Zambia community development project
| country: | Zambia |
| departures: | Departures every Saturday between May and September for a minimum of 2 weeks |
| price: | From £635 (2 weeks) excluding flights + £182 local payment. Each additional week costs £195 + £91 up to 8 weeks. Price includes all food and accommodation during the project placement, transport throughout the project and development project funding |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
the amazing things you'll be doing
This new project presents a unique opportunity to join the crew of the magical Book Bus in Zambia. The Book Bus Foundation provides a mobile library service for children from remote communities and families in need in Africa. There's no doubt that stories can make a difference to children's lives and with story tellers onboard, the Book Bus can help maintain the link between local society and its own stories as well as providing inspiration with new stories from afar.
Every book tells a story and to be able to bring that story to life and put a sparkle in the listeners' eyes is a real skill. Storytelling and the interpretation of stories through art and drama are key elements to the successful interaction between the Book Bus and its host communities. To join the Book Bus Crew you need to have a passion for books and enjoy sharing the fun that their stories bring to children. Your contribution to the Book Bus will help children become readers for life so boosting their education and prospects in the future.
Every book tells a story and to be able to bring that story to life and put a sparkle in the listeners' eyes is a real skill. Storytelling and the interpretation of stories through art and drama are key elements to the successful interaction between the Book Bus and its host communities. To join the Book Bus Crew you need to have a passion for books and enjoy sharing the fun that their stories bring to children. Your contribution to the Book Bus will help children become readers for life so boosting their education and prospects in the future.
a day in a life of a volunteer
“This morning we drove the Book Bus to a village school 100km north of Lusaka. We’re obviously more than just a mobile library; as well as 100’s of books, we carry art, music, sports and drama materials to illustrate and enliven our story telling sessions. The crew live off the bus which is fully equipped with tents, a kitchen and even a generator! We’ll be here until Friday to promote reading and storytelling to the children in the village. After lunch today we’re setting up craft and drama sessions linked to Peter Rabbit which is our book of the week. This evening John and I are on cooking duty, we’ve got to feed a crew of 8 with little more than a basketful of bananas and yams!” volunteer travel - what's it all about?
Are you looking for an adventurous trip with a purpose, or on a gap year or career break? If you want to make a difference in some of the world’s most important conservation areas - and in community projects - then volunteer trips are for you! Volunteers tend to have a sense of adventure, and come from a range of different backgrounds and from all over the world. Edward Abbey said 'sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul'.
how this holiday makes a difference
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There are many reasons why we chose Zambia for the first Book Bus journey. Initially, at least, we are dependent on donated books written in English. Zambia has a rich linguistic heritage of over 70 indigenous languages, however English is understood by most of the population. Most of those aged 15 or over can read and write in English. We also wanted to go somewhere where there was a clear need and the potential to make a difference. Zambia is one of the world’s poorest, least developed countries.
All our development projects have been carefully chosen to satisfy several criteria. They are of definable and sustainable benefit to the local community and allow us the opportunity to work in tandem with the people of Zambia. Our work with schools, orphanages and hospitals is organised with community assent and involvement to provide direct aid and educational assistance to the disadvantaged children. The Book Bus development projects are over-seen by a resident Project Manager whose role is to co-ordinate the key stake holders, the funding and the project's objectives. Funding for the projects comes directly from the our trust. We are committed to direct patronage within the local economies of the countries in which we operate. Accommodation throughout the adventure is in locally owned hostels or based in the project locations; and our day to day living budget will be spent by the team at local "grass roots" level. Supporting the Book Bus project is a unique opportunity to experience a foreign culture and to truly make a difference to people’s lives. |
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