If you ask most people what their view is of volunteering Africa they will probably mention children. Volunteer orphanage work is often in the headlines and frequently we see celebrity visitors on our TV screens, a young African child in their arms.

Which is all great publicity. The more people who know about the need, the more help and support they will get. Of course the real work happens largely without the gaze of the camera, so we thought it might be useful to feature our own volunteer orphanage opportunities. That way you can get a better flavor for what goes on and how you can help.

What we would like to do is actually take the focus away from volunteer orphanage placements and look at African children in general. Obviously those without parents have their own challenges, and we wouldn’t want to minimize their problems, but there are obstacles faced by all African children that you can help them overcome.

If you are looking specifically for a volunteer orphanage position there are (sadly) plenty to choose from. We say sadly because it is a shame that there are so many orphans in Africa that need your help. Fortunately the volunteer organizations are doing much to give these young people the support they need.

Which is why we would rather focus on the needs of children. The need for education, not just to read and write but also to make them aware of HIV and AIDS, which takes so many of their parents.

If you have medical or teaching qualifications you will be more than welcome, but none are necessary. Volunteer teaching assistants and volunteer nursing assistants just need a willing pair of hands and a willingness to get involved. You can read to children, help them learn through play, through making crafts and through sports activities. If you have a few muscles you can help paint classrooms or put up new buildings!

Whatever your skills you can make a massive personal impact on the lives of these young Africans.

But please don’t get the idea that everyone you meet will be down-trodden and that this is depressing work. While it’s true that these children often live very hard lives, surrounded by tremendous poverty, they nevertheless remain bright, cheerful and receptive. The only problem you might have is face-ache from smiling too much!

So please have a look at volunteering Africa in more detail by reading through our current projects featuring volunteer orphanage work and working with African children:

Sports Coaching and Physical Education, Cape Town, South Africa
Teaching and Community Development, Cape Town, South Africa
Sports Development and Community Project, Livingstone, Zambia
Teaching Assistance and Community Upliftment, Livingstone, Zambia
Rural Pre-School Teaching and HIV/AIDS Awareness, Vilanculos, Mozambique
Pre-School and English Teaching, Vilanculos, Mozambique
Orphan Care and HIV/AIDS Awareness, St Lucia, South Africa
Pre-School Teaching and Community Assistance, Zanzibar

If you have any questions, please do get in touch. We will do our best to make sure you find the best match for your abilities. We’ll also try to ensure you have a really good time!