PMGY’s Real Africa Encounter offers the incredible chance to spend 6-12 life-changing weeks volunteering across the world’s second-largest continent. Immerse yourself in the culture of Ghana, explore the heart of Tanzania, and discover the wonders of South Africa. Africa has a unique way of touching the soul, thanks to its 54 diverse countries. While some areas face challenges, others have seen remarkable growth. During this 6, 9, or 12-week Real Africa Encounter, you’ll engage in volunteer opportunities abroad in three of the continent’s most popular destinations.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, Africa will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. The continent’s story is written on an extraordinary canvas, from the endless dunes of the Sahara to the iconic savannahs of the east. Africa’s natural beauty is unparalleled, offering everything from jagged mountains to lush highlands, along with centuries of culture to explore. Volunteer in Africa on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, where you can select the trip duration, volunteer projects, and travel experiences that suit you best.
Real Africa Encounter Program Highlights
- Travel Across Ghana, Tanzania & South Africa For 6, 9 Or 12 Weeks
- Choose From Childcare, Teaching, Medical, Sports & Wildlife Projects
- Support Local Communities & Advance The UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Build Confidence, Independence & Friendships Through Shared Experiences
- Gain Practical Experience While Volunteering Across 3 Unique Destinations
- Enjoy A Structured & Social Group Experience With Support Throughout
- Explore Cape Coast, Mole National Park & Ghana’s Beaches At Weekends
- Discover Tanzania Through Safari, Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar Adventures
- Explore Cape Town, Table Mountain & South Africa’s Garden Route
- Experience African Culture Through Local Food, Markets & Traditional Life
Program Map
How It Works
The Real Africa Encounter offers start dates throughout the year. Participants can choose the trip duration that suits them best when applying for volunteer work in Africa. Options include 6, 9, and 12-week experiences in Africa. All programs begin on the first and third Sunday of each month, though alternative start dates may be available upon request.
If you select the 6-week option, you'll spend 2 weeks volunteering in each of Ghana, Tanzania, and South Africa. For the 9-week Real Africa Encounter, you'll volunteer for 3 weeks in each destination. The 12-week program allows you to stay for 4 weeks in each of the three countries.
Volunteers are responsible for arranging their flights to match their country-specific trip dates. You'll need to book your inbound flight to Ghana at the start of the Real Africa Encounter and your outbound flight from South Africa at the end of the program.
Additionally, you’ll need to arrange your intermediary flights for your Real Africa Encounter. Specifically, you will need to book flights from Ghana to Tanzania and from Tanzania to South Africa, ensuring they match the trip dates. While this may seem a bit complex, the PMGY team is always here to help with any flight-related questions.
Throughout your Real Africa Encounter, you'll meet a variety of other travellers and volunteers, with the number and type of people changing as you move from country to country. This will give you the chance to make lasting friendships and share memorable experiences with fellow adventurers!
During the online application process, you can select from any of the standard Africa volunteer programs in each country. Please note that some volunteer projects may have limited availability, and you should choose only one project per destination. Some projects may also have additional costs, which will be clearly stated next to the project option during the application process. You can explore all the volunteer opportunities in each destination below. Your 6-12 week adventure will be truly unforgettable!
🇬🇭 Volunteer in Ghana (2, 3 or 4 Weeks)
Your first stop will be Ghana, a friendly, energetic, and culturally rich country. It's home to diverse wildlife, stunning beaches, and beautiful hinterlands. Not to mention, the warm and welcoming locals who make Ghana such a special place. It's no surprise that Ghana is often referred to as ‘Africa for beginners’. From the historic Cape Coast Castle to the elephants at Mole National Park, your weekends in Ghana will always be full of adventure!
During your time on the volunteer programs in Africa, you'll truly get to feel the vibrancy of Ghana. Most notably, you'll immerse yourself in daily life, making a real difference by volunteering in local communities Monday to Friday. In the evenings and on weekends, you'll have the opportunity to dive deeper into Ghana’s culture and explore its many wonders.
International volunteers support community projects in Accra. You can choose to help care for Ghanaian children or showcase your English teaching skills to help improve their future job prospects. Alternatively, you could opt for a hospital-based volunteer project, gaining first-hand experience and insight into the Ghanaian healthcare system. If you're interested in mental health, join our mental health project to specialise in Ghana's mental health history and practices. You can select your volunteer in Ghana project during the online application process.
🇬🇭 Volunteer Projects in Ghana
Ghana Childcare
As a childcare volunteer in Ghana, you’ll play an essential role in enriching the daily lives of children in Accra. PMGY’s Ghana volunteer programs offer international volunteers the chance to bring joy and support to young children. Working alongside dedicated local staff, you’ll provide care, attention, and encouragement to disadvantaged children. Most importantly, you’ll assist with general childcare and help ensure the smooth running of daily activities when you volunteer with children in Ghana.
Background to the Childcare Program
Like many developing countries, Ghana has a significant number of families who cannot afford adequate childcare. This program aims to provide quality early childhood education with the help of international volunteers, especially as many daycare facilities are under-resourced and need extra support.
With limited staff, the local children often lack the individual attention they need during their crucial early years of development. Equipping these children with essential life skills, such as learning English and other foundational abilities, helps set them up for brighter futures filled with positive opportunities. As a childcare volunteer in Ghana, you will be an important part of this effort, contributing to the long-term success of these projects and the children’s growth.
Volunteer opportunities in Ghana provided by PMGY offer a platform to make a meaningful impact. Working at our childcare volunteer abroad projects in Ghana requires energy, enthusiasm, and creativity. Many children will look to you for the care and attention that local staff may not always be able to provide. To volunteer with children in Ghana, it’s important to dedicate your time and skills effectively, ensuring you make the greatest possible impact on the children and the wider community.
Childcare Volunteer Placement Examples
Victorian Preparatory School – Located within a low income community in Accra, Victorian School provides early years education and care for around 200 children aged approximately 1 to 10. The project supports families who may otherwise struggle to access affordable childcare and basic education, placing a strong emphasis on early childhood development, care, and emotional wellbeing.
As a childcare volunteer in Ghana, you will support children across different age groups within the same centre. Your role involves helping with day to day routines such as assisting with basic learning activities, supporting reading and writing practice, supervising playtime, and offering care and encouragement throughout the day. Building trust and providing positive attention is a key part of the placement.
You will also be encouraged to take part in creative and interactive activities, including drawing, colouring, storytelling, singing songs, and leading simple games or movement sessions. Helping younger children with feeding and basic routines is also part of the role. Local staff value the presence of volunteers, as it allows them to give more individual attention to children in often busy classrooms. A warm, patient, and proactive approach helps create strong connections with both staff and children.
Sunrise Preparatory School – Sunrise Preparatory School is another community based childcare and early learning project in Accra, supporting around 200 children from low income families. The school focuses on preparing young children for future education by building confidence, social skills, and early learning foundations in a caring environment.
Volunteers assist with classroom activities, play based learning, storytelling, and supervised play. You may help with feeding routines, hygiene support, and offering comfort and reassurance to younger children. Emotional support and positive interaction are especially important, as many children benefit greatly from the extra care and attention volunteers provide.
This volunteer work in Accra is well suited to those who enjoy working with young children and want to make a meaningful contribution at community level. The placement requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to get involved wherever needed. Your experience and impact will largely depend on how engaged and proactive you are. Both projects offer a rewarding opportunity to support early childhood development while gaining valuable hands on experience in a childcare setting.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Childcare Day
As a childcare volunteer in Ghana, your role is to support and assist with the daily care, attention, and interaction of the children. Use your free time at the Volunteer House to prepare activities that will engage and inspire the children.
Typically, you will volunteer Monday to Friday for 3–5 hours a day, with working hours usually from 7am to 1pm. Starting early ensures you can provide valuable assistance to the local staff during the busiest times of the day.
Transport to and from the childcare project is not included in your Program Fee. Most volunteers travel by trusted, known taxi drivers who take them to and from the project site each day. During orientation, the local team will guide you on how to connect with these drivers and navigate the taxi system. The journey to your project location will take around 15 minutes every day.
Your time and effort as a volunteer with children in Ghana will make a meaningful difference in their lives while offering you a deeply rewarding experience.
Ghana Disabled Children
As a disabled children volunteer in Ghana, you’ll play an important role in supporting the development, wellbeing, and daily care of children with a range of physical and learning disabilities. PMGY’s Ghana volunteer programs offer the opportunity to work alongside local teachers and caregivers, helping create a supportive, engaging, and inclusive environment where every child is encouraged to learn, grow, and express themselves.
Background to the Disabled Children Program
Like many developing countries, Ghana faces ongoing challenges in providing specialist educational support and resources for children with disabilities. Schools and centres often operate with limited funding, large class sizes, and restricted access to equipment or specialist training.
This program aims to support local initiatives by providing additional assistance within special education environments where children benefit from increased one-on-one attention, social interaction, and structured activities. As a disabled children volunteer in Ghana, your contribution helps local staff create a more engaging and supportive atmosphere while encouraging children to build confidence, communication skills, and independence.
Volunteers are not expected to have professional experience in special education or care work. Instead, enthusiasm, patience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn are the most important qualities. By supporting local staff and building positive relationships with the children, volunteers help contribute to a caring and inclusive learning environment.
Disabled Children Volunteer Placement Example
New Horizon Special Needs School – Volunteers at New Horizon Special Needs School support children with a wide range of physical, developmental, and learning disabilities within a structured classroom environment in Accra. The school is located in Cantonment, approximately 25 to 30 minutes from the volunteer accommodation.
As a volunteer in Ghana, you may assist teachers and caregivers with literacy and numeracy activities, arts and crafts, music sessions, storytelling, sensory activities, and light physical exercises designed around each child’s abilities. Volunteers may also help prepare learning materials, organise activities, assist during meal times, and provide general classroom support throughout the day.
The environment is designed to be nurturing, inclusive, and supportive, with volunteers encouraged to bring positive energy, creativity, and patience into each session. Building genuine relationships with the children and supporting their daily progress forms an important part of the volunteer experience.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day
As a disabled children volunteer in Ghana, your role is to support and assist local teachers and caregivers with the daily running of classroom activities and care routines. You’ll work directly with children throughout sessions while helping create a safe, positive, and structured environment.
Typically, volunteers take part in sessions Monday to Friday for around 3 to 5 hours per day. Volunteer work in Ghana usually takes place in the morning or early afternoon, depending on the school schedule and classroom needs.
Volunteers may also spend time preparing activities, organising learning materials, setting up games or creative exercises, and supporting children during breaks and meal times. Each day can look slightly different depending on the planned activities and the varying needs of the children. Working alongside local teachers and caregivers, volunteers help encourage participation, confidence, social interaction, and engagement through activities tailored to each child’s individual abilities and development.
Ghana Teaching
As a volunteer teaching English in Ghana, you’ll provide essential support to schools in Accra. PMGY’s Ghana volunteer programs give you the chance to make a meaningful impact by helping young children develop their English skills, which are key to improving their future job prospects. Bring your passion, energy, and enthusiasm to inspire learning in a new cultural setting. In addition to teaching English, you’ll have opportunities to teach other subjects such as Science, Maths, and Art, further enriching your experience as you teach English in Ghana.
Background to the Teaching Program
Ghana is a multilingual country with around 80 languages spoken, many of which are local dialects used only within specific communities. English, inherited from the colonial era, is the country’s official language. However, in many local areas, English is not widely known or spoken.
Interacting with fluent, native English speakers helps significantly improve language skills, which are essential for future employment. Education is a government priority in Ghana, with the implementation of Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education between 1996 and 2005 allowing many poorer families to send their children to school.
Despite these advancements, challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, a lack of educational materials, and weak infrastructure persist. These issues make the educational system fragile, yet you’ll find children eager to learn and excited to see you. If you’re creative and determined, you can make a real difference.
Volunteer opportunities in Ghana provided by PMGY offer a platform to positively impact local communities by teaching English. Many children are keen to improve their English, and as a volunteer teaching English abroad, your support can be invaluable. To teach English in Ghana effectively, it’s important to dedicate your time and skills thoughtfully, ensuring your contributions leave a lasting impact.
Teaching methods in Ghana often rely on repetition, which can result in children memorising information without fully understanding it. Additionally, discipline and teaching styles can differ significantly from Western norms, and conditions such as overcrowded classrooms may be challenging, which can sometimes lead to culture shock.
As you teach English as a volunteer in Ghana, you’ll primarily focus on core subjects but will also have opportunities to organise extra-curricular activities such as sports. Physical education is a weekly activity in many schools. For volunteers interested in specialising in specific subjects, prior experience is helpful.
