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| 2011 Beneficiary |
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Volunteering with Project Luangwa |
It is important to note that Project Luangwa volunteers must be self funding in terms of travel, food and accommodation although we are occasionally able to provide accommodation for long term volunteers. We also expect volunteers raise funds to pay for material costs associated with the work that they are set, e. g. buying paint and paint brushes if they choose to paint a school or sports equipment to teach a sport etc.We rely on you to be honest about your skills as it is essential that your abilities and talents match the needs of the community. Each volunteer is required to complete a form that allows you to tell us all about yourself. |
| Projects, costs and logistics |
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Painting Classrooms:
Some schools in the Mfuwe area have not been refurbished since they were built possibly 20 or 30 years ago. Classrooms remain shabby, depressing and dark making them far removed from the inspirational rooms we now have in the Western world. There are no colourful wall charts or posters and often no glass in the windows.
Probably the easiest and most popular project for project Luangwa volunteers is decorating these gloomy classrooms turning them into bright airy rooms where children want to learn.
Unfortunately paint is not cheap in Zambia and redecorating one classroom will cost in the region of US $350 for paint, tools and cleaners. Painting two classrooms shows a better economy of scale and costs around $550. None of this is available in Mfuwe so we ask that you send the funds ahead and we will order it from Lusaka in time for your arrival. We always present you with the invoices. Occasionally you will need to patch the wall up before you paint and you can either do this yourself or we can find a local person to help.
It's hard to judge the time it will take as this depends on the original state of the room and the number of volunteers but be prepared for about 3 to 5 days work. We can give you an estimate once we know which school you will be painting.
Painting a Mural:
Some of our volunteers are very talented artists and have brightened up an outside gable end of a school building. This will take several different coloured pots of gloss paint and cost will depend on the design and number of colours it uses.
You will need to submit your own design either along with your initial application or shortly afterwards and this will be need to be approved by Project Luangwa and the teachers at School involved. Your design should incorporate the school name as well as Project Luangwa. It may also include the school logo or Zambian coat of arms or the school motto.
To give you an idea of costs you will need one 5 ltr tin for a plain background at a cost of about $70 and at least a 1 ltr tin for each colour. Costs for this size tins of Dulux are approximately $17 to $20 each.
Photomontage:
Tell the story of a “Day in the Life of . . . “ with a photomontage for our website. It is not unusual for a child to get up before sun-rise, fetch water and even work in the fields before embarking on a long, long walk to school . . . and often without any breakfast. After school often there are more chores when they get home. It is not the parents taking advantage of free labour; it's the only way to survive.
And what about the teacher who has to prepare for lessons by candle light? Or the Uncles and Aunts or elderly grandmothers who have taken in their relatives' orphaned children swelling the tiny household to double figures. Then there are the boys in unofficial boarding schools who sleep 4 to a bunk bed and have to more or less fend for themselves.
You will need a proven video or photographic record and may need to provide your own transport. Please see here for local vehicle hire.
Teaching:
Occasionally we are able to find a school where you may teach the children. We cannot arrange for you to teach normal classes as we cannot disturb the Zambian curriculum or syllabus but you can teach at an "afternoon or morning club". You could help with the children's English or improve their maths. Or perhaps drama, art, music or sport is more your forte. Teaching materials and aids are almost impossible to find in Zambia so you will need to be practical about what you do and be prepared to bring much of what you need with you.
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Still Interested?
Then click on the links below to download a volunteer application form and a Volunteer's Guide. Please fill in the form and e-mail it to us at info@projectluangwa.org |
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| A Guide to volunteering in Mfuwe | Down load the volunteer's form | Read about other volunteer's: World Challenge | Read about other volunteers: the Willoughbys |
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