Essential Resources for Community Empowerment

Volunteer with Us

Join Our Volunteer Community

For many years, our organization has thrived with the support of dedicated volunteers, from directors to friends and supporters worldwide. As we continue to grow, we’re formalizing our volunteer programs to better connect with those who share our mission and have the skills to help us make a difference.

We’re actively seeking volunteers with various skills, both for local, hands-on roles and remote, technical support. Volunteers are essential in many areas, from assisting in preschool programs and outdoor work to supporting our kitchen and beyond. To ensure a meaningful and productive experience for everyone, we’ve developed a structured application process for on-site volunteer placements.

On-the-Ground Volunteering

Living in Botswana offers unique and enriching experiences, but it’s important to be mindful of certain risks. Wildlife, including snakes and scorpions, can sometimes pose a danger, especially in rural areas. On the roads, caution is essential, as animals may wander onto highways, and incidents of drunk driving do occur. In urban areas, as in any city worldwide, there is a risk of pickpocketing and petty theft.

On the farm and with our outdoor team, safety is also paramount. Using power tools, handling farm animals, or managing outdoor equipment can lead to accidents if precautions aren’t followed. For these reasons, we require all volunteers to have health and accident insurance during their stay.

We also encourage you to prepare responsibly before arriving, researching necessary vaccinations and health precautions. Finally, as a guest in a foreign country, please approach the local population and their customs with respect and understanding. Your safety and positive engagement with the community are important to us, and we’re here to support you in having a safe and memorable experience in Botswana.

The first way to support us remotely is by spreading the word!Sharing our stories and mission with friends, family, and networks on social media makes a tremendous impact, increasing our reach and inspiring others to get involved.

For those joining us locally, please note that volunteer accommodation and space are limited. Therefore, we ask all first-time volunteers to meet a few requirements:

  • Eligibility: Volunteers must be over 21 and able to commit to a stay of up to 30 days. Many opt for 3 weeks working and 1 week travelling other parts of the country.
  • Group Requirement: First-time volunteers should come in pairs, as we have limited social activities in the area.
  • Flexible Duties: Volunteers may have specific project goals, but everyone is expected to help with a variety of tasks. These include cooking, cleaning, planting, and general upkeep alongside our staff, who will guide volunteers through daily responsibilities.
  • Accommodation: Volunteers stay in large Meru tents with two single beds, access to an outdoor shower, and a small detached toilet. Breakfast and lunch are provided with the staff, while dinners and weekend meals are self-catered using our main kitchen.
  • Fees: A 250 BWP fee covers maintenance & accommodation and a a fee of 1000 BWP applies for pick up and drop off from and in Maun. Optional services for cleaning and laundry are also available for a small fee.
  • Application Process: New volunteers need to submit a CV and participate in an interview to ensure a good fit.
  • Travel Insurance: It is obligatory for volunteers to have a travel / health, accident and emergency evacuation insurance and we further request all volunteers to obtain a Patronage with Okavango Air Rescue, either online or on arrival.

NEXT OPENING AVAILABLE FOR ON-THE-GROUND VOLUNTEERING IS: 01/03/2025

Remote Volunteering

For those who can’t join us locally, there are valuable ways to contribute remotely. Our current priority is for technical skills in specific areas, where volunteers can provide skilled assistance on various projects. The main areas being:

  • Content Creation and Editing: Volunteers can currantly write or edit articles, blog posts, and newsletters, helping create awareness of our programs and stories, t or the resources section. They could also contribute to policy summaries, making complex topics more accessible.
  • Website Management and SEO: Volunteers with web experience can help maintain our WordPress site, optimize content for search engines, or add features (like anchor links) to improve user experience. They could also ensure the resource section is easy to navigate and updated regularly.
  • Social Media and Online Outreach: Volunteers can manage social media accounts, engage with followers, and share updates about programs and events.
  • Translation Services: Volunteers fluent in different languages can help translate materials to broaden our reach. This is particularly useful for our Partner Organizationsand donors in Europe and Switzerland and for local community outreach.
  • IT Support and Software Development: For those with technical skills, volunteering could involve setting up, managing, or troubleshooting systems (like Odoo or Gibbon) or developing custom features to support your operations.
  • Virtual Tutoring or Mentoring: Volunteers can host online sessions to train community members or staff in skills like digital literacy, budgeting, health and nutrition, or other relevant topics.
  • Grant Writing and Fundraising: Experienced volunteers could assist with writing grant applications, researching funding opportunities, or organizing online fundraising campaigns to secure additional support for your programs.
  • Community Resource Curators: Volunteers can curate and update your online resource section, ensuring it contains current and relevant information, from subsistence farming tips to emergency contacts.

“We’re excited to work together and make a difference, one step at a time!”