The Butterfly Tree is a charity and not a volunteer business. However, we welcome dedicated and committed people to volunteer with the charity at Mukuni and Kamwi Villages, just a short drive from the mighty Victoria Falls. Unlike businesses there is no set charge for this opportunity, though we do ask participants if they would like to give a donation to one of our many projects, do some fundraising or take with them to Zambia items for the school or clinic. Over the past twelve 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, Asia, UAE, Brazil, Argentina, Europe and the UK .
How volunteering works
We are very flexible as you will be independent, though working alongside a teacher, medical officer or a member of the team. The time scale can first be discussed with the charity. 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. The schools are closed for the Christmas break during much of December and April, 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. For those wishing to work with children you must have a DBS certificate if you are a UK citizen, or the equivalent from another country.
There are no facilities or accommodation available in Mukuni therefore we recommend that you stay in Livingstone at one of the backpacker’s places, such as Fawlty Towers if you want somewhere reasonably priced. If you want to be next to the Zambezi River Safpar’s Waterfront is a fun place with really good value food. For those seeking a more up market type of accommodation there is Minor Hotel Group with the choice of The Royal Livingstone and the Avani Victoria Falls. David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa and Protea Hotel closer to town. 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. Zambians are extremely humble, friendly and obliging people.
Our volunteers have loved this life-changing experience vowing to return. 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, we recommend using Safpar for excursions including safaris, white water rafting and local tours. There is also micro-liting over the Victoria Falls and Livingstone Museum. It is 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 with The Butterfly Tree please send an email to: carolyn@thebutterflytree.org.uk
Volunteer Code of Conduct
To protect the people you may be working with you will be asked to sign our Volunteer Code of Conduct.
I had a great time volunteering with The Butterfly Tree in July. I was lucky enough to meet Jane and accompany her on some trips out to other villages to get a real feel for what the charity does and how it makes a huge difference to the people in and around Mukuni, Zambia.
During the week I was helping in the Special Education class. The building of the classroom was funded by The Butterfly Tree, before that the pupils in the class had to move to any room that was free. I got to teach the class various lessons as well as assist in the P.E class which was good fun. I sat in on some classes in the main part of the school too. I also spent a few hours in the pre-school which was lovely. The pupils all sang songs and knew all the movements to go along with the words.
Throughout Mukuni you can see the work that The Butterfly Tree has done, and everywhere Jane goes people recognise her and appreciate that The Butterfly Tree are there to help.
The children are lovely to be around and the villagers very welcoming. I would love to go back in the future.
I would like to volunteer on this organisation programs. Please sned me information on how i should go about it.
Volunteering for The Butterfly Tree was such an eye opening experience. The work was so diverse, and being my own project manager within the realms of the most crucial and prominent social issues of the area really made my time at Mukuni thrilling. Building a rapport with the community made for a lovely working environment and only reinforced the positive work The Butterfly Tree continues to do in Zambia.
The Butterfly Tree appealed to me personally as I have an active interest in the anthropology and development of Sub Saharan Africa. Being a student, finding a position as a volunteer which I did not have to pay for was a bonus and only strengthened the notion of the charity being not for profit organisation, something which is hard to come by these days.
I received constant support and encouragement from Jane, both before travelling to Zambia, and in country, which made my time there both productive and great fun!
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Mukuni and I fell in love with Zambia and the ethics and work of The Butterfly Tree. So much so, I am hoping to return to volunteer again after I graduate this summer!
Email to Jane Kaye-Bailey from Zowie – volunteered January 2014 with Josh, both attending Birmingham University:
I just wanted to email you to say thank you so very much for the opportunity you presented us. I’m so grateful and happy I sent that email to you back in early Summer time last year! It’s great to see the money I raised go to such a lovely place, and a school that deserves it. What you and all that are involved with The Butterfly Tree Charity are doing is work of great respect. The pupils at the school are excellent, so welcoming and friendly. I truly hope that all those children grow to become successful as every one of them is entitled to be.
Though we spent little time at the school (to my dismay!) I hope the children enjoyed the activities! If I could have stayed longer I would have, but there is no doubt if I can financially afford to go back out there after I finish university, I will. I absolutely loved working for you, and it’s showed me that when I start working I want to get a meaningful job – one where I can help benefit people – so if that means working with a charity I plan to do so. If there’s anything I could ever help with I’m more than happy to.
Thank you again, I appreciate it so much,
Zowie
I would like to volunteer on this organisation programs,pls send me information on how to go about it thanks
Am very much humbled and amassed at this organization,May the good Lord bless you all as He grants you with more wisdom on how to do His work. I am always moved with such programmes around the world. Thats my prayer and aim. Thanks
I am intrested in volunteering for your project is it possible to email some information pls. I am keen to have a plan in order to start fund raising
I Kelly – an email has been sent to your address.
Three weeks today my son and I will be experiencing our first taste of the village, how exciting! I would like to thank all our family and friends who kindly donated and to Alcester wi and paul Leonards hair studio for the amazing amount of wool they gave last night ( thanks Kath ).
Reading about your achievements has encouraged me so much. I would like to meet with you, and have a conversation over my little orphanage. I have been considering giving up the running, but you have inspired me, and I feel talking to you about my situation will rejuvenate my strength. My phone number is 0979338653
I personally appreciate the support from this organization through madam Jane.
My name is leward munalula from kazungula southern province of zambia, I completed my secondary school in 2022 at Riverview combined primary and secondary school in kazungula under the sponsorship of the butterfly tree charity foundation.
I would to express my keen interest on being a volunteer in the butterfly tree charity foundation on any programs. Please send me information on how to go about it. Your response madam Jane will be highly appreciated.
I really want to work as a volunteer in any of your programs