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You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Travel Expert
Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
Get Ready to Go!
Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
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Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
Secure Your Spot
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Are you passionate about creating visible, lasting change in communities that need it most? The Community Development Program in Zanzibar invites volunteers to roll up their sleeves and directly improve the daily lives of local people.
This hands-on program focuses on repairing, maintaining, and building critical infrastructure in schools, clinics, community centres, and homes.
Whether you’re mixing cement, painting classrooms, building desks, or helping with plumbing and roof repairs, your time and effort will leave behind a meaningful legacy. These projects not only improve safety and functionality but also restore pride and dignity to public spaces.
You don’t need any previous construction experience to join—just a positive attitude, willingness to work hard, and readiness to learn. Local tradespeople and community members will guide you through tasks, offering both practical skills and warm connection. This is grassroots, people-powered development at its most rewarding.
By volunteering on our Community Developement Program in Zanzibar, you will:
• Take part in meaningful hands-on work that transforms local schools and clinics
• Learn basic building skills from local craftsmen and team leaders
• Help provide safer, cleaner, and more welcoming environments for children and families
• Contribute to long-term, sustainable infrastructure improvements
• Experience the fulfilment of seeing your daily efforts result in visible, lasting change
• Connect deeply with the community through teamwork and shared goalsWhat to Expect: A Day in the Life of Community Development Volunteer in Zanzibar
No two days are ever quite the same, but here’s what a typical weekday might look like on the Community Development Program in Zanzibar:
7:00 AM – Breakfast & Morning Prep
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the volunteer guesthouse. You'll gather your tools and materials, check the day's assignment, and head to the site with your team.8:00 AM – Construction Work Begins
You'll assist with tasks such as mixing cement, laying bricks, painting walls, repairing roofing, or constructing furniture for classrooms. Local builders guide the process, and no previous experience is needed—just a willingness to help.11:00 AM – Snack Break & Social Time
Take a short break to rehydrate, enjoy a snack, and chat with fellow volunteers and community members. You’ll often find children curiously watching and sometimes joining in with supervised painting or cleaning.11:30 AM – Back to Work
Continue with building or renovation work. This might include decorating classrooms, reinforcing structures, or assembling desks and benches.1:00 PM – Lunch Break
Head back to the accommodation or enjoy a packed lunch on-site depending on location. Use this time to rest, cool off, and recharge for the afternoon.2:00 PM – Afternoon Tasks or Community Engagement
Some afternoons may include lighter work like organizing supplies, site clean-up, or engaging in fun cross-cultural activities with local students or families nearby.4:00 PM – Free Time
Wrap up your workday and return to the guesthouse. Spend your free time relaxing, exploring the local village, heading to the beach, or joining a group dinner.Your Impact as a Volunteer
Volunteering on the Construction and Renovation Program in Zanzibar means making a real, visible difference in people’s lives. Every wall you paint, roof you repair, or classroom you help build directly improves the daily experience of children, teachers, families, and entire communities.
You’re not only building structures—you’re building opportunity. Your contribution helps create safer, more functional environments where education, healthcare, and community connection can flourish. For many local residents, your work fills a gap that would otherwise remain due to lack of resources or access to skilled labour.
But the impact doesn’t stop there. By working side by side with locals, you’ll share skills, culture, and connection—breaking down barriers and fostering understanding. You'll leave not just with new skills and stories, but with a deeper sense of purpose and global citizenship.
Your Home in Zanzibar
During your stay, you’ll be based in a welcoming, locally-run volunteer house just a short walk from the beach and community projects. It’s a relaxed, social space where you’ll live alongside other international volunteers—sharing meals, stories, and daily routines as part of your Zanzibari journey.
Sleeping Arrangements
Accommodation is shared, with same-gender dorm-style rooms that include mosquito nets and fans to keep you cool in the island heat. The house is basic but comfortable, designed to immerse you in local living without sacrificing safety or cleanliness.Facilities Include:
• Shared bathrooms with western-style toilets
• Communal kitchen and dining space
• Lounge area for socialising or lesson planning
• Free Wi-Fi in communal areas (limited bandwidth)
• Access to filtered drinking waterMeals & Cooking
Unlike some programs, food is not included—giving you the freedom to explore local markets, cook your own meals, or enjoy the many affordable food options nearby. Fresh produce, seafood, and spices are readily available from markets in Jambiani and Paje, and you'll find plenty of beach cafés and stalls offering delicious Zanzibari dishes.This setup gives you the chance to live like a local—shopping in the community, learning traditional recipes, and sharing meals with fellow volunteers.
History
The roots of this community-driven initiative trace back to the vision of Rashid Mohammed Issa, a local of Jambiani, a coastal village in southeastern Zanzibar. After building a successful career in the tourism industry—from beach boy to hotel manager—Rashid’s experiences abroad inspired him to reinvest his energy and earnings back into his hometown. He was deeply moved by his father’s words: “Don’t forget about your community.”
