Volunteering at Mukuni

The Butterfly Tree is a charity and not a volunteer business. However we do allow dedicated and committed people to volunteer for the charity at Mukuni Village, seven kilometres from the mighty Victoria Falls. Unlike businesses there is no charge for this opportunity though we do ask participants if they would like to give a donation to one of our many projects or take with them to Zambia items for the school or clinic. Over the past four years we have had a number of people from all walks of life who have made a substantial contribution, which has helped both the charity and the community in Mukuni. These include students, individuals and professionals from the US, Canada, Australia, the UK and Finland.

Volunteering at Mukuni

Volunteering at Mukuni: James from the UK and Petteri from Finland

This is how it works – we are very flexible as you will be independent, though you will be working alongside a teacher, medical officer or a member of the team. There is no time scale so you may stay as long as you wish. If you are interested in working at both the clinic and the school we suggest you help at the clinic in the mornings and school in the afternoons. Please note that the schools are closed for the Christmas break during much of December, a month at Easter and for the month of August. There is also the opportunity to assist with community-based projects such as constructing houses, painting classrooms, holding workshops or working with women’s groups.

Income-generating enterprises

Wendy, an accountant, gave advice to women on income-generating enterprises

There are no facilities or accommodation available in Mukuni therefore we recommend that you stay in Livingstone at either of the backpackers places: Fawlty Towers or Jolly Boys  or Chanter Lodge if you want somewhere reasonably priced. For those seeking a more up market type of accommodation our partners Sun International have two hotels next to the Victoria Falls and Stanley Safari Lodge half way between the Falls and Mukuni. These arrangements along with flights will be your responsibility. To get to the village you can either take the local bus, which changes at the Victoria Falls and takes about an hour – it’s around £3 or £4 return or you can do a deal with a local taxi to take you for around £15 return. Zambia is very safe compared to most countries and the local people are extremely humble, friendly and obliging.

Mutsa Volunteering in Mukuni

Mutsa from London spent four months teaching peer education for HIV Prevention

All volunteers have loved this life-changing experience vowing to return and many have joined our cause to help improve the lives of these vulnerable people. Besides working with the charity the area has an abundance of activities including safaris, white water rafting, elephant-back riding and micro-liting over the Victoria Falls. It is also close to the Botswana border where some of the best game in Africa can be seen at Chobe National Park. If you would like to volunteer for The Butterfly Tree please send an email to jane@thebutterflytree.org.uk

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