You’ll also work with younger classes, where you can lead creative and relaxed activities like singing songs, dancing, storytelling, and colouring. These sessions provide children with valuable cultural exposure, allowing them to learn about different people, places, and traditions.
PMGY’s teaching volunteer opportunities in Ghana provide a platform to make a meaningful impact. When you teach English in Ghana, maintaining energy, enthusiasm, and creativity is essential. Your presence as a fluent English speaker will greatly benefit students, helping them improve their language skills and opening doors to brighter futures.
Teaching Volunteer Placement Examples
Victorian Preparatory School – At Victorian Preparatory School, based in the Teshie suburb of Accra, volunteers work with children aged around 4 to 15, supporting local teachers across subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, Creative Arts, and PE. Your first day at the school is observational, giving you time to settle in, understand the classroom routines, and meet the pupils and teachers. From your second day, you will begin assisting with lessons and engaging directly with students, who are welcoming, curious, and eager to learn. Each day at the school is lively and rewarding, shaped by the children’s enthusiasm and warmth.
Alongside classroom support, you can help organise learning games, reading activities, and creative sessions such as drawing, colouring, singing, and simple sports. With younger pupils, this may also include helping with basic classroom routines. The additional support from volunteers allows teachers to give more individual attention in classes that are often large and under resourced. A positive and proactive attitude helps build strong relationships with both staff and students.
Vicmens Preparatory School – Vicmens Preparatory School and other under resourced schools within the Teshie community offer volunteers the chance to make a meaningful contribution to local education. These schools typically have large class sizes, often with 35 to 45 students, and limited access to learning materials. This makes the presence of volunteers especially valuable, particularly for English language support.
Volunteers usually follow a simple timetable and work as teaching assistants, with opportunities to lead small group activities or entire lessons. By helping with reading, writing, pronunciation, and classroom activities, you support local teachers while bringing fresh energy and ideas into the classroom.
As you complete your volunteer work in Ghana, you play an important role in supporting teachers and encouraging students to build confidence in their abilities. By sharing your time and spoken English, you help strengthen learning foundations and contribute to brighter educational opportunities for young people in the Teshie community.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Teaching Day
As a volunteer teaching English in Ghana, your role involves assisting local teachers as well as planning and leading your own lessons. You’ll focus on creating a more student-oriented approach to teaching that is interactive and engaging. It’s important to remain open-minded and understand that change takes time, but your efforts to promote best practices in teaching English will contribute to long-term improvements.
In general, your volunteer abroad program runs Monday to Friday for around 3–5 hours a day. Typical project hours are from 9am to 2pm, with lunch taken at the project site.
Transport to and from the teaching project is not included in your Program Fee. Most volunteers travel by trusted, known taxi drivers who take them to and from the project site each day. During orientation, the local team will guide you on how to connect with these drivers and navigate the taxi system. The journey to your project location will take around 15 minutes every day.
Your dedication and creativity as a volunteer will make a lasting impact on the students, enriching their learning experience and helping them develop essential skills.
Ghana Medical
As a medical volunteer in Ghana, you’ll gain firsthand experience and valuable insight into the Ghanaian healthcare system. PMGY’s Ghana volunteer programs offer an incredible blend of professional and cultural immersion. The medical project gives you the chance to explore various departments within a large government hospital, learning from dedicated local staff and actively contributing to their work.
Background to the Medical Program
Since the introduction of the National Health Insurance Act in 2003, access to healthcare in Ghana has seen significant improvements. However, challenges persist, particularly in rural areas, where many patients seek treatment for illnesses caused by poor sanitation.
Malaria remains one of the leading causes of death and illness in Ghana, while HIV/AIDS continues to affect countless lives. Many of these health issues are preventable, making public health education a key focus alongside treating immediate cases. The healthcare system in Ghana works tirelessly to not only address urgent medical needs but also to educate local communities on preventative measures.
We offer medical placements for individuals from all backgrounds. Whether you’re a school leaver seeking work experience to strengthen your university application or a nursing/medical student arranging an overseas elective, we can cater to your needs.
PMGY’s volunteer opportunities in Ghana provide a valuable platform for learning and cultural immersion. As a medical volunteer in Ghana, you’ll gain firsthand exposure to healthcare practices and medical projects that may be completely different from those in your home country.
To make the most of your experience, you’ll need to effectively manage your time and skills during your project. By doing so, you’ll maximise your learning opportunities and fully engage with the unique aspects of healthcare in Ghana.
Medical Volunteer Placement Examples
Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal Assembly (LEKMA) Government Hospital – Located in Teshie, Accra, LEKMA Hospital, also known as Ledzokuku Krowor Municipal Hospital, is a major government healthcare facility serving the densely populated Teshie and Nungua communities. Built to expand access to public healthcare, the hospital now supports a large local population and plays a key role in frontline medical services. As a medical volunteer in Ghana, you are likely to observe a range of departments, and to gain the most from your placement, it is recommended to spend at least one week in each area. These may include:
Accident and Emergency, General O.P.D, General Medicine, General Surgery, Laboratory, Maternity and Midwifery, Paediatrics, Nursing, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pharmacy, Public Health.
Throughout your placement, you will shadow doctors, nurses, and other medical staff, observing patient consultations, ward routines, and treatment processes. This provides valuable insight into the day to day realities of Ghana’s public healthcare system, particularly within a busy and under resourced municipal hospital.
Manna Mission Private Hospital – Situated in Teshie, Manna Mission Hospital is a private Christian hospital that has been serving local families and surrounding communities for over 20 years. The hospital is well respected for its compassionate approach to healthcare and its focus on supporting underserved populations. As a volunteer, you will observe and support work across several departments, including:
General O.P.D, Maternity and Midwifery, General Medicine, Laboratory, Nursing, Community Health Education.
Volunteers at Manna Mission Hospital assist with daily clinical routines, patient care support, and health education initiatives. You will have the opportunity to observe medical treatments, engage with patients where appropriate, and learn how faith based healthcare facilities operate alongside Ghana’s public health system.
Staff at both hospitals are welcoming and appreciative of volunteer support, creating a positive environment for learning and shared experience. You are likely to encounter a wide range of medical cases, including Malaria, Typhoid, respiratory infections, maternal health complications, and other conditions commonly seen in urban Ghanaian hospitals.
While both facilities use modern treatments, you’ll also see firsthand the challenges of operating within an under-resourced and understaffed healthcare system. As you complete volunteer work in Ghana, you will gain meaningful insight into how social, cultural, and economic factors influence healthcare access and patient outcomes.
This program is well suited to school leavers and healthcare related undergraduate students seeking practical exposure in a real world medical setting. The role is primarily observational, offering a broad and realistic understanding of healthcare delivery in Ghana.
For medical, nursing, and midwifery students who require a specific elective placement, tailored program options are available. These can be adjusted to meet university requirements, and PMGY is happy to assist with documentation and paperwork, as Ghana remains a popular destination for elective healthcare placements.
Student Elective Opportunities
PMGY offers specialist elective placements for students in Ghana, providing a unique opportunity to gain invaluable international experience. Whether you’re pursuing a career in medicine, midwifery or nursing, our programs allow you to learn directly from health professionals in distinctive medical settings. As a medical volunteer in Ghana, you can specify your desired clinical elective during the online application process. Simply highlight your preferences in the ‘Special Requirements’ section, and the PMGY Ghana team will organise everything to ensure your elective placement runs smoothly.
Medical – During your medical elective in Ghana, you’ll be based at a government or private hospital in Accra. Shadow doctors and nurses on their daily rounds as they teach you about common diseases in Ghana, such as Malaria and Typhoid, including their diagnosis, management, and treatment. Outside the hospital, participate in rural outreach programs by conducting health checks in villages and supporting health education campaigns to raise awareness about key healthcare issues.
Midwifery – Gain invaluable experience on a midwifery elective in Ghana by observing qualified midwives in the maternity ward. You’ll learn about the challenges pregnant women in Ghana face and witness childbirth in the delivery room, comparing care practices to those in your home country. Be prepared for limited maternity support during labour and a lack of prenatal care. This eye-opening placement will give you a deep understanding of the realities of maternal healthcare in Ghana.
Nursing – Embark on a nursing elective in Ghana for an unforgettable learning experience! Shadow nurses in a government hospital as they perform daily routines, care for patients, monitor their conditions, and administer medication. Rotate across departments to observe a variety of illnesses, injuries, and treatment methods. You’ll also assist with community outreach work, conducting basic health checks such as cleaning wounds, testing for tropical diseases, and monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Each elective offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of healthcare in Ghana while immersing yourself in a new culture.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day
As a medical volunteer in Ghana, you’ll spend your time at either a Government or Private Hospital, both of which offer structured observational learning experiences across multiple departments. During orientation, a local team member or hospital staff member will guide you through the hospital, introducing you to the layout and helping you meet the staff in each department. This introduction ensures you feel comfortable and ready to begin your placement.
Typically, as a medical volunteer in Ghana, you are at the project from Monday to Friday, working 3-4 hours each day from 9am to 1pm. Many participants take lunch to the project. Occasionally, you may have the option to experience a night shift. If you’re interested, you can arrange this with the local team once in Ghana. However, you’ll need to organise private transport for the night shift, as it falls outside regular program hours.
Transport to and from your project location is not included in your Program Fee. Most volunteers travel by trusted, known taxi drivers who take them to and from the project site each day. During orientation, the local team will guide you on how to connect with these drivers and navigate the taxi system. The journey to your project location will take around 15 minutes every day.
This role provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Ghana’s healthcare system, observe local practices, and gain valuable insights as part of a medical volunteer abroad project.
Ghana Mental Health
The mental health volunteer placement in Ghana offers a valuable opportunity to explore how psychiatric services function within the country. PMGY’s Ghana volunteer programs combine an incredible cultural experience with a unique learning opportunity. This mental health and psychology program allows international volunteers to gain deeper insights into the history and evolution of mental healthcare in Ghana, making it a truly enriching experience.
Background to the Mental Health Program
Ghana’s mental health sector is primarily funded by the government and has a history dating back to the early 19th century. At that time, individuals with mental health illnesses were detained in prisons, which later evolved into “lunatic asylums.”
In 1904, Ghana built its first dedicated psychiatric hospital, initially accommodating 200 patients. Overcrowding soon became an issue, prompting extensive improvements to hospital facilities and a focus on staff training and recruitment for mental health services.
By the 1950s, innovative treatments like chlorpromazine and electroconvulsive therapy became more widespread. Patients were no longer restrained in chains, isolation was discouraged, and punitive measures were abolished. These changes marked significant progress in understanding and addressing mental health issues.
Despite these advances, many Ghanaians continue to rely on traditional or herbal treatments due to a belief that mental illnesses are caused by supernatural forces. Such methods, including visiting shrines, herbalist centres, or prayer camps, are often more accessible and affordable.
The government has long-term plans to integrate psychiatric facilities into all regional and district hospitals. In the 1970s, registered mental nurses (RMNs) and community psychiatric nurses (CPNs) were introduced, with the program expanding to Accra in the 1990s. Efforts have also been made to normalise and mainstream modern psychiatric services within primary healthcare.
However, challenges remain. Ghana has a population of over 26 million but only 13 practising psychiatrists in public service. Occupational therapists, social workers, and community psychiatric nurses are limited in number, and traditional healers who may use inhumane methods are still widespread.
An estimated 2.5 million people in Ghana suffer from mental health conditions. Public education is crucial in dispelling myths about mental illness and encouraging patients and families to seek early professional treatment. Alternative treatments like occupational therapies and community outreach programs are increasingly promoted, offering new hope for patients.
As a mental health volunteer in Ghana, you will often have the opportunity to engage with these innovative programs. Additionally, Ghana’s 2012 Mental Health Act aims to reduce stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses.
If you’re interested in exploring alternative or additional projects, our mental health volunteering abroad project in Sri Lanka is recognised as our leading opportunity. It provides volunteers with greater exposure and involvement across diverse placements and project settings.
Mental Health Volunteer Placement Example
Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal Assembly (LEKMA) Government Hospital – You may join the Mental Health Program at LEKMA Hospital, also known as Ledzokuku Krowor Municipal Hospital, a major government hospital serving the Teshie and Nungua communities in Accra. The mental health unit operates within a busy municipal setting, supporting patients from a densely populated urban area where access to mental health care remains limited. The department is led by trained mental health nurses and clinicians who manage patient assessments, consultations, and follow up care.
When completing volunteer work in Ghana, you will have the opportunity to observe mental health consultations and, where appropriate, join ward rounds for patients admitted in other areas of the hospital. Common conditions seen include depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis, bipolar disorder, epilepsy, substance misuse, dementia, and stress related conditions linked to social and economic pressures.
