Volunteers Needed: Public Health and AIDS Orphans Program in Zambia

  Zambia

Livingstone

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Dates: See website for dates

Description: Immerse yourself in the African medical world and spend time with orphans when you volunteer with our Public Health and AIDS Orphans Program in Zambia. In this unique humanitarian project, you will assist the medical staff at several local clinics in Livingstone, Zambia, and work at a home for children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic. You will also lend a hand with other community projects, such as hospice care and classroom construction. One of the world's poorest countries, Zambia runs a public health care system that is sadly underfunded and understaffed. Its clinics are struggling to cope with an HIV epidemic that has now infected one-fifth of the population. Meanwhile, large numbers of Zambian doctors and other medical professionals continue to leave the country in search of opportunities abroad.

Your assistance in the clinics will provide much-needed relief to overwhelmed staff. You will get a rare glimpse into how Africa's medical institutions are coping with the HIV epidemic and the spread of other infectious diseases. At the orphanage, your energy and presence will help the students with their learning and creativity, and make a lasting impression on their lives.

Highlights:
As a volunteer you will
* Provide clinical assistance in such areas as infant care, baby weighing, HIV/AIDS support group work, and educational outreaches to local schools
* Work at an AIDS orphanage, enhancing the orphans' educational experiences, helping with drama productions, and coordinating other extramural activities
* Assist with other community development initiatives including hospice care as well as building and refurbishing village facilities
* Immerse yourself in local Zambian culture

Qualifications:
* Must be at least 18 years old

Cost in US$: See website

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteer Adventures makes it easy to live your dream of volunteering. Anyone can volunteer, as long as you have the desire to help others and an open mind.

Age Range: 18 and older

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Zambia Independently

Volunteer Adventures's Mission Statement: The mission of Volunteer Adventures is to create and promote volunteer opportunities that improve the lives of others and the environment in which we live. We seek to achieve this goal by connecting worthy local projects with volunteers around the world. Many local organizations are doing great work in their communities, but don't have the resources required to recruit international volunteers. Volunteer Adventures serves as the link between these organizations and the volunteers needed to make these projects a success. All volunteer programs depend on the skilled coordination of a variety of elements: enthusiastic volunteers, meaningful work, organized projects, and supportive staff. It is our goal at Volunteer Adventures to orchestrate this process for you. We use our global experience and resources to provide volunteer experiences that bring pride and satisfaction to everyone involved.