The Book Bus International volunteer programmes for mentoring child readers in Zambia for 2020 and 2021 have been cancelled for now, the situation will be reviewed once the effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic within Zambia are clear.

Read. Listen. Change Lives.

If you are aged between 18-75, have a passion for reading, are happy to mentor children and are willing to take the journey of a lifetime – we would love to hear from you.

You can volunteer for as little as 14 days or for up to one month. The choice is yours.

Want to know more? Contact us 0208 099 9280 or email us at info@thebookbus.org

The Zambia Volunteer Project 2019

UNICEF estimate that 30% of boys and 40% of girls leave school in Zambia unable to read.

A lack of materials and class sizes of 80 or more remain a constant obstacle to learning. Teachers do not have the time or opportunity to help with individual and smaller group learning.

The Book Bus volunteer reading assistants provide the kind of dedicated support that can make all the difference, working with primary school children and supporting the on-going work of our Zambian Book Bus literacy team.

In 2019, The Book Bus volunteer project worked in Livingstone from Monday 1st July to 6th September in local reading clubs and throughout the holiday period.  Our dedicated volunteers worked with small groups of children in reading support programmes in and around Livingstone. They also helped run reading workshops in the local libraries.

The volunteers did not need any prior, special teaching skills or experience. They came equipped with enthusiasm, and an ability to read, listen and engage with activities.

Where? The project took place in Livingstone, Zambia

Age: The volunteers were aged 18-75 (under 18’s volunteered by special arrangement)

Accommodation:  The volunteers shared twin-rooms in Kaazmein Lodge, Livingstone

Food: Daily breakfast was provided

Support: The Book Bus provided pre-departure induction, in-country coordinator, and 24-hour emergency support

Project dates:  The project ran from 1st July to 6th September 2019

Availability: There were 12 places available

When to apply: The Zambia Volunteer Project is taking a year off in 2020 to focus on other ways of supporting literacy in Zambia. To discuss alternative ways to get involved, please contact us 0208 099 9280 or email us at info@thebookbus.org