The mental health department provides three core services:
• Outpatient consultations
• Community outreach and follow up visits
• Mental health education for patients and families
The team works to improve access to mental health services, reduce stigma within the community, and increase awareness around mental health conditions and treatment options. The department sees a high number of patients each week, reflecting the growing demand for mental health support in Accra.
On your first day, you will be introduced to the hospital environment, the mental health unit, and the role of the team within LEKMA Hospital. Throughout the remainder of your placement, you will shadow mental health professionals, observing consultations, patient reviews, and potentially community outreach activities, depending on schedules and availability.
Healthcare professionals at LEKMA Hospital are welcoming and open to working with international volunteers. Staff are keen to explain diagnoses, treatment approaches, and the challenges they face within the public healthcare system. English is widely spoken, allowing clear communication and meaningful learning throughout your placement.
As part of this mental health volunteering abroad program in Ghana, you will support local staff by observing patient care, reviewing records where appropriate, and discussing treatment plans and patient progress with clinicians. You will gain insight into how mental health services operate within a government hospital setting and how cultural, social, and resource related factors influence care delivery. This placement offers a valuable learning experience for anyone interested in mental health, psychology, or healthcare in a global context.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day
This program is tailored for individuals studying mental health or psychology, offering valuable insight into mental health issues and psychiatric services in Ghana. As a mental health volunteer in Ghana, you’ll also develop an understanding of the country’s history and progress in mental healthcare.
Typically, volunteers work Monday to Friday for around 3–4 hours a day, from 9am to 1pm. You’ll usually have lunch at the project site. During your free time as a volunteer in Ghana, you can prepare questions and reflect on your experiences to make the most of your placement.
Transport to and from the mental health project is not included in your Program Fee. Most volunteers travel by private taxi, and the local team will guide you during orientation to ensure you’re familiar with the routes and local taxi system. The journey to your project location will take around 15 minutes every day.
This project provides a unique opportunity to enhance your knowledge of mental health care in Ghana while immersing yourself in a new cultural environment.
Ghana Sports
Background to the Sports Program
Sport plays an important role in communities across Ghana, helping young people stay active while developing confidence, teamwork, discipline, leadership, and communication skills. It also provides a positive environment where children can build friendships, learn valuable life skills, and engage in healthy recreational activities.
While this placement focuses on sports development as a whole, football is by far the most popular sport in Ghana and forms the primary focus of the program. The sport is deeply embedded within local culture and serves as an important social outlet for children of all backgrounds.
With limited resources and often large participant numbers, local coaches benefit greatly from additional support. By working alongside local staff as a sports volunteer in Ghana, you will help create a positive and inclusive environment where children can develop their sporting abilities, build confidence, and foster a lifelong enjoyment of sport.
Beyond football skills alone, the program aims to encourage personal growth, build self-esteem, and promote healthy lifestyles. Working as a volunteer in Ghana, you will play an important role in creating a supportive environment where children feel motivated to learn, improve, and enjoy being part of a team.
Sports Volunteer Placement Examples
Local Schools & Community Fields – While volunteers may occasionally support a range of recreational activities, the majority of sessions are centred around football coaching, football training drills, and organised matches. Activities commonly focus on developing core skills such as passing, dribbling, shooting, ball control, positioning, teamwork, and overall fitness.
Sessions take place at local schools, community fields, and sports grounds, where children gather for regular training. Depending on the age and ability of the children, volunteers may assist with warm-ups, technical drills, small-sided games, fitness exercises, tactical activities, and match-day preparation. Volunteers often help organise equipment, demonstrate drills, encourage participation, and provide motivation throughout each session.
Local coaches lead the overall program and provide direction, while volunteers contribute additional energy, support, and fresh ideas. Other sports and recreational activities may occasionally be incorporated into sessions to promote physical activity and engagement, but football remains the primary focus throughout the placement.
As a sports volunteer in Ghana, much of your time will be spent supporting football training sessions within schools and community settings. Working alongside local coaches, you will assist with organising drills, encouraging participation, helping manage training groups, and supporting players as they develop their confidence, technical abilities, and understanding of the game.
Volunteers are encouraged to take an active role during sessions and build positive relationships during their volunteer work in Ghana. Those with previous football playing or coaching experience are welcome to share ideas and contribute to training activities where appropriate. However, formal coaching qualifications are not required. Enthusiasm, energy, patience, and a willingness to engage with children are far more important.
A typical day may involve helping set up equipment, supporting structured training activities, assisting during practice matches, and providing encouragement to players throughout the session. Volunteers may also have opportunities to assist with local tournaments, friendly matches, football festivals, and wider community sports initiatives during their placement.
Typically, volunteers take part in sessions Monday to Friday for around 3 to 5 hours per day. Your volunteer abroad program often takes place in the morning or early afternoon, depending on the school or community schedule.
Through your involvement, you will help create enjoyable and meaningful sporting experiences for young people while gaining valuable insight into community sport and youth development in Ghana.
🇹🇿 Volunteer in Tanzania or Zanzibar (2, 3 or 4 Weeks)
Your second stop is in Tanzania. Known for its many highlights, Tanzania is often billed as ‘the’ place to go on safari. This magical country offers so much to explore, including idyllic beaches, world-class national parks, and the awe-inspiring Mount Kilimanjaro. On top of that, you can also experience the exotic Moshi Hot Springs and the vibrant Zanzibar. Simply put, Tanzania’s adventure travel opportunities make it an unforgettable part of your Africa experience.
Not only will you have the chance to embark on thrilling adventures, but you'll also have the opportunity to volunteer in Arusha. This is your chance to make a significant impact by supporting one of our community-based projects. You can choose to teach in a school or volunteer at a children’s home in one of the most extraordinary locations in the world. Alternatively, if you're interested in a medical career, you can combine learning with practical experience by volunteering in a hospital or clinic. You can select your volunteer in Tanzania project during the online application process.
🇹🇿 Volunteer Projects in Tanzania or Zanzibar
Tanzania Childcare
As a childcare volunteer in Tanzania with PMGY, you’ll play a key role in brightening the daily lives of young children. By working in daycare facilities in Arusha, you’ll support local staff by organising educational activities and games while assisting with tasks to ensure the children receive the care they deserve as an international volunteer with children in Tanzania.
Background to the Childcare Program
In Tanzania, an estimated 1.4 million people are infected with HIV, and nearly 6 women die in childbirth for every 1,000 births. Combined with widespread poverty and minimal state welfare, these factors contribute to a significant number of families lacking adequate childcare. PMGY’s childcare volunteers in Tanzania work with several daycare centres in Arusha that aim to improve this critical aspect of life for local families.
The daycare centres you’ll support as a volunteer in Tanzania provide essential childcare for children from single-parent or low-income families who cannot afford private care. These projects allow parents to work and earn a living while giving their children access to early education, helping them prepare for school in a way many would not have the chance to otherwise.
Children attend these centres during the day and return to their families, friends, or relatives in the afternoon. PMGY Tanzania currently supports more than four centres within Arusha, where the dedication and enthusiasm of volunteers make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and their communities.
Childcare Volunteer Placement Examples
Sunrise & Star Rise Daycare – These daycares are situated just a short walk from the Volunteer House and are run by the same dedicated Head Teacher. Around 20-40 children attend each school daily for care and education. The daycares employ 2-3 teachers in each school so the assistance of volunteers is highly appreciated.
Tristan Day Centre – Situated in the Mbauda district of the Arusha region, Tristan Day Centre is about 15 minutes from both Arusha city and the Volunteer House. The daycare accommodates preschool children aged 2–6 years. Around 30 children attend nursery classes from Monday to Friday and return home in the afternoons. The centre employs 8 local staff, including 2 nursery teachers and 3 cooking/cleaning staff. Volunteers on our abroad volunteer programs work alongside local staff, ensuring these children receive the attention and care they deserve.
Star Daycare – Founded in 2020, Star Daycare was established to support the local community, which faced significant challenges affording childcare following the pandemic. Located in Sombetini, about 15 minutes from the Volunteer House, the centre hosts children aged 1–6, offering nursery and preschool education. As a newer centre, the extra support provided by volunteers is invaluable in helping the centre operate smoothly and expanding its services to the community.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Childcare Day
As a volunteer with children in Tanzania, your role involves supporting and interacting with the children throughout the day, helping with their care and development. You’ll also be responsible for preparing activities to keep them engaged. While each project varies, typical working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am–1pm, with the option to extend until 3pm if requested.
Each day on this program begins with basic English lessons. During this time, volunteers are expected to lead fun and educational activities that teach the fundamentals of the language. The rest of the day is spent entertaining and caring for the children, often involving outdoor play in the garden. The centres have various toys and learning tools to support the children’s development during your childcare volunteer abroad project.
During mealtimes, you’ll help serve food and ensure the children are eating well. After lunch, naptime is scheduled to give the children much-needed rest and nutrition for healthy growth. While the children rest, you’ll assist staff with tasks such as gardening, food preparation, or general upkeep of the centre.
The centres PMGY supports are often understaffed and overcrowded, making your contribution invaluable. Your responsibilities will include teaching basic English, assisting with meals, organising games and activities, and spending quality time with the children. Most volunteers focus on leading English lessons and classroom activities, but your role will also involve general caregiving.
In the afternoons, you’ll have free time to plan future sessions, relax at the Volunteer House, or explore the vibrant city of Arusha.
Transport to your project is not included in the Program Fee. The majority of projects are within walking distance from the Volunteer House, but some are further afield. In these latter cases, you can take a local bus (dala dala) or a tuk-tuk to your placement, with travel times of up to 45 minutes for your volunteer work in Tanzania. During your orientation, the local team will guide you through the transport system and provide advice on costs. If you’re ever unsure about fares, they’ll be happy to assist.
Tanzania Teaching
As a volunteer teaching English in Tanzania, you’ll play a key role in helping students build a skill that can shape their future success. Interacting with fluent, native English speakers significantly enhances their language abilities, which are vital for future job opportunities. This project offers an incredible chance for international volunteers to teach English in Tanzania, fostering meaningful connections and making a lasting impact. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your leadership skills while enriching the lives of disadvantaged children in Arusha.
Background to the Teaching Program
At the start of this century, the Tanzanian government made a significant push to enrol all children in education. This was largely achieved by reducing primary school education fees nationwide. As a result, approximately 96% of primary-school-age children are now attending school. However, this progress has come with challenges: the average primary school class now has around 53 pupils per teacher, and in rural areas, this ratio is even higher. Additionally, international aid to the education sector has decreased since the global recession, raising concerns about the overall quality of education in Tanzania.
Teaching methods in Tanzania often rely on repetition, aimed solely at passing exams. While students can memorise information, they often lack real understanding, especially when it comes to learning English. This becomes a significant issue as most secondary school classes are taught in English. By improving teaching methods, volunteers can help lay the foundation for better comprehension and learning potential, ultimately enhancing students’ employability in the future.
More than one-third of Tanzanians live below the national poverty line, making education a vital pathway to brighter futures. Tourism is a major industry in Tanzania, and the ability to speak English greatly increases young people’s chances of securing meaningful employment in this sector.
PMGY’s volunteer teaching English abroad program in Tanzania supports local schools and childcare centres to maximise their impact. As a teaching volunteer in Tanzania, you will teach English, Maths, and other subjects, while transferring valuable skills and sharing cultural perspectives. No previous teaching experience is required. All you need is creativity and enthusiasm, and our team will help you settle into your role so you can make a meaningful contribution while gaining valuable experience yourself.
We primarily support primary schools, but volunteering at secondary schools can be arranged upon request. Additionally, many of the childcare projects we work with include nursery schools for preschool-age children, where volunteers can also assist and teach English in Tanzania.
Teaching Volunteer Placement Examples
Good Hope School – Located in the Ngusero Region of Arusha, an area known for being disadvantaged and having limited educational opportunities, Good Hope School was founded in 2005 and now accommodates over 1,000 students. The school includes a nursery for children aged 3–5 and a primary school where the main teaching placements occur with students aged 6–14. The school is conveniently located about 15 minutes from both the Volunteer House and the centre of Arusha.
High View School – Situated in the Mbauda Region of Arusha, around 20 minutes from the Volunteer House, High View School was also established in 2005 to provide affordable, high-quality education to the local community. The school features a nursery for children aged 3–5 and a primary school where most teaching placements take place with students aged 6–14. On average, over 300 children attend this school and daycare.
