Zanzibar: Early Years Learning
Available all year
Location: Zanzibar, Tanzania
Project Type: Education
Schedule: Project runs all year
Length: 2 weeks minimum
Participants: 18+ Ideal for: school leavers, university/college students, graduates, adults
Price: £395 per week (including airport transfer on arrival*)
About the Project
Set against the colour, warmth and rich cultural heritage of Zanzibar, this childcare and teaching programme offers international volunteers the chance to make a genuine contribution while experiencing daily life in one of East Africa’s most memorable island communities. Volunteers support local teachers in kindergartens, childcare centres and primary schools, helping young children learn through creativity, play and positive encouragement.
Working with children aged 3 to 6, you’ll introduce simple English, numbers, colours, songs, stories, art, games and playful activities that make learning lively and accessible. Ideal for volunteers interested in education, childcare, community development or meaningful travel, the placement combines practical classroom experience with cultural exchange and personal growth.
Volunteers may also support evening teaching sessions at a local Community Centre, adding variety to the experience and offering a broader insight into education and community life in Zanzibar. Beyond the classroom, the programme is a chance to build meaningful connections, develop practical skills and make your travels feel purposeful and rewarding.
How Volunteers Make a Difference
Volunteers play an important role in adding encouragement, creativity and extra support to busy learning environments. Your contribution helps local teachers give children more individual attention, introduces engaging ways to practise English and creates positive moments that can strengthen confidence, curiosity and social development. Examples of volunteer activities include:
- Supporting local teachers with classroom routines, small-group activities and one-to-one encouragement
- Bringing learning to life through drawing, colouring, storytelling, singing, games and creative play
- Helping children practise basic English in a fun, relaxed and confidence-building way
- Planning and delivering simple evening lessons for community students of different ages and abilities
- Exchanging ideas with local staff and adapting activities to suit the children’s interests, abilities and community context
Project Aims & Objectives
- Improve English language learning opportunities for local children
- Support local teachers and childcare staff by providing additional classroom assistance
- Encourage creativity, confidence and social development through interactive learning activities
- Promote cultural exchange and global understanding between volunteers and the local community
- Provide volunteers with meaningful international childcare and teaching experience
Typical Day (Monday to Friday)
Morning
– Start the day with breakfast at the accommodation and time to prepare for the project
– Join the local team at the childcare centre or school, helping children learn through songs, stories, games, art and simple classroom activities
– Enjoy a morning break and informal moments to connect with staff, volunteers and children
– Continue with creative learning sessions, small-group support and confidence-building activities that keep children engaged
– Assist local staff with lunchtime routines and help create a caring, positive environment for the children
– Return to the accommodation for lunch and time to recharge
Afternoon
– Prepare simple lesson ideas, materials, or activities for the following day
– Use your free time to relax, explore the local area or enjoy Zanzibar’s culture, beaches and atmosphere
Evening
– Share dinner at the accommodation and unwind with fellow volunteers
~ On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, volunteers also take part in evening teaching sessions at a local Community Centre from 7 PM to 9 PM, offering a rewarding chance to support learners of different ages and experience another side of community life in Zanzibar.
~ Schedule and activities may be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
Volunteers Will Need
- A genuine interest in supporting children’s learning and wellbeing
- A positive, patient and flexible attitude, with a willingness to get involved in classroom activities
- For volunteers aged 65+, medical clearance may be required to ensure the placement is suitable and well supported
- Before travelling to Tanzania, volunteers are encouraged to seek up-to-date travel health advice, including recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention, so you can feel confident and prepared before departure
Included
Pre-departure briefing
Accommodation
Airport transfer to the accommodation upon arrival*
Transportation during the programme (if required) as per the scheduled activities
Daily meals – typically 3 meals on weekdays and 2 meals on weekends
Programme materials and project guidance
Local team support 24/7
Not Included
Flights
Visa & visa-related expenses
Travel & health insurance
Personal expenses
Additional tours or activities
Paid optional extras**
* Programme price includes airport meeting & transfer on Sundays only.
** Optional extras available: private room, extra night at the project accommodation, airport meeting &
transfer (Mon-Sat) or airport drop off at the end of the project.
If you would like more information or advice, please contact our Volunteer Abroad team at 01684 562577.
UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
This project contributes to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, supporting the Quality Education goal to ensure inclusive, equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