Seeing how tourism profits were largely leaving the island and local communities were being left behind, Rashid founded the nonprofit with two trusted friends and colleagues, Amani and Abdul.
Together, they assembled a team of passionate local leaders determined to tackle Jambiani’s growing needs—educational inequality, environmental degradation, healthcare access, and youth unemployment. The RACOF Foundation was created to ensure that development in Zanzibar is not just beautiful on the outside, but deeply empowering from within.
Mission & Vision
The mission of this grassroots foundation is to create inclusive, locally-led solutions to the most pressing challenges in Zanzibar—through education, healthcare, environmental stewardship, and sustainable community development. Every initiative aims to uplift the Jambiani community from the inside out.
With a vision rooted in unity, equality, and empowerment, RACOF strives to build a more sustainable and dignified future—where young people are educated, the environment is protected, and local communities thrive through shared opportunities.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Program Fee Schedule
Duration Fee (EUR)
1 week €457
2 weeks €914
3 weeks €1,371
4 weeks €1,828
6 weeks €2,742
8 weeks €3,656
10 weeks €4,570
12 weeks €5,484
Fees are due 30 days before your start date. If you’re applying within 30 days of arrival, full payment is required within 48 hours of confirmation.
What’s Included
✅ Shared volunteer accommodation in Jambiani
✅ Program placement and orientation
✅ Daily support from local team and coordinators
✅ All necessary project materials and resources
✅ 24/7 in-country emergency assistance
✅ Welcome meeting, project briefing & cultural guidance
✅ Certificate of completion
✅ Full support before, during, and after your placement
✅ So much moreYour Investment in Yourself & the Community
Volunteering on the Community Development Program is a powerful investment—both in the future of underserved communities and in your own growth. You’ll gain practical, hands-on building experience, sharpen teamwork and communication skills, and learn the value of sustainable development work from the ground up.
Whether you’re pursuing a career in construction, architecture, community development—or simply want to leave a real legacy during your travels—this program gives you purpose, connection, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Where You’ll Be – Jambiani, Zanzibar
Your volunteering journey will take place in the heart of Jambiani, a friendly coastal village on the southeast shore of Zanzibar. This picturesque stretch of coastline is lined with swaying palms, white sand beaches, and turquoise Indian Ocean waters—a dreamlike setting that feels far removed from the bustle of city life.
But beyond the postcard beauty, Jambiani is a living, breathing community where tradition, culture, and daily rhythms blend seamlessly. Locals are warm and welcoming, eager to share their Swahili heritage, culinary traditions, and stories with you. Here, life moves at a gentler pace—perfect for those looking to ground themselves in authentic cultural exchange.
You’ll be surrounded by small local schools, beachside homes, fruit markets, and narrow winding roads where bicycles and donkeys still outnumber cars. Despite being under-resourced in many areas, Jambiani holds a strong sense of pride, cooperation, and resilience—qualities you’ll witness and become part of each day.
Zanzibar – The Spice Island of East Africa
Zanzibar is more than just a tropical paradise—it’s a culturally rich archipelago bursting with history, diversity, and ecological beauty. Often referred to as the “Spice Island,” Zanzibar was once a central hub for spice trading and still boasts lush plantations of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
From the cobbled alleyways of UNESCO-listed Stone Town to the vibrant marine life of its coral reefs, Zanzibar offers a unique blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences. This cultural mosaic is reflected in everything—from the architecture to the music, food, and language.
Expect a warm, humid climate year-round, with sun-drenched days perfect for exploration and connection. Whether you're wandering through history, learning Swahili phrases, or relaxing on the beach after a meaningful day at your placement, Zanzibar offers a balance of purpose and paradise unlike anywhere else.
Your time in Zanzibar won’t just be about volunteering—it’s also about exploration, discovery, and immersing yourself in the vibrant culture and natural beauty of the island. During your free time, you can enjoy:
Beach Days in Jambiani – Relax on the pristine white-sand beaches or take a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters just steps from your accommodation.
Snorkeling & Diving Excursions – Discover colorful coral reefs and marine life on guided trips around the island’s protected lagoons and reefs.
Spice Tours – Explore Zanzibar’s famous spice plantations and learn about cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other exotic crops.
Stone Town Visits – Stroll through the historical alleys of this UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with markets, architecture, and stories from the past.
Village Cultural Nights – Join community gatherings with traditional Swahili music, dancing, and local dishes.
Island Hopping – Take a boat to nearby islands like Mnemba Atoll or Prison Island for unforgettable day trips.
Kitesurfing Lessons in Paje – Try your hand at one of the island’s favorite adrenaline sports just a short drive away.
Cooking Classes – Learn to prepare local Zanzibari meals using fresh market ingredients.
Dhow Sunset Cruises – Sail into the golden horizon on a traditional wooden dhow, complete with snacks and music.
Yoga & Wellness – Unwind at nearby eco-resorts offering beachfront yoga and spa treatments.
Whatever your interests, Zanzibar’s rhythm of life invites you to both relax and engage—making your volunteer adventure one of impact and inspiration.
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