As a volunteer in Tanzania, you’ll need to approach your role with creativity and proactivity to ensure your classes are both engaging and productive. Your contribution will be invaluable in supporting local teachers and enhancing the students’ learning experience. Many of the students will benefit significantly from having a fluent English speaker teaching them in Tanzania, helping to improve their language skills and future opportunities.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Teaching Day
As a volunteer teaching English in Tanzania, you’ll be expected to plan and lead lessons. While volunteers sometimes assist local staff and English teachers, there is generally an expectation for international volunteers to take the lead in most lessons. To teach English in Tanzania successfully, you’ll need to be creative, proactive, and prepared to use your initiative. At times, you may also work as an assistant to local teachers.
All lessons are taught in English, except for Swahili language classes. Schools follow a basic curriculum, but volunteers are encouraged to introduce new ideas and topics. Spending an hour or two each day preparing for the next day’s lessons is key to ensuring smooth and effective teaching.
While each volunteer abroad program in Tanzania may vary slightly, typical working hours are 8:30am–1pm, Monday to Friday. Volunteers usually spend 3–4 hours teaching basic English, with the rest of the time dedicated to assisting with mealtimes and organising activities. If you wish to stay longer at the project, you are generally welcome to do so.
Staff shortages are common in the under-resourced schools where we work, so flexibility and adaptability are essential. If you’re new to teaching, your confidence will grow quickly after teaching a few classes. Planning your lessons thoroughly will make running classes much easier and more enjoyable.
Transport to your project is not included in the Program Fee. The majority of projects are within walking distance from the Volunteer House, but some are further afield. In these latter cases, you can take a local bus (dala dala) or a tuk-tuk to your placement, with travel times of up to 45 minutes for your volunteer work in Tanzania. During your orientation, the local team will guide you through the transport system and provide advice on costs. If you’re ever unsure about fares, they’ll be happy to assist.
Tanzania Medical
As a medical volunteer in Tanzania with PMGY, you’ll have an incredible opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the Tanzanian healthcare system. Whether you’re considering a career in healthcare or currently studying a health-related subject at university, this program provides invaluable real-world experience to support your professional development. By working alongside and learning from local staff, you’ll gain exposure to healthcare practices and challenges that are rarely encountered in your home country.
Background to the Medical Program
Tanzania, like many African countries, faces a severe shortage of healthcare workers. Low wages, challenging working conditions, and limited training programs all contribute to the issue. The situation is worsened by the growing demands of HIV/AIDS treatment, leading to a decline in health standards that leaves Tanzania trailing behind many other developing nations.
The leading causes of death in Tanzania include malaria, HIV/AIDS, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular conditions. Many of these illnesses are challenging to prevent, and the healthcare system is heavily focused on treating urgent cases. However, significant efforts are also made to educate patients on preventative measures to reduce future risks.
As a medical volunteer in Tanzania with PMGY, you’ll have a unique opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the country’s healthcare system. PMGY collaborates with a government hospital and a community clinic in the Arusha and Meru districts, providing you with an exciting chance to experience healthcare delivery in diverse settings.
This medical program is ideal for individuals looking to gain practical volunteer experience to enhance their medical careers. Participants will have the opportunity to explore a range of departments, offering varied and valuable exposure to different aspects of healthcare. Beyond the professional experience, this program also provides a gateway to exploring one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in the world!
Medical Volunteer Placement Examples
Muriet Hospital – Located within one of Arusha’s growing residential communities, Muriet Hospital plays an important role in providing accessible healthcare to local families and surrounding neighbourhoods. As a government-operated facility, the hospital manages a varied patient caseload each day, allowing medical volunteers to gain exposure to a broad spectrum of healthcare services within the Tanzanian public health system.
The hospital offers learning opportunities across a number of departments, including General Medicine, Maternity, Paediatrics, Outpatient Care, Laboratory Services, Antenatal Clinics, Family Planning, and Community Health. Volunteers work alongside local doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff, observing patient care and developing a greater understanding of how healthcare is delivered in a resource-conscious environment. Although volunteers are welcome to express their areas of interest, placements are ultimately determined by hospital needs and availability.
Your placement will begin with an introduction to the hospital, where staff will outline the different departments and discuss your interests. Volunteers may remain within a single department or experience several during their placement, depending on the duration of their stay and operational requirements.
For many volunteers, one of the most rewarding aspects of Muriet Hospital is the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into healthcare practices that may differ considerably from those at home. The placement encourages cultural exchange, adaptability, and professional development while offering a realistic perspective on both the challenges and successes of healthcare delivery in Tanzania. Through observation and engagement with local staff, volunteers leave with a deeper appreciation of global health issues and the important role community hospitals play in supporting local populations.
Tengeru Hospital – Tengeru Hospital, a government facility located in the town of Tengeru near Arusha, is the primary placement for many of our medical volunteers in Tanzania. Initially established as a women’s health centre, it now addresses a wide range of general health needs. Operating 24/7, the hospital treats 50-80 patients daily and features a well-established maternity ward that delivers an average of 500 newborns each month, making it an excellent placement for midwifery students. Additionally, a recently opened Dental Ward provides dentistry students with opportunities to promote dental hygiene education.
Medical volunteers in Tanzania can gain experience in various departments, including Dental, Diabetes Clinic, General Medical Consultation, Laboratory, HIV Awareness and Testing, Midwifery & Labour Ward, Newborn Care and Immunisations, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Optical, Paediatrics, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy (part-time), Prenatal and Antenatal Care, Radiology, Surgery (both minor and major), and the Tuberculosis Wing. While you may indicate preferences in your application, specific placements cannot be guaranteed.
On your first day, you’ll receive an orientation from the matron, who will discuss your interests and aim to get you rotated between your preferred departments. You can focus on one or two departments or rotate through several, with a minimum of one week typically recommended in each area.
This placement offers the chance to encounter cases rarely seen in your home country, such as Typhoid and TB, and to learn about tropical diseases like Malaria, Yellow Fever, and Dengue. However, working in a government hospital comes with challenges, such as limited equipment and facilities, which can evoke strong emotions. Tanzanian healthcare may feel more relaxed in pace, and patient interactions may appear impersonal. By embracing these differences and immersing yourself in the experience, you can make a meaningful impact while gaining invaluable insight and knowledge.
Community Clinic – The community clinic provides affordable healthcare to some of the poorest residents in Arusha and surrounding areas. As the first full-service charity clinic in the city, it serves up to 3,000 patients monthly despite its relatively small size. Patients can receive consultations, blood work, and prescription treatments for minimal fees.
Departments at the clinic include General Medical Consultation, Minor Surgeries (primarily fractures), Laboratory, Pharmacy, X-ray, and Ultrasound. As a volunteer in Tanzania, you’ll have the opportunity to work across multiple departments, guided by the head doctor and their team, who are dedicated to involving you in as much as possible.
In the small surgery room, you might assist with procedures such as circumcision, abscess or cyst removal, drainage, and stitching. The pharmacy offers a chance to learn about commonly prescribed medications, including antibiotics, anti-worm treatments, and antimalarial drugs. This placement is open to all medical backgrounds, including school leavers and university students. You’ll witness a variety of cases, including malaria and typhoid, along with frequent issues in obstetrics, basic dentistry, and the urinary system.
Student Elective Opportunities
PMGY offers specialist elective placements for students in Tanzania, providing a unique opportunity to gain invaluable international experience. Whether you’re pursuing a career in medicine, midwifery or nursing, our programs allow you to learn directly from health professionals in distinctive medical settings. As a medical volunteer in Tanzania, you can specify your desired clinical elective during the online application process. Simply highlight your preferences in the ‘Special Requirements’ section, and the PMGY Tanzania team will organise everything to ensure your elective placement runs smoothly.
Medical – As part of your medical elective in Tanzania, you’ll be based at a government hospital in Arusha. Here, you’ll shadow doctors and nurses during their daily rounds, learning about the diagnosis, management, and treatment of common illnesses such as Malaria and Typhoid. Beyond hospital walls, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in medical outreach work, conducting health checks in rural villages and supporting health education campaigns to raise awareness about key healthcare issues in Tanzania.
Midwifery – Gain unparalleled international midwifery experience during your placement in Tanzania. Shadow experienced midwives in the maternity ward, observing consultations and assessing the conditions faced by pregnant women in Tanzania. Witness childbirth in the delivery room and explore the stark differences in maternal care, including limited support during labour and prenatal care. Your midwifery elective will be an eye-opening journey into the challenges and triumphs of maternal healthcare in a developing country.
Nursing – Embark on a transformative experience with a nursing elective in Tanzania. Shadow nurses in a government hospital as they care for patients, monitor their health, and administer medication. Rotate across different departments to witness a range of medical cases, illnesses, and injuries. Additionally, take part in community outreach work by assisting with healthcare checks, wound care, and screenings for tropical diseases. You’ll also have the chance to conduct blood pressure and blood sugar tests, gaining valuable experience while making a meaningful impact.
Each elective offers a unique opportunity to broaden your medical knowledge and develop your skills, all while contributing to essential healthcare services in Tanzania.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day
As a medical volunteer in Tanzania, you will have the unique opportunity to observe and learn from qualified healthcare professionals. If you have little or no medical experience, your role will primarily be observational, allowing you to gain insights into the Tanzanian healthcare system. For those studying a medically related degree, there may be opportunities for basic hands-on involvement. However, this is dependent on building trust with the local doctors and nurses, as well as obtaining patient consent.
Your primary role as a medical volunteer in Tanzania is to observe and learn about healthcare practices in a developing country. This experience will provide you with a deeper understanding of common health challenges in Tanzania, such as malaria and typhoid, and how they are managed within the constraints of a resource-limited setting. It also offers a comparative perspective on healthcare practices between Tanzania and your home country.
You can expect to spend 3-5 hours per day on the project, typically working from either 8:30am to 1pm or 11am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Volunteers are often welcome to stay longer at the project if they wish to further immerse themselves in the experience.
Transport to your medical volunteer placement in Tanzania is not included in the Program Fee. Most volunteers use a Dala Dala (local bus) to travel to their volunteer work in Tanzania, with journeys typically taking up to 45 minutes each way. Volunteers placed at Muriet Hospital usually have a much shorter commute, with a tuk-tuk ride of around 10 minutes from the Volunteer House. Our local team can help arrange this transport, with payment made directly to the driver at local rates. During your in-country orientation, our local team will explain the local transport system and ensure you feel comfortable getting around independently. If you have any questions about routes, pricing, or travel, the team is always available to help.
Zanzibar Childcare
As a childcare volunteer in Zanzibar with PMGY, you’ll play a key role in brightening the daily lives of young children. By working in daycare facilities in Paje, you’ll support local staff by organising educational activities and games while assisting with tasks to ensure the children receive the care they deserve as an international volunteer with children in Zanzibar.
Background to the Childcare Program
In Zanzibar alone, an estimated 5,500 people are infected with HIV, as well as high levels of malaria, dengue, and schistosomiasis amongst local communities. Combined with widespread poverty and minimal state welfare, these factors contribute to a significant number of families lacking adequate childcare. PMGY’s childcare volunteers in Zanzibar work with several daycare centres in Paje that aim to improve this critical aspect of life for local families.
The daycare centres you’ll support as a volunteer in Zanzibar provide essential childcare for children from single-parent or low-income families who cannot afford private care. These projects enable parents to work and earn a living while offering their children access to early education, which helps prepare them for school – an opportunity many wouldn’t otherwise have.
Children attend these centres during the day and return to their families, friends, or relatives in the afternoon. PMGY Zanzibar supports a number of daycare centres in Paje, where the dedication and enthusiasm of volunteers make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and their communities.
Childcare Volunteer Placement Examples
Space Day Care – Situated in the Paje district of Zanzibar, Space Day Care is located just a 15-minute walk from the volunteer house and provides a safe space for play and early education for young children in the community. The daycare caters to preschool children aged 2–6 years, with around 30 children attending nursery classes from Monday to Friday before returning home in the afternoons.
The centre employs four local staff members, including two nursery teachers and two cooking and cleaning staff. Volunteers on our overseas programs work alongside the local team to deliver meaningful activities and help ease the workload of staff who work tirelessly to ensure every child is well cared for each day.
Sunrise Kindergarten – Located just behind the main coastal road in Paje, Sunrise Kindergarten offers young children a strong foundation for their mainstream education. Many children in Zanzibar begin school later than recommended due to financial constraints, meaning they often fall behind when they enter formal education.
Sunrise Kindergarten supports children from the local community by providing a safe, affordable space to start their education and gain a head start. Volunteers play a key role by introducing English at an early age – an invaluable skill in Zanzibar, where tourism is becoming the primary source of income.
