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The Book Bus, Zambia

Zambia is one of those countries that travellers tend to overlook: it’s in between Serengeti and Cape Town and not far from the Okavango Delta. But Zambia is the land of Victoria Falls, probably Africa’s most famous landmark! It also has some of the best game parks in all of Africa and definitely Africa’s best whitewater rafting.

Zambia also has some problems: it’s one of the world’s least developed countries with 80% of the population living on less than $1 a day. The country also ranks 7th on the WHO AIDS/HIV table. At least one in seven children has lost one or both parents to AIDS. Tragic statistics.

Why the project needs you.

Many literacy programmes in Africa centre on education and self-help. Our focus is on encouraging young children to love books. It’s that simple. Can you imagine your life without being able to read? I think that’s rather like living without a limb, or without one of our senses.

The Book Bus brings reading, art, music, puppet-play and creative play generally to rural schools. We stimulate children’s imaginations and encourage them to associate books with enjoyment and creative thought. We aim to sow the seed that blossoms into a life-long love of the written word. If you believe we all have a right to an education, this project will be a natural fit with you. Literacy is one of the weapons that can help Zambia’s people fight their way out of poverty. It’s not a question of throwing money at this problem – it’s about spending time getting involved.

Who does the project need?

Enthusiastic volunteers with a passion for books and the arts generally.
Able to live in basic conditions with a lack of modern comforts
Individuals with a desire to engage with children.
Positive individuals who enjoy being part of team
Comfortable working on your own initiative

Min Commitment & volunteer team size.

2 weeks
1 to 8 volunteers.

Your host.

We work in partnership with the Book Bus Foundation. Whilst in Zambia you will be looked after by a full-time VentureCo leader and our friendly Zambian staff. You will work closely with local teachers, not replacing their lessons, but complementing them. We bring resources to schools that they simply can’t provide themselves. The resources include books and group reading sessions; puppet making and performance; art and drawing materials and a hot of other imaginative activities based on creativity, all delivered on-site by a customised ex-London bus!

The Project In a nutshell.

Location: The Book Bus is based in Livingstone, Zambia just 10 miles from Victoria Falls. It visits schools, communities and orphanages around the country.

Conditions: Basic.
Accommodation (included): Camping in comfortable 7ft high tents. Based on 2 sharing a 4 berth tent.

Accommodation upgrades: Not available

Meals: All meals whilst on the project are included. The Bus is equipped with a field kitchen and food is prepared on a group basis, with everyone chipping in to help. You will also have a say about which ingredients are purchased by the group.

Downtime: Weekends are free and the Bus returns to Livingstone, a small market town 10 miles from Victoria Falls. With Victoria Falls on the doorstep, there are plenty of activities on offer from white-water rafting to bungee jumping as well as the Livingstone Museum, people watching, safaris, walking with lions, visiting elephant projects or relaxing by the swimming pool. You can access the internet, use an ATM and visit one of the bars or restaurants.

Included in the project: Arrival airport transfer in Livingstone, 14 nights accommodation. Project briefing, all meals. Certificate of appreciation upon completion. Full services of a VentureCo leader.

Not Included: international flights; travel insurance; weekend activities; passport and visas.

How am I selected? Complete the “Project self-assessment form” and send to VentureCo with your latest CV.

Price:

2 weeks : £500 plus £196 local payment
£195 per week for additional weeks

Starts: Livingstone, Zambia
Ends: Livingstone, Zambia
Dates: any Saturday from May 2nd to October 3rd

Staying on:

You are in Africa, land of the safari. There are endless opportunities for adventure.

Join a safari from Johannesburg in neighbouring South Africa (For example to Kruger National Park). Chobe National Park in Botswana, just the other side of Victoria Falls is particularly renowned for its huge herds of Elephant. There’s a fantastic 10-day route through Namibia, visiting the Skeleton Coast and the world’s highest sand-dune in the Namib desert. Or you can travel east through Mozambique. Contact us for ideas and practicalities.