and is always there to help with anxieties or suggest things to do in your spare time. Recently, she has helped one of our volunteers design an ‘after school program’ for one of the schools. She will also make sure that you learn some Nyanja on your induction course!
Our representatives are there to be a helpful friend to you and steer you through difficulties of any kind. Kirsty will keep us updated on your health and welfare. Being British, she has knowledge of both UK and Zambian culture as well as having local expertise and sympathy for Oyster’s aim.
Accommodation
Most of the projects are on the outskirts of Livingstone, so when we are looking for your accommodation, we try to get the right balance between being close to your projects and close to town. We rent a house for you and your fellow volunteers. You should expect to share a room.
Cost and what is provided
The cost of a three month placement is £2125, excluding flights.
What is Provided?
- Phone or face-to-face interview and informal briefing
- 2-day pre-departure course covering medical, safety and placement advice
- Help and advice from our UK office before departure and whilst in Zambia
- Advice on obtaining a visa
- Finding you a suitable work placement in Zambia
- Accommodation for the duration of your placement
- (Optional) flight with flexible return date (modest fee levied by airline for date changes). Total cost with flights from London is £3125
- Oysters local representative who will meet and welcome you on arrival
- Induction course in-country to orientate you and brief you on local matters
- Basic Nyanga training
- Transportation to Livingstone, and onto your projects, from the airport
- Assistance and support from our representative during your placement
- Trip to Victoria Falls including entrance fee to the park
- Excludes food (approx £2.50 per day)
What do I need?
- A passport valid for at least 6 months after you return home
- Cost Of Visa: £75 for the first 30 days. Potentially £170 for a further 3 months. We would try to keep this cost as low as possible and is correct at the time of writing.
- Insurance (covering your placement time and any planned independent travel)
- Cost of changing your return flight date if you need to (approx £50)
- Independent travel costs and return to the airport
- Food and living costs (about £40 per week)
- Money for going out etc. (between £5-£20 per week depending on budget)
- Any home country travel costs (to airport and interview if face-to-face)
And one more thing...
Zambia is very low-key compared to the other great safari countries but its national parks are beautiful, so do your utmost to add them into your post-placement travelling.