Zanzibar Daycare Centre – Founded in 2018, Zanzibar Daycare Centre was established to support young families with childcare needs, enabling parents to seek employment in the tourism industry. Located in Jambiani, approximately a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride from the volunteer house, the centre cares for children aged 6 months to 4 years, offering both nursery and preschool education.
Jambiani is a quieter, more local area compared to Paje, which can make access to basic services such as schools, transport, and stable employment more challenging. Volunteers help expand the permanent staff team, allowing the centre to accommodate more children throughout the day.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Childcare Day
As a volunteer with children in Zanzibar, your role involves supporting and interacting with the children throughout the day, helping with their care and development. You’ll also be responsible for preparing activities to keep them engaged. While each project varies, typical working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am–1pm, with the option to extend until 3pm if requested.
Each day on this program begins with basic English lessons. During this time, volunteers are expected to lead fun and educational activities that teach the fundamentals of the language. The rest of the day is spent entertaining and caring for the children, often involving outdoor play in the garden. The centres have various toys and learning tools to support the children’s development during your childcare volunteer abroad project.
During mealtimes, you’ll help serve food and ensure the children are eating well. After lunch, naptime is scheduled to give the children much-needed rest and nutrition for healthy growth. While the children rest, you’ll assist staff with tasks such as gardening, food preparation, or general upkeep of the centre.
The centres PMGY supports are often understaffed and overcrowded, making your contribution invaluable. Your responsibilities will include teaching basic English, assisting with meals, organising games and activities, and spending quality time with the children. Most volunteers focus on leading English lessons and classroom activities, but your role will also involve general caregiving.
In the afternoons, you’ll have free time to plan future sessions, relax at the Volunteer House, or explore the tranquil beaches of Paje and Jambiani.
Transport to your project is not included in the Program Fee. Some childcare centres are within walking distance of the Volunteer House, while others may require a commute. For these projects, you’ll need to take a tuk-tuk, with travel times of up to 20 minutes for your volunteer work in Zanzibar. During your orientation, the local team will guide you through the transport system and provide advice on costs. If you’re ever unsure about fares, they’ll be happy to assist.
Zanzibar Teaching
As a volunteer teaching English in Zanzibar, you’ll play a key role in helping students build a skill that can shape their future success. Interacting with fluent, native English speakers significantly enhances their language abilities, which are vital for future job opportunities. This project offers an incredible chance for international volunteers to teach English in Zanzibar, fostering meaningful connections and making a lasting impact. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your leadership skills while enriching the lives of disadvantaged children in Paje.
Background to the Teaching Program
At the start of this century, the Tanzanian and Zanzibar government made a significant push to enrol all children in education. This was largely achieved by reducing primary school education fees nationwide. As a result, approximately 96% of primary-school-age children are now attending school. However, this progress has come with challenges: the average primary school class now has around 53 pupils per teacher, and in rural areas, this ratio is even higher. Additionally, international aid to the education sector has decreased since the global recession, raising concerns about the overall quality of education in Tanzania, and even more so in Zanzibar.
Teaching methods in Zanzibar often rely on repetition, aimed solely at passing exams. While students can memorise information, they often lack real understanding, especially when it comes to learning English. This becomes a significant issue as most secondary school classes are taught in English. By improving teaching methods, volunteers can help lay the foundation for better comprehension and learning potential, ultimately enhancing students’ employability in the future.
More than a quarter of the population of Zanzibar live below the national poverty line, making education a vital pathway to brighter futures. Tourism is a major up and coming industry in Zanzibar, and the ability to speak English greatly increases young people’s chances of securing meaningful employment in this sector.
PMGY’s volunteer teaching English abroad program in Zanzibar supports local schools and childcare centres to maximise their impact. As a teaching volunteer in Zanzibar, you will teach English, Maths, and other subjects, while transferring valuable skills and sharing cultural perspectives. No previous teaching experience is required — just creativity and enthusiasm! Our team will help you settle into your role, ensuring you make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable experience yourself.
We primarily support primary schools, but volunteering at secondary schools can be arranged upon request. Additionally, many of the childcare projects we work with include nursery schools for preschool-age children, where volunteers can also assist and teach English in Zanzibar.
Teaching Volunteer Placement Examples
Paje Primary School – Located just a short walk from the volunteer house, Paje Primary School educates around 120 students aged 8–14. Students follow the national curriculum and are grouped by age, with volunteers providing additional English lessons. This extra support enhances students’ education and helps prepare them for future roles in the tourism industry.
The school was founded in 2019 and continues to grow with the support of volunteers and partner organisations.
Pendo High School – Originally established as a high school for students aged 12 and above, Pendo High School has since expanded to include multiple departments, allowing students to enrol from kindergarten through to graduation.
Students benefit greatly from learning English with volunteers from a young age and continuing this instruction throughout their education. This consistent exposure helps build strong language skills and confidence, opening doors to employment opportunities in tourism and beyond.
As a volunteer in Zanzibar, you’ll need to approach your role with an open mind and creativity, particularly when planning lessons that engage and motivate students to develop their English skills. Your contribution will be invaluable in supporting local teachers and enriching students’ learning experiences.
Many students benefit significantly from learning with fluent English speakers, improving both their language ability and future opportunities. Volunteers considering a career in teaching will also gain valuable skills and practical experience, helping them stand out in a competitive job market.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Teaching Day
As a volunteer teaching English in Zanzibar, you’ll be expected to plan and lead lessons. While volunteers sometimes assist local staff and English teachers, there is generally an expectation for international volunteers to take the lead in most lessons. To teach English in Zanzibar successfully, you’ll need to be creative, proactive, and prepared to use your initiative. At times, you may also work as an assistant to local teachers.
All lessons are taught in English, except for Swahili language classes. Schools follow a basic curriculum, but volunteers are encouraged to introduce new ideas and topics. Spending an hour or two each day preparing for the next day’s lessons is key to ensuring smooth and effective teaching.
While each volunteer abroad program in Zanzibar may vary slightly, typical working hours are 8:30am–1pm, Monday to Friday. Volunteers usually spend 3–4 hours teaching basic English, with the rest of the time dedicated to assisting with mealtimes and organising activities. If you wish to stay longer at the project, you are generally welcome to do so.
Staff shortages are common in the under-resourced schools where we work, so flexibility and adaptability are essential. If you’re new to teaching, your confidence will grow quickly after teaching a few classes. Planning your lessons thoroughly will make running classes much easier and more enjoyable.
Transport to the teaching project is not included in the Program Fee. While some schools are within walking distance from the Volunteer House, others require a commute. For these projects, you’ll take a tuk tuk, which can be arranged through the local team, with travel times of up to 25 minutes to your volunteer work. During your orientation, the local team will guide you on how to navigate the local transport system if you prefer and provide advice on journey costs. If you’re ever unsure about fares or routes, they’ll always be there to help.
Zanzibar Medical
As a medical volunteer in Zanzibar with PMGY, you’ll have an incredible opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the Zanzibar healthcare system. Whether you’re considering a healthcare career or currently studying a health-related subject at university, this program provides invaluable real-world experience to support your professional development. By working alongside and learning from local staff, you’ll gain exposure to healthcare practices and challenges that are rarely encountered in your home country.
Background to the Medical Program
As a medical volunteer in Zanzibar, you will have the unique opportunity to observe and learn from qualified healthcare professionals. If you have little or no medical experience, your role will primarily be observational, allowing you to gain insights into the Zanzibar healthcare system. For those studying a medically related degree, there may be opportunities for basic hands-on involvement. However, this is dependent on building trust with the local doctors and nurses, as well as obtaining patient consent.
Your primary role as a medical volunteer in Zanzibar is to observe and learn about healthcare practices in a developing country. This experience will provide you with a deeper understanding of common health challenges on the island, such as malaria and typhoid, and how they are managed within the constraints of a resource-limited setting. It also offers a comparative perspective on healthcare practices between Zanzibar and your home country.
You can expect to spend 3-5 hours per day on the project, typically working from either 8:30am to 1pm or 11am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Volunteers are often welcome to stay longer at the project if they wish to further immerse themselves in the experience.
Medical Volunteer Placement Example
Mnazi Mmoja Hospital – Mnazi Mmoja Hospital is a government hospital located in Stone Town, around 40 minutes from Paje and the Volunteer House. It is the main placement for many medical volunteers in Zanzibar. Serving as the primary referral and teaching hospital for the islands, the hospital offers various services from general medicine to specialist care, with affiliated government facilities like Mwembeladu Maternity Hospital also nearby. While it’s the central public facility, it’s often described as busy and under-resourced, serving the whole population.
Its partner, the Mwembeladu Maternity Hospital has a busy maternity ward, with about 400 babies born each month. This makes it a great placement for midwifery students.
Volunteers can work in many departments, including General Medicine, Dental, Midwifery, Newborn Care, Paediatrics, Pharmacy, Surgery, Laboratory, Radiology, HIV Testing, Diabetes Clinic, Tuberculosis, Physiotherapy (part-time), and more. You can share your preferences when applying, but placements are not guaranteed.
On your first day, you will receive an introduction from the matron. They will discuss your interests and try to rotate you through your chosen departments. You may stay in one or two areas or rotate through several. It is recommended to spend at least one week in each department.
This placement allows you to see medical cases that are rare in many countries, such as tuberculosis and typhoid, and to learn about tropical diseases like malaria. Working in a government hospital can be challenging due to limited equipment and resources. Healthcare may feel slower paced, and patient care may seem less personal. However, adapting to these differences can be a valuable and rewarding experience.
Student Elective Opportunities
PMGY offers elective placements in Zanzibar for students studying medicine, midwifery, or nursing. These electives give students an observatory experience while learning from local healthcare professionals. You can request a specific elective when applying by listing your preference in the “Special Requirements” section. The PMGY Zanzibar team will help organise your placement.
Medical Elective
Medical students will be placed in a government hospital in Stone Town or Paje. You will shadow doctors and nurses during ward rounds and learn how common illnesses such as malaria and typhoid are diagnosed and treated.
Midwifery Elective
Midwifery students will work in the maternity hospital alongside experienced midwives. You will observe antenatal clinics, labour, and childbirth. This placement offers insight into the challenges of maternal care in Zanzibar, including limited resources and support during pregnancy and birth.
Nursing Elective
Nursing students will shadow nurses in a government hospital. You will help care for patients, monitor their health, and give medication. You may rotate through different departments and take part in community outreach, such as health checks, wound care, and screenings. You may also help measure blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Each elective provides valuable experience, helps build practical skills, and allows you to support important healthcare services in Zanzibar.
Your Volunteer Role &Work Day
As a medical volunteer in Zanzibar, you will have the unique opportunity to observe and learn from qualified healthcare professionals. If you have little or no medical experience, your role will primarily be observational, allowing you to gain insights into the Zanzibar healthcare system. For those studying a medically related degree, there may be opportunities for basic hands-on involvement. However, this is dependent on building trust with the local doctors and nurses, as well as obtaining patient consent.
Your primary role as a medical volunteer in Zanzibar is to observe and learn about healthcare practices in a developing country. This experience will provide you with a deeper understanding of common health challenges on the island, such as malaria and typhoid, and how they are managed within the constraints of a resource-limited setting. It also offers a comparative perspective on healthcare practices between Zanzibar and your home country.
You can expect to spend 3-5 hours per day on the project, typically working from either 8:30am to 1pm or 11am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Volunteers are often welcome to stay longer at the project if they wish to further immerse themselves in the experience.
Transport to your medical volunteer placement in Zanzibar is not included in the Program Fee. Most volunteers will need to use a Dala Dala or Tuk Tuk (arranged by the local team) to reach their placement, which may take up to 40 minutes for your volunteer work in Zanzibar. During your in-country orientation, our local team will guide you through the local transport system, ensuring you are comfortable navigating it. If you ever have concerns about pricing or travel, the team is always on hand to help. This experience is not only an opportunity to contribute but also to grow personally and professionally in an environment that challenges and inspires.
🇿🇦 Volunteer in South Africa (2, 3 or 4 Weeks)
Your final stop is South Africa. The Eastern Cape, the second-largest of South Africa’s nine provinces, lies along the eastern coast. It is the homeland of the Xhosa-speaking nation and the birthplace of Nelson Mandela. The region’s diverse landscape ranges from the arid Great Karoo to the lush, underdeveloped Wild Coast. The Eastern Cape also offers a wealth of activities for your travel in Africa, including surfing experiences, safaris in ‘Big 5’ game reserves. The Western Cape, boasts the famous Table Mountain, within the city of Cape Town where you can experience hikes, visit a beach with African Penguins or even go on a wine tour!
