How to Volunteer Teaching in Africa

Teaching is one of the most rewarding and impactful volunteer activities, helping children living in rural areas access education and thrive through knowledge. With so many paths to take, from teaching English to older children and teens to kindergarten support, no two days are the same. 

The best thing about volunteer teaching is that you don’t need any prior experience, so there’s nothing stopping you from making a meaningful difference in the lives of many. Keep reading to learn how to get the ball rolling on your volunteer teaching in Africa journey. 

Why Choose Africa for Your Volunteering Experience

Teachers are needed all over the world, so deciding which continent to focus on is no easy task. There are plenty of advantages to choosing Africa, including:

Immerse Yourself in a Unique, Welcoming Culture

African communities are often known for being very welcoming and hospitable to visitors, especially volunteers. Most have a deep sense of community that will be extended to you during your stay, making the experience much more enjoyable and worthwhile. 

There’s Plenty of Demand for Teachers

Most African countries don’t have enough teachers to meet the demands of growing children. Volunteering as a teacher is more impactful than other potential skills, helping you make a more meaningful contribution to the country. 

Lend Yourself to Personal Growth and New Skills

Volunteers often leave their teaching placement in Africa with a renewed sense of global awareness, teamwork, empathy, and knowledge. You’ll get to learn about a new culture and its traditions by immersing yourself in it, encouraging personal growth through reflection.

First-time Traveller Friendly 

African countries are excellent starting points for many people’s travel journeys. Countries like Ghana, South Africa, and Tanzania offer a friendly cultural orientation to visitors and strong in-country support. You don’t need to be well-traveled to volunteer in Africa. 

Choosing Where to Volunteer in Africa

Countries all over Africa need teachers, so there’s no shortage of volunteering programs you can sign up for. An easy way to narrow down your search is to determine which country you want to volunteer in. Some of the most popular options include: 

• Tanzania: Known for its iconic wonders like Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is a wonderful place to explore the world’s natural beauty between teaching sessions.  
• South Africa: Otherwise called the ‘rainbow nation’, South Africa holds the power to help multicultural communities come together as one. 
• Ghana: Ghana’s vibrant and diverse culture lends itself to some of the best traditional music, dance, and art Africa has to offer. 
• Morocco: Home to the Sahara Desert and Atlas Mountains, Morocco’s blend of African, European, Arab, and Berber influences creates a magical travel experience. 
• Madagascar: Incredible endemic biodiversity, over 90% of Madagascar's wildlife and flora are unique species that aren’t found anywhere else in the world. 
• Kenya: Kenya’s incredible wildlife and landscapes, along with its cultural richness and history of environmental activism, make it special.  

Defining Your Goals 

When planning a volunteer journey, it’s important to know your goals and what you hope to achieve while in Africa. Stepping back and defining your goals beforehand gives you a better sense of purpose and helps you choose the right program. 

1. Do you have prior teaching experience? 

While no experience is required for the majority of teaching volunteer placements, having this in your arsenal can be helpful when choosing the right program for you. For example, if you have experience working with kindergarten children, you might want to play to your strengths and choose a similar program. 

Alternatively, choose a different age range from the one you have prior experience with to experience something new. 

2. What are your personal goals? 

Why do you want to volunteer? Are you hoping to make the biggest difference that lasts a long time in your chosen country, or is your focus more on personal growth and development? Knowing your intentions before travelling makes it easier to choose the right project to work towards them. 

3. Have you got a special skill in mind? 

Teaching programs come in all shapes and sizes. Some focus on teaching the English language, while others focus on subjects like art, music, or maths. Knowing what you’ll find most interesting and worthwhile makes your decision process much easier, as the best volunteers are passionate about what they’re teaching.  

Deciding How Long You Want to Volunteer For

It stands to reason that the longer you can volunteer, the bigger your impact will be. Most teaching positions from Volunteering Solutions run from one to 24 weeks, giving you the freedom to decide how long you want to stay. Your schedule, budget, and other commitments will determine how long you’re able to volunteer. 

• Volunteering for 1-2 weeks: Short-term volunteering lets you make a lasting impact without disturbing life at home too much. While ideal between school semesters, short volunteer trips don’t give you much time to settle in and make meaningful connections. 
• Volunteering for 4-12 weeks: This is often the sweet spot for volunteers to feel like they’ve made a real difference and had enough time to explore the country, experience personal growth, and meet new people. 
• Volunteering for 3-6 months: Long-term volunteering lets you fully immerse yourself in African culture and make the biggest impact. You’ll develop friendships with other teachers and students and see them thrive under your tutorship.  

Finding the Best Volunteer Organization for You

There are so many volunteer organizations with countless programs to choose from, so now’s the time to decide what you want from your experience. Some organizations book you onto your chosen program and leave you to find your own accommodation, food and transport. Others book this for you to avoid excess stress before your trip. 

Here’s what to look for when finding the best volunteer program to aid your experience: 

• In-country support: When travelling to a new place, getting 24/7 in-country support from your chosen organization can ensure that you always feel confident, comfortable, and supported. 
• Affordable courses to fit your budget: Finding an organization that blends affordability with personal goals can be tricky, but a good option will help you stretch your budget to maximize your experience. 
• A choice of programs: To completely tailor your volunteer journey, look for an organization that offers a choice of programs for you to choose from. 
• Plenty of experience: Not all organizations have experience and strong relationships with programs in Africa, so look for one that’s been operating within the area for a long time. 
• Ethical practices: Some organizations aren’t ethical when it comes to volunteering in Africa, so make sure you’re using one that has strong community partnerships and ethical considerations to avoid negative impacts. 
• Positive volunteer testimonials: Before making your decision, check testimonials from previous volunteers to ensure you’ll be properly cared for and supported by your chosen organization. 
• Included amenities: Volunteering Solutions includes pre-vetted accommodation, food, and airport transfer within their prices, so you don’t have to worry about budgeting for these things.  

Ready to Plan Your Volunteer Teaching Experience in Africa? 

Volunteering as a teacher in Africa is an incredible experience that leaves you with meaningful connections to last a lifetime, plenty of memories, and the knowledge that you’re leaving your chosen community stronger than ever. Volunteering Solutions will be with you every step of the way, from offering pre-travel advice on visas and packing to in-country support. 

Check out our teaching volunteer opportunities in Africa and take the first step in your journey today.