Okay, let's be completely honest here, Zimbabwe isn't exactly a destination of choice for those looking for African volunteer work, nor is it a country that welcomes the outside volunteer sector with open arms ~ arms actually attached to a body that is. Shunned by the
international community, Zimbabwe is in 150th place out of 189 countries and territories in 2019 when ranked in terms of life expectancy, literacy, access to knowledge and the living standards of a country with a life expectancy of 61.20 years (2018). Not that Zimbabwe would admit that it has any
problems, at least none of its own making. The fact that
it was once known as the bread basket of Africa with the
most fertile land on the continent
exporting wheat, tobacco and corn to the rest of the
world is long forgotten.
Today it is better known for having the highest proportion of AIDS orphans than any other country on the planet (overall one in five children in Zimbabwe is an orphan) together with the highest child mortality rate. Unemployment effects four out of every five adults and most of the population often go days without eating. It's a sign of a country when a young boy simply holds up a placard with the
following words scrawled on it: "Please help us. With anything." It is possible that after Mugabe's demise the country may reconcile with its neighbours and the rest of the world however, until that time, maybe best ~ unless you have existing
family and/or friends in Zimbabwe ~ to plan your
volunteer work experience elsewhere.
Volunteer Work Zimbabwe: Red Cross
Volunteer Work Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls Conservation Experience
Volunteer Work Zimbabwe: Hands at Work
Volunteer Work Zimbabwe: African Impact
Volunteer Work Zimbabwe: Education Trust
Volunteer Work Zimbabwe: IMIRE
Please note that many volunteer opportunities in Zimbabwe were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic which led to the permanent closure of some volunteer opportunities and restrictions on others. Hopefully things are now beginning to return to normal. If you run or
know of a volunteer work project in Zimbabwe let us know by
contacting us here. We look forward
to hearing from you!
The Red Cross work includes health, HIV/AIDS, water & sanitation and food security & livelihoods.
Volunteer work at the Nakavango Conservation Centre together with projects at the local school.
Church based volunteer work reaching out to the dying, orphans and widows in Zimbabwe.
A range of volunteer work in Zimbabwe from animal welfare, conservation to orphan care and HIV.
Volunteer work supporting Zimbabwe communities to keep children in school and out of poverty.
Join the rhino and elephant conservation volunteer programme and help protect endangered species.
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