Your volunteer locations in South Africa are either situated within the Eastern or Western Cape (depending on which project you choose), offering a variety of projects to get involved with. You can choose to work on community-based projects in Cape Town or join wildlife conservation initiatives in Port Elizabeth. Despite years of relative prosperity, Cape Town still faces significant social issues, with extreme poverty affecting many communities. In contrast, Port Elizabeth is a more laid-back city, surrounded by wildlife reserves teeming with diverse flora and fauna.
You can select a volunteer project in South Africa that helps provide childcare facilities for struggling families, particularly working with children from disadvantaged communities in Cape Town. Alternatively, you could support local education as a teacher’s assistant at a local school. If you prefer a more tranquil setting, consider moving away from the hustle and bustle of Cape Town to volunteer at Kwantu Game Reserve, engaging in a structured conservation project. Port Elizabeth is the only location where you can take part in wildlife conservation projects as part of the Real Africa Encounter. You can choose your volunteer in South Africa project during the online application process.
🇿🇦 Volunteer Projects in South Africa
South Africa Childcare
As a childcare volunteer in South Africa, you will play a key role in supporting childcare projects within Cape Town’s vibrant community. PMGY’s South Africa volunteer programs offer the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping young children in Cape Town. By volunteering with children in South Africa, you will provide essential support and help brighten their lives in truly significant ways.
Background to the Childcare Program
It is estimated that 80% of young children in South Africa’s townships lack access to early childhood development education. As a result, many miss out on the essential support needed to reach their full potential. Since the end of Apartheid in 1994, inadequate government funding and flawed policies have disproportionately impacted the most underprivileged South Africans, exacerbating the challenges they face.
Today, approximately 57% of South Africa’s population lives in poverty. In low-income township areas, living conditions are harsh, characterised by high crime and unemployment rates, health issues, and overcrowding. A lack of childcare facilities leaves many children without proper care and protection.
Affordable and accessible childcare services are especially scarce across Cape Town and surrounding communities. Families from low-income backgrounds face the greatest struggles. While some centres have been established to address these issues, many are understaffed and lack adequate resources. This makes the contributions of PMGY volunteers invaluable to improving the quality of care provided to these children.
The daycare centres PMGY supports include independent local initiatives and government-subsidised community support programs. Some are home-based crèches run by local women, while others are more structured organisations. All share a common mission: to help children achieve their full emotional, social, and physical potential.
Plan My Gap Year collaborates with a variety of crèches, daycare centres, and kindergartens located in central Cape Town. These facilities offer vital childcare services to impoverished families from nearby communities. Many of these children come from townships and other underprivileged areas where social and health challenges, such as gang violence, drug abuse, malnutrition, and HIV/AIDS, are prevalent.
Parents or relatives of these children often work in the city, enabling them to bring their children to the daycare centres each morning. Other children arrive by bus. Teachers and assistants at the centres use a mix of Afrikaans, English, and Xhosa to communicate. Some centres also provide meals, where volunteers can help during feeding times.
Volunteer opportunities in South Africa provided by PMGY give you the chance to make a meaningful difference. At our childcare volunteer abroad projects in South Africa, it is essential to bring energy, enthusiasm, and creativity. Many of these children rely on the care and attention that you, as a childcare volunteer in South Africa, can provide. To volunteer with children in South Africa, you must dedicate your time and skills effectively to maximise your impact on the local community.
Childcare Volunteer Placement Examples
The Kiddies College – A blend between a crèche and a kindergarten, the Kiddies College was founded in 1997 to support children aged 2-6 years. Volunteers assist local staff in managing the daily schedule and supervising the children. The project emerged after a former preschool was closed by the local council, but the dedication of one of its previous staff members led to its revival. Today, it provides local employment opportunities and boasts spacious rooms and a lovely garden area.
Meals are provided for the children at the centre, and various activities such as library visits, swimming lessons, karate classes, and speech and drama sessions are also included. Volunteers can play an active role in these activities if placed at this project. PMGY volunteers help ease the workload of the understaffed team, offering extra care and attention to the children.
The Starfish Academy – The Starfish Academy is home to around 160 learners, creating a lively and bustling environment! Most children are aged between 3 months and 6 years, although some are as old as 12. The crèche’s mission is to provide a safe, secure, and stimulating space for children to discover their potential naturally.
The crèche operates with a strong philosophy that play is essential to children’s development. Volunteers are encouraged to embrace and support this approach. Tasks include assisting with homework, playing games, engaging in creative arts activities, and supporting the two baby rooms.
Many of the children at the crèche come from broken homes and disadvantaged backgrounds. They greatly value the extra care and attention that childcare volunteers in South Africa bring. This contribution is equally appreciated by the local staff and wider community.
Gingerbread House Educare – Located in the historic Mowbray district, Gingerbread House Educare was established in 1993 to address the shortage of affordable childcare facilities in the area. Over the years, it has expanded significantly and now cares for more than 110 children during the morning. In the afternoons, an additional 30 primary school children join the centre.
The centre focuses on providing learners with a balanced education, emphasising the development of their overall character and self-confidence. As a volunteer in South Africa at Gingerbread House, you will be involved in every aspect of the project’s daily routine. This includes supporting teachers with lessons, facilitating dance and creative arts activities, helping with food preparation and feeding, and engaging in general playtime, which is always a highlight for the children!
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Childcare Day
As a childcare volunteer in South Africa, you will take part in a variety of activities that support the daily running of the childcare centres. This includes assisting local staff with tasks such as cleaning and administrative duties, food preparation and feeding, supervising playtime, and ensuring a calm environment during nap times.
When you volunteer with children in South Africa, you’ll also have the chance to engage in teaching activities. These might involve helping with basic maths, reading, or arts and crafts. Most importantly, your presence will make you a positive role model for the children – something many of them lack in their daily lives. By completing your volunteer work in South Africa, you’ll provide invaluable support to the overstretched local staff, helping to create a nurturing and stimulating environment.
Your typical volunteering abroad hours will be from 8am to 1pm, Monday to Friday, with a break for lunch. Many of the children take a nap in the early afternoon, but if your project allows and you wish to, you can return after this time to continue assisting until the centre closes. Weekends are your own free time to explore, relax, or travel.
Volunteers are responsible for making their way to the childcare project each day. This usually involves taking an Uber, although some projects may be within walking distance of the Volunteer House. On average, it takes about 30 minutes to reach the childcare project. Our local team will provide clear instructions on how to get to and from the project, and you may be paired with an experienced volunteer already working at your assigned placement.
South Africa Teaching
As a volunteer teaching English in South Africa, you will play a key role in enhancing the English skills of local children. As their proficiency grows, so do their future opportunities. PMGY’s South Africa volunteer programs give you the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young learners in Cape Town. Teach English in South Africa, along with other subjects, to underprivileged children attending government schools – all against the backdrop of vibrant and cosmopolitan Cape Town.
Background to the Teaching Program
South Africa is a vibrant nation with 11 official languages and immense potential. The future of this great country heavily relies on its youth. While significant strides have been made since the end of apartheid to create an inclusive and comprehensive education system, the quality of education remains uneven, often depending on a child’s location and family wealth.
Children from high-income families benefit from private schools and language-focused institutions, offering direct pathways to the best jobs in South Africa. Conversely, children from disadvantaged communities face many challenges, often receiving insufficient education to prepare them for the future. Cape Town, an emerging hub, has seen a growing influx of refugees, placing additional pressure on already under-resourced and overcrowded government schools, where classrooms often hold 40+ students per teacher.
Many of the children attending these public schools come from broken homes, where criminality and illiteracy are common. As a result, many become disengaged with formal education. Unfortunately, the schools lack the resources and staff to address these challenges, offering few recreational activities to re-engage less enthusiastic learners.
PMGY South Africa works with primary schools in and around Cape Town, a popular tourist destination. These schools cater to children aged 6-13, focusing on core subjects such as maths, art, science, and, most importantly, English. Class sizes range from 15 to 40 pupils, with children aged approximately 5-12 years old.
As a volunteer teaching English in South Africa, you will assist with lesson planning, one-on-one student support, and leading classroom activities. You may also substitute for the main teacher, conduct physical education lessons, handle administrative duties, and support fundraising initiatives or school events.
PMGY’s volunteer teaching English abroad programs in South Africa offer a platform to make a meaningful difference. Your energy, creativity, and enthusiasm will be essential in helping students improve their English skills, providing them with brighter prospects for the future. By donating your time and skills effectively, you will maximise your impact on the local community. If you’re looking for motivation to embark on a gap year volunteering experience, South Africa offers a rewarding opportunity to teach, inspire, and contribute to the development of young learners.
Teaching Volunteer Placement Examples
Chapel Street Primary School – Chapel Street Primary is home to approximately 800 students, most of whom come from underprivileged communities. Many of these children live in Cape Town’s townships, which are heavily disadvantaged. As a result, classrooms are often overcrowded, and resources are scarce.
With only 24 staff members, the teacher-to-student ratio ranges from 1:30 to 1:40. Despite these challenges, the dedicated teaching staff strive to overcome the economic and social hardships their students face by prioritising education and utilising technology as a tool for learning.
The school caters to children aged 6-13, and as you teach English in South Africa, your primary role will be to assist local teachers in the classroom. You will also have opportunities to lead lessons and support physical education, including sports activities. Additionally, you may help with swimming lessons and art classes. PMGY volunteers play a crucial role in alleviating the workload of overburdened teachers while building meaningful connections with the students.
St. Paul’s Primary School – Situated in the vibrant and historic Cape Malay community of Bo-Kaap, St. Paul’s Primary School is surrounded by colourful houses and steep cobblestone streets. Although it is located within walking distance of Cape Town’s city centre, the majority of its students come from the townships – some of the city’s most economically disadvantaged areas. These communities often face significant challenges, including substance abuse and high crime rates, making schools like St. Paul’s a vital safe haven for children.
Volunteers at St. Paul’s are typically placed in lower grades, working with children aged 6-8. The primary focus in these classrooms is on language, basic maths, art, music, and physical education. You will primarily act as a teaching assistant as you teach English in South Africa. Your responsibilities will include tasks such as coordinating reading groups, assisting with administrative duties, and providing one-on-one support to students who need extra help. On occasion, you may be invited to lead a class or assist in older year groups, further enhancing your teaching experience.
Volunteering at these schools offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of children while gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by educators and learners in South Africa.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Teaching Day
As a volunteer teaching English in South Africa, you will provide invaluable support in the classroom, helping to ease the workload on local staff. Your presence as a volunteer in South Africa also contributes to better discipline and improved class productivity. For students facing challenges, such as learning difficulties or behavioural issues, the individual attention from international volunteers can make a significant difference.
In most cases, you will work as a teaching assistant. However, there may be occasions when you are asked to lead a class independently. This is a common occurrence during volunteer work in South Africa, so it’s important to come prepared with lesson plans. Spending time planning and organising your lessons in advance will help you make the most of your time on the project.
Your typical working hours are from 7:45am to 2:30pm, Monday to Friday, with a break for lunch. If you wish to take on additional duties or extend your working hours, this can be arranged upon request. Volunteers are encouraged to dedicate at least one hour each day to planning activities and lessons for the following day. Weekends are free for you to relax, explore Cape Town, or participate in local activities.
You will need to travel to your English teaching project each day, typically by Uber, though some placements may be within walking distance of the Volunteer House. The average journey takes around 30 minutes. Our local team will provide clear guidance on how to reach your placement and will pair you with another volunteer who is already familiar with the location, ensuring you settle into your role smoothly.
South Africa Wildlife
As a South Africa Wildlife Reserve Volunteer, you’ll have the incredible chance to work behind the scenes at Kwantu Game Reserve. This unique experience also offers an in-depth education in conservation management. PMGY’s South Africa volunteer programs provide an excellent opportunity to get involved in meaningful wildlife volunteer work in South Africa. If you’re passionate about animals, this South Africa wildlife volunteer program is the perfect adventure for you.
Background to the Wildlife Program
The South Africa wildlife volunteer program offers the chance to work within Kwantu Game Reserve, which is home to the iconic Big 5 – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo. The term “Big 5” originates from hunting terminology, referring to these animals as the five most challenging to hunt on foot in Africa.
Unfortunately, poaching is on the rise across much of Africa, putting many species, including the Big 5, at risk of extinction. Additionally, diseases spread from domestic animals, such as cattle and dogs, threaten wild populations. Another significant challenge is the introduction of alien species, which compete with native flora and fauna for limited resources like food and water. Climate change is further exacerbating these issues, with increasing droughts and water scarcity affecting the survival of many species. Human activities, such as diverting rivers, also compound the problem, leaving wildlife without critical water sources.
