People with an energetic and caring nature, who love working with children and are passionate about supporting early childhood development. You’ll be volunteering with the support of local staff, so no prior childcare experience is required.

Project details

Interested in being a Childcare volunteer in Zanzibar? International Volunteer HQ’s Childcare project is a wonderful opportunity for volunteers to assist at local kindergartens and primary schools that cater to large numbers of children, but are often under-resourced. In addition to gaining childcare experience, volunteers help provide the critical care, one-on-one attention, education, and developmental support that these children need for a brighter future.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

In Zanzibar, there is a shortage of kindergartens and schools due to a lack of resources in the public school system, preventing it from offering all pupils access to an education. As a result, there are too many students in each class, with not enough teachers, and poor structure. There are numerous private kindergartens and schools to make up for these deficiencies in Zanzibar, mostly operated by NGOs, churches, or private organizations. Children from low-income families typically only pay nominal fees to schools since they are unable to pay the whole cost. Given their limited funding, these kindergartens and schools have a genuine need for volunteers.

As a Childcare volunteer, you’ll be based in a local kindergarten or primary school where you’ll assist local staff teach children aged 2-6 in a playful and informal way.

Childcare volunteer work varies depending on where you are placed, but often includes:

Providing care and support to children
Reading and writing
Singing and dancing
Playing games and implementing leisure activities
Helping with meal distribution
Cleaning
Supporting teachers with administrative tasks

You are welcome to bring books, games, toys, or other interactive resources that will aid your lessons, and you are also encouraged to use your creativity to help enhance the children’s learning in the classroom.

Why do Childcare volunteering in Zanzibar with IVHQ?

As a Childcare volunteer in Zanzibar you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

Improving early childhood education for vulnerable children
Helping students develop life skills in a safe place
Developing your communication skills
Gaining childcare experience
Immersing yourself in Zanzibar’s culture
Exploring the historic and natural environment of Zanzibar

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
All volunteers must speak fluent English.

Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

Not sure which program to join?

Get personalized recommendations >

Who is going?

Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.