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Public Health and Community Outreach Volunteer Program
Livingstone, Zambia
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Comments from our Volunteers |
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Volunteer Activities |
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Provide clinical assistance in such areas as infant care, baby weighing, HIV/AIDS support group work, and educational outreaches to local schools |
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Work at an AIDS orphanage, enhancing the orphans' educational experiences, helping with drama productions, and coordinating other extramural activities |
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Assist with other community development initiatives including hospice care as well as building and refurbishing village facilities |
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Immerse yourself in local Zambian culture |
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| Volunteer Program at a Glance |
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Start Dates:
The first and third Monday of the month
Program Length:
Minimum: 2 weeks Maximum: 3 months |
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Program Cost:
2 Weeks:
US $1,695
3 Weeks:
US $2,195
4 Weeks:
US $2,685
Each Additional Week:
US $495 |
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Cost includes:
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Airport, bus or train station pick-up and drop-off |
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On-site orientation |
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All daily transportation to and from the program |
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Accommodations |
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Three meals per day |
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In-country support and program coordination |
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Volunteer donation to program |
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Schedule:
Volunteers will typically split their time between the schools in the mornings and other community programs in the afternoon. More specific details of the schedule will be decided during orientation. In general, volunteers should expect to work approximately eight hours a day, with evenings and weekends free.
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Requirements:
If you have a background in the medical field, you are encouraged to turn in your resume/CV for a possible hospital placement. |
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What Volunteers Can Do: |
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In the Public Health and Community Outreach Program, volunteers will assist the staff at medical clinics throughout Livingstone, Zambia, and work at a home for children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic. You will also lend a hand with other community programs, such as hospice care and classroom construction.
Your assistance in the clinics will provide much-needed relief to the overwhelmed staff. You will get a rare glimpse into how Africa's medical institutions are coping with the AIDS epidemic and the spread of other infectious diseases. At the orphanage, your energy and presence will help the students with their learning and creativity, and make a lasting impression on their lives. |
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Why Volunteer in Zambia? |
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Mosi-oa-tunya: The smoke that thunders. This is how the locals refer to the magnificent spray from Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world. Against this backdrop lies the southern Zambian town of Livingstone, located just four miles from Victoria Falls. Livingstone has been described as Zambia's tourist mecca and the "adventure capital of Africa," a place with a colonial character and easygoing African charm.
Yet amid this flourishing tourist community, there is a devastating reality: an HIV infection rate among Zambia's adult population exceeding 20 percent. Not only has this put enormous pressure on under funded government clinics, it has also orphaned a large population of children. To make matters worse, Zambia's public health care system is sadly under funded and understaffed. Meanwhile, large numbers of Zambian doctors and other medical professionals continue to leave the country in search of opportunities abroad.
To help remedy the situation, our partner organization coordinates volunteers to assist overworked medical staff in local clinics, and give children valuable companionship at orphanages. |
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Zambia Public Health Outreach Program Goals: |
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At the clinic, volunteers help with such tasks as weighing babies, taking blood pressure and spending time in the infant ward. At the orphanage, and through other local community involvement, volunteers provide a huge source of fun and inspiration for the children and disadvantaged villagers. You might put on a theater production at the orphanage, help build a classroom, work on a local farm, or tend to ailing villagers.
Ultimately, whether you're connecting with patients at the clinic or kicking a soccer ball with one of the orphans, you're sure to come away with a deeper awareness of the medical and social realities of Africa, as well as a sense that you have made a real impact in people's lives. |
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Airport Pickup and Orientation: |
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After arriving at the Livingstone or Victoria Falls airport, volunteers are picked up by the program coordinator or another staff member and taken to one of two volunteer houses in Livingstone. Your multi-day orientation includes meeting the staff, receiving a basic language introduction, learning about the local culture and customs, and acquiring in-depth information about the different program sites and volunteer opportunities along with other important information. |
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Transportation: |
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Airport pick-up and drop-off at the Livingstone or Victoria Falls airport |
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Transportation to the volunteer house in Livingstone |
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Local transportation between the volunteer house and program locations daily |
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Accommodations: |
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Volunteers stay at on-site accommodations with 24-hour vigilance. The volunteer house is simple and comfortable, with satellite TV, a kitchen and living room, a staff of laundry/cleaning ladies, and a cook. All bedding is provided, so you will not need to bring a sleeping bag, although sometimes it is useful in colder months (June to September). |
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Meals: |
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Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. |
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In-Country Support: |
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We work directly with the program to provide support during your time in Zambia. You can expect help from program coordinators, staff at the schools and orphanage, and fellow volunteers. We also provide a 24-hour cell phone number for emergencies. |
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Zambia Excursions: |
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If you have free time during or after your volunteer stay, you will have the opportunity to take part in excursions at your own cost. The following are some examples of activities you can enjoy in neighboring Victoria Falls:
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Bungee-jumping over Victoria Falls (world's second-highest jump) |
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Whitewater rafting and canoe trips down the Zambezi River |
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Elephant-back and horseback riding |
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River boarding |
Along with these activities, volunteers with additional time built into their travel schedules will have the opportunity to add a five-day excursion to their volunteer program, which features:
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Rhino walks and game drives |
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Two days at Antelope Park lion reserve with elephant-back and horseback rides |
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Safari in Hwange National Park |
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Whitewater rafting or bungee-jumping in Victoria Falls |
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Insurance for Volunteers: |
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BridgeVolunteers provides emergency travel insurance for participants. For more information, please read our Insurance page. |
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