Game reserves in South Africa are vital in combating these threats. They offer a safe haven for wildlife, creating managed ecosystems across stunning landscapes. While the primary focus of these reserves is on fauna, they also prioritise the preservation of native flora, fungi, and overall biodiversity. By engaging in wildlife volunteer work in South Africa, participants play an essential role in supporting these conservation efforts.
This project is dedicated to restoring the natural environment to its original state, ensuring it remains a safe home for wildlife and native plant species. Since its inception, Kwantu has worked tirelessly to reintroduce native flora and fauna, creating a thriving ecosystem. As a South Africa wildlife reserve volunteer, you will contribute to this mission by participating in various conservation and maintenance activities, helping to sustain this incredible environment for future generations.
Wildlife Reserve Volunteer Placement
Kwantu Game Reserve – This incredible game reserve, located on the Eastern Cape, spans over 6,000 hectares and provides volunteers with a truly immersive wildlife experience. As a South Africa wildlife reserve volunteer, you’ll gain insight into the conservation and management of the majestic Big 5 – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo – while also supporting the preservation of other fauna and flora that form this delicate ecosystem.
Kwantu’s education and rehabilitation centre is home to several endangered predators, including lions, Bengal tigers, and cheetahs. The dedicated conservation team focuses on rehabilitating these animals and releasing them back into the wild, ensuring their integration into a carefully managed ecosystem. While this is not a hands-on program due to the wild and predatory nature of the animals, you’ll still play a vital role in supporting their conservation. Close interaction or monitoring of the animals is not part of the program to ensure their safety and well-being.
At the centre, you’ll also learn about the plight of species like the Bengal tiger, whose population has dwindled alarmingly due to hunting and deforestation. A highlight of the reserve’s efforts has been the successful birth of a Bengal tiger cub after four years of dedicated work and research.
This program is perfect for volunteers passionate about wildlife and eager to experience the essence of African conservation. Each day on the South Africa wildlife volunteer program is filled with varied activities, offering a dynamic and meaningful experience. The itinerary adapts based on weather and other factors, so flexibility is essential.
Example volunteer activities:
• Lion monitoring
• Rhino monitoring
• Educational sessions and classroom activities within local communities
• Removal of alien vegetation
• Planting indigenous trees
• Landscaping and vegetation re-establishment
• Fence and anti-poaching patrols
• Fence repairs and road maintenance
• Monitoring predators in the rehabilitation centre
• Conducting game counts
Your contributions will help ensure that Kwantu remains a safe, thriving environment for its wildlife. The daily tasks are diverse, meaning no two days will feel the same. While the program involves physical work, it’s balanced with fun and engaging activities to make each day both productive and enjoyable.
Volunteers are divided into small groups of up to 10, depending on the number of participants at the time. Each group is led by an outdoor volunteer coordinator who acts as a mentor and guide. Groups rotate through different activities, ensuring everyone gains a comprehensive experience by the end of the week. Occasionally, all groups may work together on larger projects.
This busy yet rewarding program is designed to provide a mix of education, conservation work, and personal growth. A dedicated volunteer coordinator and local staff ensure you not only contribute meaningfully but also leave with a deeper understanding of South Africa’s conservation challenges on the wildlife volunteering abroad program.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day
As a participant in the South Africa wildlife volunteer program, you will play a vital role in supporting the conservation efforts of the reserve. Your daily activities will be outlined in an itinerary displayed on the volunteer noticeboard, detailing your group’s tasks and timings. If you have ideas or suggestions related to volunteering with animals in conservation, you are welcome to share them with the local team.
This program is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on South Africa’s wilderness, preserving it for both current and future generations. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get involved in meaningful conservation work in an unforgettable setting, this is the perfect program for you. Whether it’s for a week or as part of a gap year, there’s no better place for wildlife volunteer work in South Africa than on this reserve. Learn, contribute, and immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind experience as a volunteer in South Africa.
Working hours as a conservation volunteer are generally consistent from Monday to Friday, divided into morning and afternoon sessions. Mornings, running from approximately 9:30am to 1:00pm, often involve more physically demanding tasks while temperatures are cooler. After a lunch break, the afternoon session typically runs from 2:30pm to 4:30pm. Times may vary slightly depending on the season or specific activities for the day. As volunteers are based on the reserve, daily tasks are only a short jeep ride or walk away. Any necessary transport for the project is included in the Program Fee, ensuring convenience and accessibility throughout your stay.
🌍 Trip Schedule
The Real Africa Encounter provides a balanced experience across three incredible destinations, with your time evenly divided based on the program length you select. The 6-week option offers 2 weeks at each location, providing a brief yet impactful introduction to each country. For a more in-depth experience, the 9-week Real Africa Encounter allows 3 weeks per destination, while the 12-week option extends your stay to 4 weeks in each location, offering a truly immersive journey. This structure ensures you have the opportunity to explore, contribute meaningfully to local projects, and fully embrace the unique culture and environment of each destination.
Your Real Africa Encounter begins in Ghana, where you’ll immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and community. Upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra on your Sunday start date, you’ll be greeted by a PMGY representative and transported to your accommodation, our volunteer house.
After breakfast on Monday, you’ll begin your orientation. This includes an introduction to the local area, cultural insights, and visits to volunteer project sites. You’ll also explore Accra’s bustling markets and coastal regions.
From Tuesday to Friday, you’ll dive into volunteering, working closely with project staff and the local community. The first day focuses on familiarisation, but as the week progresses, you’ll begin contributing to impactful initiatives. Over the weekend, you’ll have the chance to explore Ghana’s treasures, such as Mole National Park and Cape Coast, with support from the local team.
The next week(s) follows a similar pattern of weekday volunteering and weekend adventures. The local team will be there to support you every step of the way, whether you need advice, help with plans, or a friendly ear.
On Sunday, you’ll bid farewell to Ghana and fly to Tanzania. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, a PMGY team member will welcome you and take you to the Volunteer House in Arusha or Zanzibar. The rest of the day is yours to relax and settle in.
Monday’s orientation introduces you to Tanzanian culture, the Swahili language, and essential safety information. You’ll also receive a tour of the local area to familiarise yourself with local shops, ATMs, and bus stops. By Tuesday, you’ll start your volunteer placement, working on meaningful community projects. The local team will accompany you on your first day to ensure a smooth transition and will remain available for ongoing support.
Over the weekend, you’ll have opportunities to experience Tanzania’s natural and cultural wonders. From climbing Mt Meru to visiting Arusha National Park or exploring the Maasai Market, the options are endless. Volunteers can also plan safaris to Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti National Park or have some down time on Zanzibar Island.
During your next week(s), you’ll continue volunteering Monday to Friday, gaining confidence and deeper engagement with your project. The weekend again offers time for travel or relaxation, with the local team ready to assist with plans.
Your final destination on the Real Africa Encounter is South Africa. For the South Africa segment, this itinerary is based on the Cape Town program. However, you also have the option to include the wildlife program in Port Elizabeth when completing your online application.
After arriving at Cape Town International Airport on Sunday (or Port Elizabeth Airport on Monday, depending on your project), you’ll be transported to the Volunteer House in downtown Cape Town. Monday’s orientation provides an overview of South African culture, program details, and local transportation. You’ll have free time to tour Cape Town, visit major landmarks and learn about its rich history. By Tuesday, you’ll begin your volunteer work, with support from the local team to help you settle into your role.
After a week of volunteering, your weekend is free for exploration. Cape Town offers countless opportunities, from safaris to wine tours and visits to the Western Cape or Garden Route. The local team can help you plan unforgettable excursions tailored to your interests.
Your next week(s) in South Africa follows a similar structure, combining meaningful volunteering with the chance to explore this incredible country. On your final Saturday, the Real Africa Encounter concludes. If you’re heading home, the local team can assist with arranging your airport transfer.
Accommodation & Meals - Shared & Comfort Options Available
🇬🇭 Ghana
Volunteer House
🛏️ Shared Option - Standard Offering (Recommended for 18-25 Year Olds)
During your time on the Ghana volunteer program, you will stay in our Volunteer House, located in a friendly neighbourhood approximately 45 minutes from Accra city centre. Restaurants, convenience stores and ATMs can be found locally, with a small shop also located close to the Volunteer House.
The Volunteer House provides a comfortable and social base where you will live alongside other PMGY participants. Bedrooms are arranged as same sex dormitories with bunk beds and accommodate up to 6 volunteers per room. Rooms have air conditioning, with bed linen and mosquito nets provided.
Bathroom facilities are shared with other volunteers and include western style toilets and showers. Shower water is cold, which is common locally and can be refreshing in Ghana’s warm climate.
The house has a communal lounge, TV and outdoor seating area where volunteers can relax and spend time together. WiFi is also available, although the connection can occasionally be intermittent. A refrigerator is provided for storing food and drinks that need to be kept chilled.
Each volunteer has access to a locker for storing smaller valuables and important belongings. The Volunteer House is gated and overseen by an onsite local coordinator, providing convenient access to support throughout your stay.
Volunteers can hand wash their clothes at the house or use local laundry services nearby. Power cuts and temporary water shortages can occasionally occur in Ghana, although backup measures are in place to minimise disruption when possible.
Meals
During your volunteer trip to Ghana, you will receive three meals per day. Breakfast and dinner are served at the Volunteer House, while lunch is provided as a packed meal to take with you. Packet filtered water is also available at the accommodation for volunteers.
Ghanaian meals typically include lots of carbohydrates and may lack dairy or meat. Volunteers should approach local cuisine with an open mind and allow a few days to adjust to the new diet. Chicken, fish, and goat are the most common meats, while pork, lamb, and beef are less readily available and expensive. Fresh dairy products like milk and cheese are rare, with most milk being tinned.
If you’re craving home comforts, there are western, Chinese, and Indian restaurants about a 45-minute drive from the Volunteer House. During your orientation, the local team will provide you with details about these options.
* Our team will do their best to cater for dietary requirements, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Volunteers may need to purchase additional ingredients at their own expense. Please note any dietary requirements in your application and re-iterate them to the local team on arrival. For major concerns, contact the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.
Here is an example of the meals you can expect:
Breakfast – Bread, Cereals, Milk, Spreads, Pancakes, Tea/Coffee
Lunch – Noodles, Rice, Sandwiches
Dinner – Rice, Chicken, Eggs, Spaghetti, Stew, Yams, Fufu, Soup
🇹🇿 Tanzania or Zanzibar
Volunteer House
During your time on the Tanzania or Zanzibar volunteer program, you will stay in our Volunteer House. The accommodation is located in Arusha for Tanzania and Paje for Zanzibar, which is also where our volunteer programs are based. Both houses are situated in peaceful neighbourhoods, with restaurants, supermarkets and ATMs nearby.
You will share the Volunteer House with other international volunteers, creating a friendly and social environment throughout your stay. The houses have communal areas where you can relax and spend time with other participants, as well as a refrigerator for storing food and drinks and access to filtered drinking water. Laundry services are available, or you can choose to hand wash your clothes.
Free WiFi is available at the Volunteer House, although the connection can occasionally be unreliable. Volunteers are also provided with a local SIM card for use with an unlocked phone. Power cuts can occur from time to time and are usually resolved within a few hours.
Both shared and private room options are available within the Volunteer House. All volunteers are provided with bed linen, a locker and a mosquito net. For added security, a nightguard is on duty at the house, and valuables can also be stored securely with our local team. We recommend bringing a small padlock for personal use.
Most volunteer projects are within walking distance of the Volunteer House, while some require a short drive. The local team will explain the most suitable transport arrangements for your placement during orientation.
🛏️ Shared Option - Standard Offering (Recommended for 18-25 Year Olds)
Our Shared Option offers the most social way to experience life at the Volunteer House. Bedrooms are arranged dorm style and separated by gender, with up to 10 volunteers sharing a room in Tanzania and up to 8 volunteers sharing in Zanzibar. This makes it easy to meet other participants and become part of the volunteer community from the beginning of your stay.
Bathroom facilities are shared with other volunteers and include Western style toilets and showers, with hot water available whenever possible. This is our standard accommodation option and is particularly popular with younger volunteers who enjoy the communal experience of living alongside a larger group.
🔒 Comfort Option - Private Room 150 USD100 GBP120 EUR210 AUD170 CAD Per Week (Recommended for 26+ Year Olds)
For volunteers who prefer additional privacy and their own space to unwind, our Comfort Option provides a private bedroom within the Volunteer House. You will still enjoy all the communal areas and social aspects of the house, while having your own space to return to at the end of the day.
Comfort rooms can accommodate a solo traveller or up to 2 participants travelling together. Each Comfort room has its own private ensuite bathroom with a Western style toilet and shower, with hot water available whenever possible.
