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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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Want to make a difference through education in paradise? Our Teaching Program in Zanzibar places you right at the heart of a coastal community where educational support is urgently needed. As a volunteer, you’ll help children improve their English and core academic skills—building their confidence and expanding their future opportunities.
In many schools across Zanzibar, classes are overcrowded and under-resourced. With your support, students can receive more focused attention, while teachers benefit from extra hands in the classroom. You don’t need a teaching degree—just a strong grasp of English, a willingness to adapt, and a passion for helping others learn.
This is an incredible opportunity to:
Foster creativity through games, songs, and hands-on learning
Assist with lessons in English, Maths, Science, or other basic subjects
Help run small group activities and tutoring sessions
Inspire the next generation through cultural exchange
Whether you're considering a career in education or simply want to give back in a meaningful way, this grassroots program connects you to a vibrant community, stunning island landscapes, and unforgettable moments of shared learning.
By volunteering on our Teaching Program in Zanzibar, you will:
• Help improve English literacy and education in underserved coastal communities
• Work closely with local teachers and students in primary or secondary schools
• Build confidence in your teaching, communication, and cross-cultural skills
• Experience the rewards of seeing children grow through your support
• Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and island life of ZanzibarWhat to Expect: A Day in the Life of a Volunteer Teacher in Zanzibar
Each day offers a rewarding mix of structure and spontaneity, giving you the chance to support learning, build meaningful relationships, and soak in the rhythms of island life.
Example Day:
7:00 AM – Morning Start
Wake up to ocean breezes and birdsong. After breakfast with fellow volunteers, prepare your teaching materials and head to the local school on foot or by tuk-tuk.8:00 AM – Classroom Sessions Begin
Join local teachers in delivering English or core subjects to eager students. You might help lead a small group reading activity, assist with pronunciation, or support classroom management.10:30 AM – Break Time
Students head outside for a break—often playing football or singing songs. You’re welcome to join in or chat with local staff over tea.11:00 AM – Creative Learning Activities
Engage the class in games, songs, or drawing sessions that build vocabulary and confidence. You might help with marking, story time, or creating simple lesson props.12:30 PM – Lunch & Free Time
Return to your accommodation or a nearby café for lunch. Afternoons are often flexible—perfect for relaxing, lesson planning, or exploring the nearby beach.2:00 PM – Optional Community Involvement
Some days may involve informal tutoring, organizing a clean-up, or helping with local projects. These are great moments to connect beyond the classroom.Evening – Cultural Immersion & Connection
Evenings are for beach walks, local cuisine, Swahili lessons, or simply connecting with your volunteer housemates under the stars.Weekends are yours to explore
From snorkeling trips and spice tours to village markets and island hopping, your weekends are the perfect chance to enjoy all that Zanzibar has to offer.Your Impact as a Volunteer
By joining the Teaching Program in Zanzibar, your presence creates a ripple effect far beyond the classroom walls. Many local schools face overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and a shortage of trained teachers—especially for subjects like English, which are essential for future opportunities in tourism and higher education.
Your support helps bridge this gap.
Whether you're helping a child pronounce a new word, creating fun and interactive learning aids, or simply offering encouragement, you're building confidence, curiosity, and hope in each student. For many, these lessons will be their first positive experiences with foreign cultures—an important step in broadening their worldview and future opportunities.
But your impact doesn’t stop there.
Your involvement also uplifts the local teaching staff, who benefit from new ideas, shared experiences, and the energy you bring into the classroom. At the same time, you’ll deepen your own understanding of Zanzibari culture and gain valuable skills in communication, adaptability, and teaching—skills that stay with you for life.
Your time here is more than just volunteering—it's active, community-rooted change that contributes to a stronger, more inclusive future for Zanzibar's youth.
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 €286
2 weeks €499
3 weeks €745
4 weeks €990
6 weeks €1286
8 weeks €1644
10 weeks €2077
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 Local Community
This program is more than a trip—it's an investment in your personal growth and in the future of education in Zanzibar.
Through your daily work, you’ll contribute directly to schools that lack resources, supporting children who might otherwise be left behind. In return, you’ll grow in confidence, resilience, and global awareness—developing real-world skills in teaching, communication, and cultural exchange.
Whether you’re seeking classroom experience, preparing for a career in education, or simply wanting to make a meaningful difference, your time here will leave a lasting impact—on the lives of others and your own.
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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