Meals
Volunteers enjoy breakfast and dinner prepared on-site by our cook. Meals are a mix of Tanzanian and Western cuisine. For lunch, you can visit the restaurant opposite the Volunteer House or explore nearby eateries near your placement. Alternatively, Western supermarkets in Arusha offer supplies if you prefer to prepare your own meals at the house.
Meals follow a rotating weekly menu, providing a variety of dishes. Dinner portions are divided equally to ensure everyone gets their fair share. Filtered water is available at the Volunteer House.
* Our team will do their best to cater for dietary requirements, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Volunteers may need to purchase additional ingredients at their own expense. Please note any dietary requirements in your application and re-iterate them to the local team on arrival. For major concerns, contact the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.
Here is an example of the meals you can expect:
Breakfast – Pancakes, Eggs, Toast, Jam, Coffee
Lunch – Not Included
Dinner – Pasta, Beans, Rice, Chapati, Sweet Potato
🇿🇦 South Africa
Cape Town - Volunteer House
🛏️ Shared Option - Standard Offering (Recommended for 18-25 Year Olds)
During your time on the South Africa volunteer program, you will stay in our Volunteer House in Observatory, fondly known as “Obz” by locals. This characterful Cape Town suburb is home to South Africa’s oldest astronomical observatory and provides a convenient base for volunteers. Lower Main Road is around a 10 minute walk away, with cafés, restaurants, shops and plenty of places to socialise during your free time.
The Volunteer House provides a comfortable and social base where you will live alongside other PMGY participants. Free WiFi is available, and there is a communal area with sofas and a TV where you can relax and spend time with other volunteers. Fridge space is also available for storing food and drinks that need to be kept chilled.
Bedrooms are arranged as same sex dormitories with bunk beds and accommodate up to 8 volunteers per room. A bedsheet and blanket are provided for each volunteer. Cape Town can be cooler during the winter months from June to August, particularly during the evenings, so we recommend packing some warm clothing for this time of year.
Bathroom facilities are shared with other volunteers and include showers and western style toilets.
Each volunteer is also provided with a lockable cupboard for storing personal belongings and smaller valuables. We recommend bringing a small padlock so you can secure your cupboard throughout your stay.
Meals
During your volunteer trip to South Africa, breakfast will be provided at the Volunteer House. You will need to budget for lunch and dinner during the weekdays and all meals over the weekend. While the Volunteer House has a kitchen, it is quite small, so preparing your own meals can be challenging. As a result, many volunteers find it more practical to eat out for lunch and at weekends.
Breakfast is self-service, with all cutlery and crockery provided. If you fancy dining out, there are plenty of cafés, restaurants, and local amenities within walking distance.
* Our team will do their best to cater for dietary requirements, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Volunteers may need to purchase additional ingredients at their own expense. Please note any dietary requirements in your application and re-iterate them to the local team on arrival. For major concerns, contact the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.
Here is an example of the meals you can expect:
Breakfast – Toast, Fruits, Eggs, Cheese, Peanut Butter, Jam
Lunch – Not Included
Dinner – Not Included
Kwantu Game Reserve - Volunteer House
During your time on the South Africa volunteer program, you will stay in accommodation located within the game reserve compound. You will live alongside other international participants, creating a friendly and social environment with plenty of opportunities to get to know the wider volunteer group.
Communal areas provide comfortable sofas, fridge space, books and tea and coffee stations where volunteers can relax during their free time. WiFi is available in the main lounge outside volunteering hours, although the connection can occasionally be intermittent. Volunteers also have access to facilities including the swimming pool, tennis courts and entertainment room.
A weekly laundry service is available for an additional charge, with clothes washed, dried and returned to you. The reserve also has onsite security, with personnel stationed around the accommodation compound and at the main entrance.
Transport by jeep is provided for your volunteer work and activities around the reserve, with these journeys included in your Program Fee.
🛏️ Shared Option - Standard Offering (Recommended for 18-25 Year Olds)
Our Shared Option provides a social accommodation experience within either the Kubs Quarters or Mafusa Camp. Bedrooms are arranged as same sex dormitories, making it easy to meet other volunteers and enjoy the communal side of living on the reserve.
Bed linen, cupboard space and a small locker safe are provided for personal belongings. We recommend bringing a small padlock, although one can also be purchased from the onsite shop if required.
Bathroom facilities are shared with other volunteers and include western style toilets and hot showers.
🔒 Comfort Option - Private Room 525 USD350 GBP420 EUR735 AUD595 CAD Per Week (Recommended for 26+ Year Olds)
For volunteers who prefer additional privacy, our Comfort Option provides private room accommodation while retaining access to the social spaces and facilities available around the reserve.
Private twin rooms contain 2 single beds and are designed for 2 participants travelling together, such as friends who would like to share their own room. These rooms have shared bathroom facilities with western style toilets and hot showers.
Private double rooms contain 1 double bed and can accommodate either a solo traveller or 2 participants travelling together. These rooms have their own private ensuite bathroom with western style facilities and hot showers.
Both room types provide additional personal space while allowing you to remain part of the wider volunteer community and enjoy access to facilities including the swimming pool, tennis courts and entertainment room.
Meals
During your volunteer trip to South Africa, participants are provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner during their stay. Meals are designed to be varied and satisfying throughout the week. For breakfast, you can expect cereals, bread, butter, jam, fruit, tea, coffee, and cheese. Occasionally, options like eggs, sausages, or baked beans may be served.
Lunch and dinner offer a wide selection, including burgers, chicken, macaroni cheese, vegetarian dishes, chips, potato casserole, and more. All meals come with a salad option. Meals are served in the Mafusa dining area, and cooking is not allowed in the kitchen areas.
* Our team will do their best to cater for dietary requirements, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Volunteers may need to purchase additional ingredients at their own expense. Please note any dietary requirements in your application and re-iterate them to the local team on arrival. For major concerns, contact the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.
Here is an example of the meals you can expect:
Breakfast – Cereals, Bread, Butter, Jam, Fruit, Tea/Coffee
Lunch – Burgers, Chips, Pasta
Dinner – Spaghetti Bolognese, Chicken Curry, Stew, Sausages, Mash
Other Things to Consider on the Real Africa Encounter
Return Airport Transfer - Your return airport transfer is not included in the Program Fee. However, our local team can assist with arranging onward transport to the airport or another destination. Making arrangements once you’re in-country allows for flexibility, especially as plans can often change, and some participants may share similar flight schedules. Costs will vary depending on your chosen method of transport and destination, and they can often be split if you’re travelling with fellow trip participants. We strongly advise against using public transport or ridesharing apps for the return journey to the airport due to safety risks and potential inconvenience.
Different Experiences Across Different Destinations – The PMGY Encounter programs are designed to offer a diverse and exciting experience across some truly fascinating and unique destinations. While we aim to structure our programs in a similar way, the volunteer experience in each destination will vary. For instance, some locations may offer more basic accommodation but provide a highly impactful volunteer role, while others may be more tourist-focused, meaning your role at the project may be more limited. Additionally, teams have different safety policies depending on the local environment. Therefore, it’s important to stay open-minded when joining our programs across different destinations, as each country offers its own distinct experience.
Flights Not Included – Please note that none of the flights outlined in the itinerary are included in the Program Fee. You will need to budget separately for your main international flights to and from your home country, as well as any relevant internal flights between the Encounter destinations.
FAQ's
PMGY welcomes volunteers of all nationalities, religions, and backgrounds. The minimum age to join the program is 18, with no upper age limit. Additionally, all participants need to have good English, although it does not need to be your first language. While it’s not necessary to speak the local dialect, you’ll find that learning a few local words will go a long way in building connections and enriching your experience.
As a PMGY volunteer, you must provide a clean criminal background check before travelling with us abroad. This ensures the safety and well-being of the children and communities we work with. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept anyone with previous criminal convictions.
In general, no formal experience or qualifications are required to join the Encounter programs — just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to preparation! However, please note that medical and healthcare projects often require additional documentation before participation begins in-country.
Travelling overseas can be a rewarding yet demanding experience. It can be physically and mentally challenging, so all volunteers must be fit in both areas. If you have any medical or mental health conditions that may affect your participation, these must be disclosed to us during your online application. This ensures we can best support you and assess the program’s suitability.
If you have any concerns or queries regarding your eligibility or suitability for the Real Africa Encounter, we recommend that you contact us before committing to the program. Our team is always happy to assist you in making an informed decision and ensuring a positive and enriching experience for all involved.
The Real Africa Encounter starts on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of every month year round.
For your trip to Africa, you should book your flights to Kotoka International Airport in Accra (airport code ACC) to arrive on the designated Sunday start date. This is the official arrival day for the program, ensuring a smooth and well-organised beginning to your experience as a Real Africa Encounter volunteer.
Upon your arrival, you will be warmly greeted at the airport by a member of our local team or an appointed driver. They will be easy to spot, holding a sign with your name to ensure you feel welcomed from the moment you land. From there, they will escort you to your accommodation, where you will have the rest of the day to relax, settle in, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
The program officially ends in South Africa on the Saturday or Sunday of your final week. This means you will need to vacate the accommodation on this day to make way for new participants arriving for their own life-changing experiences. Our local team will be available to assist with arranging transport to the airport or providing guidance for any onward travel plans you may have.
Once you’ve signed up for the program, we’ll provide you with a detailed guide via email outlining the dates you need to book flights. This ensures you’ll arrive at the right place on time and be ready for your airport pick-up at each destination.
Please note that flight costs are not included in the Program Fee for the Real Africa Encounter. You’ll need to budget for these separately, and the costs will vary depending on your location and the routes you select.
We organise programs with various start dates, durations, and itineraries in each location. To enhance the social experience, volunteers are grouped together in each destination, creating a dynamic and inclusive environment. However, you may not exclusively be with others following the exact same itinerary as you.
Participants typically book the most cost-effective flight routes between destinations, so while it’s possible you’ll share a flight with others, this cannot be guaranteed. As a general rule, plan to travel independently and meet a new group of participants at each destination.
Based on feedback from previous volunteers, we’ve found that 4 weeks per destination is the ideal amount of time to fully immerse yourself in the experience of volunteering. This duration provides ample opportunity to integrate into the local community, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to your chosen project. Over this time, you’ll be able to make a lasting positive impact while having plenty of time to explore incredible sights and culture during your weekends.
Many of our volunteers who joined us for just 2 weeks often expressed that their time was too short. They leave wishing they had stayed longer to further engage with the projects they’ve grown passionate about. If your schedule allows, we highly encourage you to consider a longer stay to make the most of this life-changing experience!
At PMGY, we understand the importance of safety, especially for first-time travellers, and we work diligently to ensure that all our programs, provide a secure and enriching experience. Our programs are carefully designed to balance structure and independence perfectly. This means you’ll enjoy a guided and supportive environment while free to explore and immerse yourself in local culture. For further details, please refer to our Safety & Wellbeing page.
Participant safety in each destination is a top priority and is monitored regularly. A member of our International Team has thoroughly inspected every PMGY program to ensure it meets our high standards. We also stay current with advice published by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office. Through constant communication with our local teams, we ensure that our participants are always placed in secure and stable regions.
Our International Team has personally visited and participated in every program we offer, paying close attention to every detail — from the living conditions and local neighbourhoods to the food you’ll enjoy. These meticulous checks ensure that all aspects of your stay meet our rigorous standards. Additionally, our local teams are experienced professionals with years of experience hosting international travellers. They serve as PMGY’s trusted representatives, offering 24/7 support to all volunteers throughout their stay. To further enhance your safety, PMGY provides a 24-hour international emergency line accessible at all times. In-country staff also maintain connections with local medical professionals, ensuring that immediate assistance is available should it be required during your placement as a Real Africa Encounter volunteer.
Before you embark on your journey, you’ll receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which covers key topics such as health, safety, visas, and dress codes. If you have additional or specific questions, our dedicated support team is available 24/7 to assist. Furthermore, on a monthly basis, PMGY hosts an Introductory Webinar and a Safety Webinar. These interactive sessions offer invaluable information about our projects and practical tips for staying safe abroad.
When you arrive in-country, you’ll participate in a detailed orientation session. This introduction will cover the general program and your specific project, including essential safety advice tailored to your destination. During this session, you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase a local SIM card — a step we highly recommend to ensure you remain contactable at all times. Additionally, you’ll receive a comprehensive list of essential contact numbers to keep on hand during your stay.
While no travel experience can ever be guaranteed 100% trouble-free, PMGY has taken every precaution to ensure that your time as a Real Africa Encounter volunteer is as safe and enjoyable as possible. We strongly suggest following the local team’s guidance and advice to ensure your safety throughout your journey.
